VA/DC Class of 2026 Rankings: Top 25
May 23, 2023
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It is with great excitement that we release to you today, our most recent update to the Virginia/DC Class of 2026 rankings with our Top 25 release. Following today's Top 25 release, we will unveil the Top 50 on Wednesday. Following the release of our expanded 2026 rankings, we will highlight a few new faces in the rankings on Thursday, as well as highlight nationally ranked players from VA/DC.
Remaining at the #1 spot in the rankings is Duke commit, Bryant James. Our staff saw the Gonzaga infielder multiple times this spring. His athleticism, offensive ability, and future positional value separate him from the rest of the current class.
2026 MIF Bryant James (Gonzaga)
— John Nolan (@PBRVADC_Nolan) April 26, 2023
Ton of projection on this #BlueCollar commit who is the current No. 1 player in VA 2026 class. Ball explodes off his bat here, lineout to deep center #PBRIsThere @PBRVirginiaDC @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/HK1UIqZEpZ
Staying at #2 is Glen Allen freshman, Daniel Nienaber. The UVA commit was up to 89 this spring and showed three pitches. While command and secondary polish still have room to grow, the ability to throw three pitches for strikes and his physical makeup give him potential starter profile.
A week of underclassmen topped off by the #GoHoos commit ‘26 Daniel Nienaber.
— Jason Burton (@ksallday19) April 21, 2023
The @GAHS_BSB starter has been 88-89 from full 84-87 stretch. Gone to SL a lot early 70-73. Fading CH 76-78 & kills spin. @PBRVirginiaDC @ShooterHunt @prepbaseball #PBRIsThere pic.twitter.com/tyWh6WsDo4
Moving into the top five and settling at #3 is Bishop O'Connell freshman, Jason Kruczek. We first saw the East Carolina commit last fall and he has continued to make big strides. Mid-upper 80's arm with some funk. Three pitches and has shown feel for his secondary for strikes.
Been waiting on this one.
— Jason Burton (@ksallday19) April 20, 2023
‘26 Jason Kruczek on the bump for @DJOBaseball
6-4, 200-lb frame. Short whippy arm. Funky and different. 4S FB w/ life at 85-88 through 2 IP. 2S 81-83. 76-78 mph SL w/ sweep. SPL/CH 80-82. ?@PBRVirginiaDC @ShooterHunt #PBRIsThere pic.twitter.com/FVKzbhhyxz
VA/DC Class of 2026 Top Ten
| Rank | Name | High School | Position | Commitment |
| 1 | Bryant James | Gonzaga | SS | Duke |
| 2 | Daniel Nienaber | Glen Allen | RHP | Virginia |
| 3 | Jason Kruczek | Bishop O'Connell | RHP | East Carolina |
| 4 | Connor Quill | Tuscarora | IF | |
| 5 | Barrett Bucholz | Atlee | C/OF | |
| 6 | Colin Whidbee | Glen Allen | OF | |
| 7 | Jalen German | Trinity Episcopal | RHP | |
| 8 | Matthew McCauley | Mountain View | LHP | |
| 9 | Lawson Mcleod | Trinity Episcopal | RHP | |
| 10 | Oscar Hickey | St. Anne's Belfield | OF |