Prep Baseball Report

NJCAA DI Preseason Top-25: First Look


By Josh Fields & Andy Sroka
Prep Baseball JUCO Wire

As always, it's our junior college athletes who set the tone for 2025 by throwing the year's first pitch on this frigid NJCAA Division I Opening Day.

We're actually underway in Florida where a couple top-25 teams are playing, though not yet each other. There's important JUCO ball being played elsewhere on this opening day of action, of course, in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, primarily. It's no coincidence that each of these states referenced are also housing at least one of the top-25 ranked on our preseason list below.

Today, we're unveiling the Prep Baseball NJCAA DI Preseason Top-25 rankings; follow us at @PBR_JUCO for continued coverage throughout the spring. Today, we’re breaking down the top-25 teams, as we see it on the first gameday. In December, we published our list of the Top 150 JUCO prospects, which will get its first update after the first month of gameplay or so.

+ Prep Baseball's JUCO Wire: Top-50 Prospects

Below, we’ve included breakdowns on each team in our Top-25, led by... 


THE TOP-5:

 + No. 1 McLennan (TX)

  • 2024 Record & Accolades: 43-19 (NJCAA DI World Series appearance)
  • Top Position Players: SS Sherman Johnson (No. 7-ranked overall; Arkansas commit), OF Daniel Harden (No. 10; LSU), C/OF AJ Goytia (No. 21; Texas Tech),
  • C Deiten Lachance (No. 22; Oklahoma), INF Spencer Butt, INF Brecken Menuet (Louisiana Tech), OF Owen Smith (New Orleans).
  • Top Pitchers:
  • RHP Mason Cook (No. 24), RHP Isaac Godard (No. 25; Arkansas), RHP Jonah Conradt (No. 34; Oregon), RHP Kadyn Leon (Oklahoma), RHP Alex Wallace (Baylor), LHP Gage Goldman (Alabama), RHP Stone McCaughey, RHP John Carmichael, RHP Owen Egan, RHP Colin Carney (Austin Peay).
  • Impact Transfers: Johnson (from Dallas Baptist), Goytia (from Miami), Butt (from Florida State), McCaughey (from Ole Miss), Owen Egan (from UCLA), Ty Waid (from Arkansas).
  • True Freshmen Watchlist: Leon, Goldman, and OF McClane Helton.
  • Top Uncommitted Prospects: Butt, Waid, Egan, UTL Walker Freeman.

Debuting at the top spot this preseason, McLennan boasts one of the more talented rosters highlighted by multiple ranked prospects on Prep Baseball JUCO Wire's top-50, prospects that should earn plenty of attention throughout the spring, like SS Sherman Johnson (Arkansas commit; video below) who transferred in from DBU and is ranked at No. 7 overall on our initial JUCO prospect list.

The Highlanders are fresh off a World Series appearance in 2024 and they boast a strong roster with a number of impact players on both sides of the baseball. Some top newcomers include freshmen Kadyn Leon, McClane Helton and Gage Goldman and six Division-I transfers. Playing in one of the tougher regions in the nation will provide the Highlanders plenty of opportunities and looks against other top teams in the nation.

According to the Prep Baseball Texas scouting director, Brandon Gowins, this is one of the most talented rosters he's seen at this level during his tenure at the company.


+ No. 2 Iowa Western

  • 2024 Record & Accolades: 54-10 (NJCAA DI World Series appearance; ICCAC, Region 11, and Midwest District champions)
  • Top Position Players: INF Kayden Anderson, MIF Cooper Neville, INF Evan Saunders (Oklahoma State commit), 1B/DH/RHP Charlie Kalbrenner, C Kevin Spear (Washington), OF Tyler Jeffus, OF Carson Beavers, OF Nolan Geislinger, OF/LHP Brody Leyboldt (VCU).
  • Top Pitchers: LHP Ethan Plog (No. 2-ranked overall; LSU), RHP Noah Scott (No. 9; Oregon State), RHP Finn Edwards (No. 43), RHP Casey Kowalczyk (Minnesota), RHP Buddy Brands (Washington), RHP Braxton Stewart (Nebraska), RHP Drew Deremer, RHP Aidan Norris (Eastern Michigan), RHP Sam Marek (Minnesota).

  • Impact Transfers: Anderson (from Nebraska), Beavers (from Wichita State), Deremer (from Iowa), Neville (from Grand Canyon), Stewart (from Louisville).
  • Top Uncommitted Prospects: Jeffus, Deremer, RHP Virot Siharath, LHP Rodney Whaley, RHP David Chase, UTL Skyler Graham, MIF Cade Tousa, OF Coby Hatcher.

