Big Improvements Being Made By Hard-Throwing Bryant

Nathan Bryant RHP / 3B / Lake Center Christian, OH / 2026

AKRON - Nathan Bryant is in no hurry to make a college commitment. The Lake Center Christian junior is more focused right now on improvement.

“I’ve only had time for one visit,” the eighth-rated 2026 right-handed pitcher in Ohio related. “I’d like to take more, but I’m finding it hard with me working on getting stronger and getting my numbers up.”

Those numbers have already increased, pointed out the 6-4 208-pounder.

“I had a bullpen outside where I hit 95 multiple times,” Bryant said about an Oct. 18 showing posted by his travel coach John Sullivan. “Recruitment has really sped up for me since then.”

Bowling Green, the lone visit made to date, has offered while interest has come from Cincinnati, Ohio State, Coastal Carolina, Arizona State, Youngstown State, Kent State and Walsh.

“I’m looking forward to talking to them,” Bryant noted.

There were around a dozen calls received on Aug. 1, the initial day college coaches could contact players in the 2026 class.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” Bryant explained. “I just tried to figure out what all of them had to offer. It was a cool experience to figure out.”

Admittedly, with the new NCAA recruiting rules, it has been difficult in the eyes of Bryant.

“It was pretty stressful,” related the 21st-ranked junior in the state. “I knew I had the talent but with no feedback I didn’t know what interest colleges had. I went to the Future Games and knew I could get seen by all of them at once. I really appreciate Prep Baseball doing that event. I wouldn’t have gotten the number of calls I’ve gotten without that event.”

The 16-year-old is currently looking forward to another Prep Baseball event to showcase his talent.

“Right now I’m focusing on trying to get my numbers higher,” Bryant said. “I hope to hit a number at the ProCase to show what I’ve been working toward. I think it would be cool for everyone to see. I’m hoping to put up a 97.”

There is more Bryant is hoping to show.

“Prep Baseball has also not seen me hit in a year,” Bryant noted. “I’ve really improved on that. I think it’s going to be a factor in my recruitment.”

The idea of being a DH in addition to pitching at the next level is on his mind.

“Two-way is the goal right now,” admitted Bryant, while realizing his ability on the mound is the main focus. “I’m not only hoping I can show off my speed, but my changeup is looking good. I think my slider is my best pitch right now. With my curve, I’m working on getting velocity.”

Improvement is ongoing according to Bryant.

“I got set up with some mobility guys, working on mobility and stretching and keeping my arm loose,” Bryant explained. “There have been huge results. I’m also doing speed and power workouts. That’s translated to pitching and hitting. It’s cool to see how I’ve been progressing. Even my offspeed pitches are through the roof.”

Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting, Kyle Weldon, sees a promising future for Bryant.

“Nathan’s progress continues to trend in the right direction,” Weldon noted. “At 6-foot-4, 208 pounds, he’s got the physicality to carry a workload at the next level and he’ll look the part getting off the bus.

“The last time we saw him he was 87-90, topping 91, but we’ve gotten reports over the winter that he’s north of that. There’s also two-way potential that, with current roster limitations, might also intrigue some schools.” 

The Lake Center Christian junior is of the belief he will be a great teammate in college.

“When I take the field I assume our team is going to win,” Bryant said. “Every time I take the mound there is no doubt my stuff will work. I expect to dominate hitters.

“I’m willing to work toward all the goals I have,” Bryant added. “That separates me from everyone else.”

The recruiting process to date has, admittedly, been a little surprising.

“I didn’t think it would be as fast as it has been,” Bryant said. “It’s really shocked me how it’s gone. I think the Future Games really helped out. It’s interesting figuring it all out.”

As for making a decision, there is no rush at this time.

“I’d like to make a commitment by the end of summer,” Bryant concluded. “ The ProCase is ahead and then playing for John Sullivan with the Legends will help me get more looks.”