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Updated Class of 2026 Player Rankings (December)

Throughout the fall we were all over the state, scouting numerous prospects and seeing many new names came to the forefront of the recruiting scene. With that information, we are updating each of our class rankings based off what we have seen. Up now, we take a look at the Class of 2026.

As fall sports come to an end and winter sports season kicks off, we will take a look at "What's New at the Top", "Fall Showcase Standouts", "Prospects To Look At In 2025" and a look some of the top uncommitted prospects by position, and a close look at the Top 10.

To view the Class Rankings, click below:

• Class of 2025 | Class of 2026 | Class of 2027

To view the Prospect Reports, click below:

• Uncommitted Spotlights | Commitment Insider | Overall News

To view the entire Class of 2026 rankings, please click here.

What's New In The Top 10

Ethan Armstrong RHP / 3B / Garden City / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 82 / POS: 28 Report: Armstrong stays atop the rankings in Michigan after strong performances this spring and summer. After Future Games, the right handed hurler spent the fall visiting college campuses which led to a commitment to Michigan, keeping a high target home and a big piece in their recruiting class.

Cole Duhaime LHP / Brother Rice / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 2 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 155 / POS: 14 Report: A standout at this year's Future Games, the southpaw started his outing retiring 5 straight while utilizing his 3-pitch mix. A strong outing at FG resulted in a commitment to the perennial power in the ACC, the Virginia Cavaliers. Look for an additional jump this offseason from Duhaime, heading into spring 2025.

Carson Liedel RHP / OF / Monroe / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 3 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 162 / POS: 57 Report: Liedel has been a consistent fixture at the top of the rankings and added a commitment to SEC Auburn this fall. Liedel dazzled in July at Future Games with some power at the plate and electric fastball into the low 90s, poised for a big spring in Southeast Michigan.

Dylan Fairchild SS / RHP / Detroit Catholic Central / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 5 / POS: 2 Report: Another Catholic League product who made noise at LakePoint this last July. Fairchild found himself visiting a number of programs this fall. Fairchild would pledge his commitment to a rising Cincinnati program under the helm of Jordan Bischel. Much more to come from Fairchild.

Fall Showcase Standouts

Jayden Yancy RHP / OF / Flat Rock / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 29 / POS: 12 Report: Slender framed Yancy made a strong impression at the Fall Top Prospect Games. Upper 80s fastball with a serviceable breaking ball, still has a ceiling he hasn’t reached yet. Following the 10/12 event, Yancy committed to the Chippewas of Central Michigan.

Brady Henman RHP / Grandville / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 36 / POS: 13 Report: West Michigan native continues to push the ticket, 6-3 200 frame, features a fastball into the mid-80s with a slider with late break. Henman continues to impress our staff each time we see him. A name coaches will want to see this offseason leading into the high school season.

Maddux Kipling RHP / Spring Lake / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 60 / POS: 21 Report: Kipling was a key rotation piece for Spring Lake last spring helping the Lakers reach the state championship game in Division 2. The projectable 6-4 arm is set to step into the ace role next spring and will be an intriguing follow after flashing a big velo jump this fall.

Prospects To Look At In 2025

Kaden Jominy RHP / Mattawan / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 6 / POS: 3 Report: One of the few Top 10 players uncommitted in the 2026 class, Jominy will anchor a Mattawan pitching staff this spring as they’ve had a good sample of success over the last few seasons. Upper 80s fastball with two offspeed pitches to follow, an intriguing arm regional programs need to key in on.

Boden Bishop OF / LHP / White Lake Lakeland / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 16 / POS: 3 Report: Speedy left handed stick with range in outfield. Bishop jumped onto the scene this spring leading Lakeland in a number of offensive categories.

Lennox Peacock RHP / Escanaba / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 26 / POS: 10 Report: Peacock already profiles a good demeanor on the mound with big game experience on the summer circuit. Played a large part for ISA in a number of PBRT events in June and July. Mid 80s arm with size and efficiency.

Drew Brown RHP / 3B / West Catholic / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 39 / POS: 14 Report: Brown emerged as a two way prospect in the class with a strong year in 2024. 6-4/200 prospect had a breakout winter showing off a velo jump into the upper 80’s and flashed power potential with a number of home runs between summer and fall campaigns. Will be an impact newcomer for West Catholic and is a name to watch heading into the spring.

College Coaches Need To Circle Back To

Gabriel Geisner C / Troy / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 35 / POS: 2 Report: A physical backstop with a strong arm and sound technique behind the plate, Geisner already presents a profile that should lure attention. Strength at the plate, shown ability for power to power alley & good eye.

Jacoby Lind LHP / Midland / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 46 / POS: 6 Report: One of the more intriguing arms in the ‘26 class with more room to fill in his 6’8 frame, Lind pitches off the FB with a higher spin breaking ball with good extension down the mound. Lind will look to take on a larger role for Midland this spring.

James Nuechterlein RHP / Dakota / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 51 / POS: 17 Report: The Cougars will look to Nuechterlein to play a vital role in their rotation this spring as Dakota returns a plethora of arms for Angelo Plouffes squad. Stout 6-4 frame that’ll run the fastball into the upper 80s, James is only scratching the surface of what is yet to come for the intriguing junior.

Lincoln Thompson OF / RHP / Detroit Catholic Central, MI / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 66 / POS: 11 Report: Reliable defender in the outfield with good range and strong arm, Thompson had a strong summer for ZT Elite Navy. Will look to add strength and pick off where he left off the summer heading into a pivotal offseason.

TOP UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS BY POSITION

Below we look to name the top 5 prospects in specific categories based on primary position in profile for the 2026 class rankings. Beyond this group, there are numerous prospects that can help a collegiate program in some capacity.

• Top Right-Handed Arms: Kaden Jominy | Jax Racht | Logan Slimko | Emmett Lingeman | Cam Pallo
• Top Left-Handed Arms: Andrew Mahoney | Ray Smith | Andrew Cusick | Jacoby Lind | Chase Tobias
• Top Outfield Prospects: Kellen Ford | Bo Bishop | Keegan Malley | Ivan Wilkinson | Josh Crater
• Top First Basemen Prospects: Dallas Terski | JonTae Wright Jr. | Nick Garnick | Luke Filkins | Trevor Rusnak
• Top Second Basemen Prospects: Matt Toeppner | Tate Bainbridge | Keagan Noble
• Top Shortstop Prospects: Tristan Turner | Cooper Arnedt | Jacob Gjonaj | Nolan Jominy | Conor Rentfrow
• Top Third Basemen Prospects: Rafael Valdovinos | Andrew Tribul | Nick Davis | Sam Leonard | Ashton Price
• Top Catching Prospects: Gabriel Geisner | Jaden Saavedra | Tyler Shubnell | Avery Lambers | Evan Crossman

***** To view the entire rankings, please click here.