The Reivers are perennial favorites in Region 11 and one of the stronger overall programs in the Midwest. Coming off a trip to Grand Junction last year, the Reivers are poised to be contenders to make another appearance, with impact players throughout the roster. Including 10 players that are already committed to Division-I programs: Noah Scott (Oregon State), Buddy Brands (Washington), Brody Leyboldt (VCU), Aidan Norris (Eastern Michigan), Ethan Plog (LSU), Evan Saunders (Oklahoma State), Kevin Spear (Washington), Braxton Stewart (Nebraska), Casey Kowalczyk (Minnesota), and Sam Marek (Minnesota) with more high level uncommitted players on the roster.

The frontline starters are flanked by some of the best pitching depth in the nation, giving Iowa Western one of the most robust rotation of arms in the country, led by the returning Scott, who brings back a 3.79 ERA and 62 Ks (against just 17 walks) in 71.1 innings. Plog, a true freshman, is projected to be one of JUCO's most impactful arms right away. The Wisconsin native is the No. 2-ranked player on our board, though his staffmate Scott isn't far behind at No. 9.


+ No. 3 Blinn (TX)

  • 2024 Record & Accolades: 47-17 (NJCAA DI World Series champions)
  • Top Position Players: OF/LHP Bennett Fryman (No. 35-ranked overall), UTL Caden Ferraro (Texas Tech commit), C Matt Quintanar (Texas Tech), OF Brady Sullivan, INF Trey Craig, INF Lane Allen.
  • Top Pitchers: RHP Hayden Morris, RHP Brok Eddy, RHP Luke Ekdall, RHP Reece Wagner (Oklahoma), RHP Bryce McCain.
  • Impact Transfers: Morris (from Texas), Fryman (from Arizona State), Eddy (from Arizona State), Sullivan (from Texas A&M), Craig (from Texas A&M), Quintanar (from Central Arizona JC), McCain (from Oklahoma State), Marc Barnhard (from Texas A&M), Drew Britton (from Baylor), Jack Garza (from Baylor), Ryder McDaniel (from Angelo State), Connor Romine (Cisco JC), Dillon Henson (Cisco JC).
  • Top Uncommitted Prospects: Morris, Ekdall, Fryman.

The reigning NJCAA Division I National Champions enters 2025 capable of making a return trip to Grand Junction, even despite the turnover from last year's championship roster. The Buccaneers feature a deep lineup led by Caden Ferraro, and standout transfers like Matt Quintanar (from Central Arizona JC) and Brady Sullivan (Texas A&M). With a pitching staff anchored by multiple impact arms such as Hayden Morris and Luke Ekdall, a terrific one-two punch that should allow them to battle in every one of those tough Region 14 matchups.

Morris is a huge, hard-throwing righty listed at 6-foot-8 with velo that's ventured into the mid-90s, and then some. They're rostering at least five arms with mid-90s velocity, including Harris, as well as the impact two-way transfer Fryman (video below), who's Frisco Lone Star HS grad (2023).


+ No. 4 Johnson County (KS)

  • 2024 Record & Accolades: 53-13 (NJCAA DI World Series appearance; KJCCC, regional, district champions)
  • Top Position Players: C/OF Miken Miller (Nebraska commit), UTL Jake McClure (Arkansas-Little Rock), OF Ryker Edwards (Louisiana Tech), OF Jeremy Comer (Oregon).
  • Top Pitchers: RHP Denton Biller (No. 16-ranked overall; Arkansas), RHP Josiah Golden (No. 17; Oklahoma State), RHP Luke Fricker, RHP Christian Bobzin, LHP Coltin Watkins, RHP Sam Novotny, RHP Keston Holman.
  • Impact Transfers: Comer (from Tennessee)
  • Top Uncommitted Prospects: Novotny, OF Drew Veatch, OF Bo Shinkle.

The Cavaliers enter the spring as a powerhouse in Region 6 after a stellar 53-13 campaign that included conference, regional, and district championships, plus a World Series appearance. With standout returners like Drew Veatch, Miken Miller and Jake McClure, a deep pitching staff led by Luke Fricker and Josiah Golden, and high-impact freshmen such as Ashton Hartwig and Coltin Watkins, the Cavaliers are poised for another dominant run – plus Denton Biller gives this staff some fuel with his 97 mph velo. Bolstered by top transfers like Jeremy Comer and several Division I commits, JCCC is a strong contender to compete in the Kansas Jayhawk.


