Since the 2024 season ended on June 2nd in a lopsided loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns of Louisiana in the College Station Regional, Texas Baseball has experienced a lot of change. Jim Schlossnagle was hired to be the new head coach of the Longhorns, just a day after leading archrivals Texas A&M to 2nd place finish in the College World Series. The staff then worked through transfer portal season and the MLB Draft. Throughout the entire process, the goal was twofold, put together the best team possible to compete in the 2025 season and set up a recruiting pipeline for future success.
Moving to the SEC, Chris Del Conte and Jay Hartzell knew that a change needed to be made as SEC baseball is a completely different animal and in order to compete in the SEC, a commitment at all levels is required. One area of concern with the prior staff was recruiting and the ability to compete at the highest level. What Texas leadership did with the hiring of Coach Schlossnagle and staff was completely flip that narrative.
Led by assistant coach Nolan Cain, the Longhorns have been on fire on the recruiting trail, reshaping the entire recruiting pipeline. Despite the pesky Tigers down in Baton Rouge holding onto the number one spot in the rankings, the Longhorns are arguably the hottest team on the recruiting trail and not just in the state of Texas, but nationwide. The Longhorn staff operates as a single entity in their efforts to recruit the best hitters and pitchers unlike prior staffs. As Del Conte has stated numerous times, “a united Texas is a reckoning,” and that is absolutely true as the Horns are in the race and even landing prep prospects of the caliber that previously had not considered Texas, and it isn’t just because there is an SEC logo on the jersey now.
The list below provides a breakdown down of the 2025 and 2026 classes so that folks can familiarize themselves with who is verballed. As one would expect, there will continue to be movement in both classes due to the changes in NCAA roster limits (34) and given the caliber of recruits, who ends up signing after the 2025 MLB Draft.
First, we dive into the #2 ranked 2025 class and next week we will dive into the 2026 class.
2025 Recruiting Class
1. Kayson Cunningham
No one had a better summer than Kayson. He was MVP or in the running for MVP of every event he went to, and the San Antonio native showed why he is one of the best prospects in the nation for his class. The 2024 Jackie Robinson award winner isn’t the biggest but is in the Top 10 for the 2025 MLB Draft for good reason. Outstanding athleticism, high energy, and regardless of the situation he hits. The first thing you notice about Kayson at the plate is his barrel control, which he then uses his quick hands to drive to the gap. Defensively, he has the athleticism and glove to stick at shortstop, but his future may end up being at 2B. Hard to imagine his name not being called very early on in the MLB Draft.
2. Gavin Fien
Fien was named to Team USA (alongside fellow Horn commit Cunningham) and all Fien did was hit. Fien was also named the MLB Develops MVP of the high school All-American game, consistently hitting triple digits with his exit velo. Gavin is mostly a line drive hitter but does have the ability to extend and tap into some power, despite an unusual approach. Primarily playing 3B, Fien has the ability to stick there defensively, but if not, would be for an athletic 1B. Much like Cunningham, Gavin has likely done enough to hear his name called fairly early in the 2025 MLB Draft, with the only real concerns being his approach and where he ends up defensively.
3. Anthony Pack
If you are looking for an uber athletic left-handed hitter that has the tools to be a high projection, Pack is your guy. In talking to someone in MLB, the rawness stands out in his approach (bat to ball). When he is at his best, Pack is a high contact guy with great barrel control. If he continues developing and hits his projection, he has a chance to be very good. Defensively, he is an outfielder all the way with his blend of speed and reading the ball off the bat. As it stands, I do not think that Pack will get taken high enough in the 2025 MLB Draft to keep him from making it to campus.
4. Brett Crossland
One of the highest RHP velos in the nation, Crossland is a bigger framed pitcher (6’5, 240) that has a very bright future. Crossland’s FB sits 94-97, but his best pitch is arguably his slider (79-81, 2400 rpms) which he has very good control of. In addition, Crossland has been working on improving his changeup. The size and projection are there, the next step will be to continue developing his command, which if he does, he has future star quality. The 25 MLB Draft will certainly be a strong pull, and it is possible a team takes Crossland high enough to keep him from campus, especially if he has a strong Spring season and hits 100, while showing improved command.
5. Cooper Rummel
Another big physical RHP is Cooper Rummel. The Dripping Springs native has been extremely impressive since coming back from injury, helping Team USA 18U win the Gold alongside fellow Horn commits Cunningham and Fien. Rummel’s fastball has been up to 95 with some late life and there is absolutely more there, which is evident in the ease of his delivery. In addition, Rummel has flashed a slider with tight spin. Coming from a family of Longhorns, it is easy to be excited about the projections, but first Rummel will have to see where his are is called in the 25 MLB Draft, as he could very well get taken high enough to keep him from making it to campus.
6. Sam Cozart
A physically imposing pitcher, coming in at 6’7, 235, the projection is obvious for a guy like Cozart. On the mound, Sam has an advanced feel and pounds the zone. His fastball sits 91-93, but it is not hard to imagine with some tweaks and further development that he has more in the tank. In addition to the fastball, he has a firm curveball (86-88), changeup (81-82), and slider (79-82). A good example of his ability to pound the zone is him walking just six in forty-four innings of work. The metrics for MLB teams choosing prep right handers makes it easier for kids to end up on campus, but he is definitely a guy that an MLB team could fall in love with come the Draft.
