Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Rankings: NC 2026 in Overall Rankings


Brandon Hall
NC / Mid-ATL Director of Scouting

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The month of December typically serves as a transition period for high school baseball players nationwide. As players prepare for the upcoming spring season, they take a break from on-field activities. Although they may not be actively playing, this time off provides an opportunity for athletes to focus on strength training, physical recovery, and refining their daily habits.

The months following this down period, particularly in December and early January, often see players make significant progress in their preseason workouts and testing. These improvements lay the foundation for strong performances during the spring season.

Similarly, the staff at Prep Baseball also experiences a brief respite from the field. The fall season generally concludes at the end of October, with North Carolina hosting its final events the first weekend in November. Compared to the preseason, high school season, and summer season, the fall is a less intensive time for the scouting staff. During this period, players are typically in school and scaling back their attendance at games and showcases. While the number of players observed during the fall is smaller than in other seasons, it presents an additional opportunity to assess player development and make adjustments in the class rankings.

In December, updates were made to the high school class rankings, including the North Carolina 2025, 2026, and 2027 classes. These rankings were adjusted based on evaluations, player data, statistics, and analytics. The same updates were made to the national Prep Baseball Overall Rankings. For the 2028 class, their initial rankings were released at both the state and national levels.

North Carolina consistently produces a strong presence in the Overall Rankings, and with the latest updates, it is clear that the state will continue to draw attention from professional scouts and major college programs in the coming spring and beyond.

Exciting Year Ahead for the Junior Class

The introduction of new recruiting rules during the sophomore year of the 2026 graduating class has significantly impacted the recruiting process. These changes, coupled with the evolving dynamics of the transfer portal, NIL deals, and new scholarship and roster limitations at the Division I level, have reshaped the landscape for these players. As everyone adapts, the next year or more will provide clarity on what the “new normal” will look like in college recruiting.

Despite these shifts, the North Carolina class of 2026 remains deep and features several players with high potential. The top five players in the class are closely ranked, with their development over the coming year likely determining which players receive the most attention as they approach their senior year.

This spring will be a pivotal time for players to position themselves for selection to prestigious national events, such as the East Coast Pro Showcase, the Area Code Games, and the Prep Baseball All-American Game.

For the Prep Baseball scouting staff, this year marks a key opportunity to refine player evaluations. The focus will be on assessing both a player's current abilities and their future potential, projecting how soon they could make an impact at the next level.

2026 - NC in Overall Rankings

Rank Name State School Class Pos Commitment
46 Meridian Leffew NC Gaston Christian 2026 SS Central Florida
52 Rhett Britt NC Topsail 2026 RHP Wake Forest

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