+ No. 5 Florida SouthWestern

  • 2024 Record & Accolades: 37-21 (Citrus Conference runners-up; Region 8 semifinalists)
  • Top Position Players: SS Luke Orfi (No. 18-ranked overall; Texas Tech commit), OF Devin Parks (No. 32), INF/C Carlos Sanchez, INF/C Brock Knoerr, INF Anthony Ruocco, OF/LHP Alex Kuenzle.

  • Top Pitchers: RHP Abel Albarran (Middle Tennessee State), RHP Brady Jones, RHP Parker Burgess, RHP Ryan Grzesiak, RHP Andrew McLaughlin, LHP Loic Guillimette, RHP Cole Greer.
  • Impact Transfers: Orfi (from Georgia Highlands JC), Sanchez (from St. Petersburg JC), Parks (from Clemson), Burgess (from Illinois), Jones (from South Carolina), Knoerr (from Stephen F. Austin), Kuenzle (from Miami), INF Jonah St. Antoine (from Pitt), RHP Brett Dennis (from North Florida), RHP Logan O'Leary (from Hillsborough JC).
  • Top Uncommitted Prospects: Burgess, Parks, Ruocco, Grzesiak.

Florida SouthWestern enters the season primed to make a run in Region 8 and beyond. Coming off a conference runner-up finish in 2024, the Buccaneers return key contributors while adding a large group of transfers, including Luke Orfi (Texas Tech commit) and Carlos Sanchez (First Team, Region 8 in 2024). FSW's strength on paper appears to be its pitching staff, as Abel Albarran returns 54.1 innings for them in 2025 and he's buoyed by the talented South Carolina transfer Brady Jones, as well as Parker Burgess, an Illinois transfer who's been generating some draft buzz early.


THE REST OF THE TOP-25

Rk
Team
2024 Record + Finish
6 Weatherford (TX) 43-13 NTJCAC champs; Region 5 semifinalists
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Weatherford College enters the 2025 season as a NTJCAC heavyweight, coming off a 43-13 campaign and 98 total wins over the past two years. With a roster featuring transfers like Mason Ashlock (Nebraska commit) and Manny Salas, along with returners Uriah Walters (Oklahoma commit) and Logan Simmons (Louisiana Tech commit), the Coyotes are poised for another deep postseason run. With depth on the mound and several other impact prospects, they are strong contenders in a tough Northern Texas region.

7 Chipola (FL) 36-19 FCSAA DI runners-up
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Indians enter the spring with a talented roster looking to compete in against a tough Region 8 schedule. Looking to build on last year’s 36-19 record and runner-up finish in FCSAA DI. The roster features many prospects looking to make an impact led by transfers like Trenton Lape (LSU), Michael Mullinax (UGA), and Jack Smith (Arkansas), alongside returners JC Vanek (Florida State commit), Sam Parker (Missouri commit), and Miguel Hugas. With a deep pitching staff, Chipola looks to compete for a Panhandle Conference title and then some.

8 Northwest Florida State 40-15 FCSAA DI champs; NJCAA DI World Series runners-up
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Northwest Florida State enters the 2025 season with high expectations following a 40-15 campaign that saw them win Florida's JUCO title that boosted them all the way to a runner-up finish at Grand Junction. Bolstered by a talented roster featuring standout returners Augusto Mungarrieta, Hutson Guinn, and Alex Walsh, the Raiders also added key transfers like Tristan Bittle (Texas A&M) and Henry Allen (Mississippi State) to extend their lineup. With a retooled roster after last years World Series run and look to compete in the Panhandle Conference.

9 Gaston (NC) 51-8 Region X tournament finalist
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Gaston enters the 2025 season as a strong contender in Region 10 after a dominant 2025 campaign, highlighted by a 51-8 record. The Rhinos bring in multiple impact players from the transfer portal, including three from prominent programs, Daniel Parris (Tennessee), Tucker Holland (Arkansas) and Koy Swanson (Maryland) and boast both a deep lineup and pitching staff. With high level prospects scattered throughout the roster, the Rhinos are poised to be a team to watch.

10 Florence-Darlington Tech (SC) 54-12 Region X tournament champs; NJCAA DI World Series fourth-place finish
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Flo-Dar Tech is coming off a historic 2024 season that included a school-record 54 wins, a fourth-place finish at the JUCO World Series, and their fourth straight Region X title. The Stingers return key contributors led by Devin Mitchell (NC State commit), Josh Campos (Liberty) while adding standout freshmen like LHP Logan Prisco (South Carolina) and LHP Cade Pilgrim. With seven players already committed to Division I programs and several other impact prospects, Florence-Darlington will look to contend for another Region X title.

11 Georgia Highlands 56-10 Conference, regional, and district champs; NJCAA DI World Series third-place finish
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Chargers enter the 2025 season looking to build on its 2024 campaign, after going  56-10 record and a third-place finish at the NJCAA World Series where they took down the top overall seed. With a deep roster featuring standout returners like Ryan Martin, Grayson Godbee, and Ali Banks, and talented freshmen such as Caden Marcos and Heath Whitlock, Andrew Bishop and Braxton Wade, the Chargers are deep throughout their roster. Supported by a strong pitching staff and capable returning bats, it'll be exciting to watch GHC try and top a terrific 2024 campaign.

12 Salt Lake (UT) 40-14 Region 18 finalists
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Salt Lake CC enters the 2025 season looking for another strong campaign after a 40-14 record with the help of their conference POTY, Garrison Sumner, who went on to be an NJCAA All-American, as well as teammate Trey Gambill. Sumner and Gambill are gone now, onto BYU and Oklahoma respectively, but the Bruins bring back a deep pitching staff including Jaxon Grossman, Hunter Gotschall (VCU commit), Austin Taylor and Aidan Boice paired with a deep lineup with incoming freshman Colton Stanton, Darius Henderson, and Easton Davies. Heading into the spring, the Bruins are set up to be a contender in Region 18.

13 Crowder (MO) 49-15 Region 16, South Central District champs; NJCAA DI World Series seventh-place finish
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Crowder is coming off a strong 2024 season, highlighted by a Region 16 and South Central District championship capped off by an NJCAA World Series appearance. The Roughriders bring back a number of talented players from last years squad, including Jackson Murry, Ashton Graff-Rowe (Utah commit), Hayden Nazarenus (Western Kentucky) and Tanner Nolan (Louisiana-Monroe), along with a number in impact uncommitted prospects. Incoming transfers such as Josh Hyneman (Arkansas), Pierce Yates (Kansas State), Eli Crecelius (Arkansas), Lawson Ward (Kansas State) and Calo Alemandarez (San Jacinto) will look to make an impact as well. With a mix of proven veterans, promising freshmen, Crowder is a team to watch in the Midwest.

14 Southern Nevada 53-12 Region 18, Western District, SWAC regular season champs; NJCAA DI World Series fifth-place finish
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Southern Nevada enters the 2025 season riding high after a historic 2024 campaign, finishing 5th at the JUCO World Series with a 53-12 record. Despite losing several key players, including two All-Americans and a standout defender in Nicky Garritano, the Coyotes have a strong group led by Kaiden Smaka and Ashton Zacher, along with top transfers like Roy Durham and Tyler Garritano. With a group of impact arms and exciting newcomers, Southern Nevada aims to build on last year’s success although in a brand new enviroment now, as they'll compete against the likes of Central Arizona and Cochise, among others, in Region 1.

15 LSU Eunice (LA) 56-8 NJCAA DII World Series champions
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Bengals enter the 2025 season, the first competing at the NJCAA Dl level, as reigning NJCAA Dll National Champions, which was their eighth DII title since 2006. LSU Eunice is one of the most well-coached programs in the NJCAA, and one of the most decorated, regardless of division. They boast a balanced roster with a strong mix of experienced veterans led by Tyson Leblanc (Kansas commit) Alec Beversdors, Caden Tarango and Xavier Woods along with a group of talented transfers and freshmen that will look to make an impact this spring. This will be one of the most fun storylines to follow in 2025, as the Bengals' stellar head coach, Jeff Willis, captains this program through a new challenge in the DI landscape.

16 New Mexico 40-18 Region 5 semifinalists
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

New Mexico enters the spring as a contender in Region 5 after coming off a 40-18 record a season ago, though they were also able to rely on one of the top hitters in JUCO at the time, Brent Iredale. While Iredale's now onto the SEC, the Thunderbirds still bring back a number of impact returners, multiple of them have already committed. Headlined by draft prospect Donovan Becerra (Texas Tech commit) and other Division-I commits like Cade Smith (Texas State commit) and Monty Bognar (Rice commit), Lane Arroyos (Western Kentucky commit) and Lachlan Maude (New Mexico). With experience on both sides of the ball the Thunderbirds look to build off the 2024 season.

17 KCK (KS) 47-12 Super Regionals appearance, fifth-place finish
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Blue Devils enter the spring season as a strong contender from Region 6, following an impressive 47-12 record. The roster is highlighted by returners led by Frankie Santiago (Kansas commit), Marcus Dierks, and Brady Kern (Washington State), as well as a deep staff led by Bryson Vawter (Western Kentucky commit), Jake Titus, Caleb Reed, and Gavin Killon. A balanced lineup and multiple impact arms on the staff make the Blue Devils a team to watch heading into the spring.

18 San Jacinto (TX) 40-21 Region 14 South champs; Super Regional appearance
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Ravens enter the spring after a strong 40-21 campaign that saw them win the region and come one win away from the World Series. San Jac enters the spring with a deep roster on both sides with many impact players scattered throughout. With a history of success and a talented roster, San Jac looks poised for another strong season run in the ultra-competitive Region XIV South.

19 Cowley (KS) 50-13 -
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Tigers enter the spring after a strong 2024 season that saw them go 43-18. Led by a strong group of returners like Kade Shelton, Tallen Bagwell and Cade Baldridge, among others make up a deep lineup. The Tigers are equally deep on the mound with a number of impact arms, led by the aforementioned Bagwell. With a deep group of experienced returners and transfers to go with a talented freshman group, the Tigers will look to compete for a Region 6 title in 2025.

20 Central Arizona 45-14 -
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Vaqueros have been one of the top teams in the region, having won two NJCAA World Series since 2020. Entering the spring, Central Arizona looks to continue that trend with a balanced roster that features many impact players led by Ty Kennedy, and Nic Gibson (South Carolina commit), Carter Seely (Utah Valley commit), Caleb Nieman, Antonio Gianni (New Mexico commit), Kai Fyke, Zach Wadas, Cooper Foster, and Tyree Reed. Having the experience and depth to compete for a region title the Vaqueros look to put together another strong season.

21 Walters State (TN) 44-14 -
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Senators are coming off a strong season where they went 44-14. The lineup includes two All-TCCAA First Team players in Jack Vogele and Nate Conner along with Walker Morgan who saw a number of at-bats last year. On the mound the Senators return a talented group of pitchers including Tyler Welch, Aidan Robertson and Gage Peterson. With a quality group of returners the Senators will look to compete for another Region and Conference title.

22 Wabash Valley (IL) 42-22 Midwest District, Region 24, and GRAC champs
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Wabash Valley enters the 2025 season as a contender in Region 24 after finishing as the Midwest District Runner-Up and claiming both the Region 24 and GRAC titles last year. The Warriors feature a balanced lineup with experienced transfers like Eric Correa (Rice) and Amari Allen (Chipola), Jack Scheri (Creighton), Max Palinski (Ohio State), Connor Christenson (Air Force), alongside returners AJ Malzone, Ean Czech, Krew Bond. On the mound the staff features impact arms led by Christian Brown and Trey Reinburg. With impact players throughout the roster the Warriors look to put together a strong spring.

23 Gulf Coast State (FL) 32-14 -
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Gulf Coast State is a team to watch in Region 8 heading into the spring. The Commodores bring back a talented group from last year's squad, and a number of newcomers that look to make an impact this spring. The lineup is led by Jack Reynolds (South Carolina commit), while Cooper Whited (Florida State) will look to anchor down the rotation. A large group of transfers add depth to both sides of the ball, led by Jack Mckenzie (Mississippi State), Carrington Aaron (Virginia Tech), Ka’olu Holt (San Jacinto JC), Reese Marcum (South Carolina), Mitchell Dean (Louisville), Jacob Price (Kentucky), Alex McCranie (LB Wallace JC). With depth throughout the roster the Commodores look to compete in the Panhandle.

24 John A. Logan (IL) 46-12 Region 24 tournament champs
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

The Volunteers enter the spring after a quality 2024 that saw them go 46-12 on the season  with a Region XXIV Tournament Championship and a trip to the District Tournament. Key returners include Trey Swiderski (Purdue commit), Jaden Correa and Taylor Waldron, while a large group of newcomers led by Thomas Howard (Purdue), Austin Weigand (Northern Illinois) and Jonah Weathers look to make an impact this spring. With a strong mix of impact returners and quality newcomers, the Volunteers look to put together another strong season.

25 Hutchison (KS) 51-13 KJCCC West champs; Region 6 runners-up
Click to view their 2025 Season Preview

Hutchinson enters the season coming off a 51-win campaign that saw them win a Jayhawk West title and they led the nation in steals and HBPs, so naturally you know that they're a hard-nosed group. With a deep set of impact players here still, led by returners Quinn Maher, and Trenton Roehler along with impact transfers like Taber Stokes and CJ Reid (Butler), Reece Usselman (Coastal Carolina), Jase Johnson (Scottsdale JC), Eli Duncan (Charlotte) add to the depth throughout the roster. With multiple All-Conference players on the roster the Blue Dragons are a contender once again in Region 6.


Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Arizona Western, Barton (KS), Chattanooga State (TN), Delgado (LA), Midland (TX), Navarro (TX), Pensacola State (FL), Polk State (FL), Southwestern Illinois, and Tyler (TX).


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