7. Jack McKernan
One of the most talented LHP in the state of Texas and in the nation. Jack has a fastball that sits 92-95 and a slider that sits 83-85. The slider has late movement, and the fastball has great shape and he hides it really well coming out of his hand. In addition, McKernan is a guy that has proven himself in every event. Dustin (KoP) sums it up nicely, “Major Dude.” In addition, Jack is also a Team USA 18U gold medalist. As far as his prospects for ending up on campus, I would rate them fairly low as he is a three-time USA Baseball alum and has been heavily scouted for some time now.
8. Xavier Mitchell
The lanky, athletic LHP is raw, but has outstanding potential. Xavier’s fastball sits 89-93 but has topped 94 and mixes in a changeup that sits 75-79. His command continues to improve, and he has shown excellent glove side command of his fastball using his over the top delivery. This past summer he teamed up with Texas A&M commit Nico Partida to throw a no-hitter for Team USA 18U against Costa Rica. Xavier is a prep prospect whose best days are ahead. While there certainly is going to be interest from the MLB in the draft, Xavier is a guy who could make a lot of money by going to campus.
9. Grady Westphal
The number one player in the state of Kansas, Grady is known for his ability to spin the breaking ball. Westphal has a breaking ball that has up to 3400 rpm which is in the top percentile for all pitchers in the NCAA. He pairs the elite curveball with a fastball that sits 88-92 that explodes out of the hand and is deceptive. Grady is very athletic and shows solid upside, especially as he continues to develop his command and clean up his delivery. For everyone’s favorite question about whether he ends up on campus, yes, the chances look very good that he will make his way to Austin.
10. Brody Walls
Walls is a two-way athlete who projects to be on the mound long term. Brody has a fastball that typically sits 92-94, but has been up to 96, adding a projectable slider (81-84) that has flashed this summer. This summer Walls has also utilized his changeup more and it has also flashed, giving him three solid pitches with future upside. Brody is definitely a guy who has garnered interest from MLB teams this summer and could certainly be a guy that the Horns sweat next summer if he continues to develop at the pace he has been. If he does make it to campus, he is a guy that can be an instant contributor due to his ability to command both secondary pitches.
11. Maddox Monsour
When Maddox originally committed to the Horns, there was a lot of excitement from Caleb Longley and staff because they believed he is a guy that can be a future contributor in the middle of the lineup. Maddox is a physical bat and regularly shows that at the plate, with quick hands and good barrel control. In addition to being a power guy, he moves well down the line and physically looks the part of a SEC caliber hitter. He reminds me of a more polished Max Belyeu when they were similar ages and could be a contributor early when he makes it to campus.
12. William Hill
Hill brings a combination of physicality and speed to the plate. A two-sport athlete that is a terror on the bases, Hill has quick strong hands letting him drive the ball to the gaps. Primarily an outfielder, Will brings excellent speed defensively and reads the ball well off the bat. While he is not likely a guy that is going to be an instant contributor right away, he is definitely one to watch as he develops and will make it to campus.
13. Kaleb Rogers
Kaleb is a hard throwing righty from San Antonio who is known for his fastball, which is up to 95, but typically sits in the low 90s and has excellent shape and movement. He adds in a slider (76) and a developing changeup (79). Rogers is not a guy that nibbles at the edge, instead pounding the zone and racking up strikeouts. Kaleb has an over-the-top delivery with an easy motion and repeatable delivery. While righties usually have a hard time going high in the MLB Draft, Rogers has gotten some notice this summer, so he will be one to watch next summer.
14. Grayson Boles
Boles is a physical righty out of California who has a projectable frame. Boles throws from a ¾ slot with a fastball that sits 92-94. He combines that with a high spin slider that has late action, which he locates well to the arm side. Grayson is still developing his changeup, but overall has good command and a high projection. He showed out well at the High School All-American game this summer, throwing a hitless inning. While he has certainly been scouted, the fact that he is a righty will likely see him make it to campus.
15. Presley Courville
The Horns needed a topflight catcher for the 2025 class and were able to land one of the top guys in the nation. An outstanding athlete, Courville has a strong arm and brings plenty of physicality, but more projected. Not the typical build for a catcher, Courville ran a 6.37 60 this past summer, turning numerous heads. He has good hands and exchanges the ball well, allowing him to gun down runners, when combined with his arm strength. At the plate, he is a contact first hitter, but has power projection and the ability to hit to both gaps. Presley is a guy that will make it to campus and help provide depth in the room.
16. Jadyn Furgason
Similar to the themes above, Jadyn is another hard throwing righty who has a fastball that sits 92-94 but has been up to 95. He combines the fastball with a slider (76-79) with 2500+ rpm. Furgason is a solid athlete that throws from a lower ¾ slot and pounds the zone. After an injury layoff, Furgason is looking to have a big senior season. Primarily working out of the pen, Furgason checks all the boxes for what Max Weiner is looking for in a righty.
17. Corden Pettey
Pettey is not going to overpower from the mound, with a fastball sitting 89-91, but he pounds the zone and if you are going to pitch for Max Weiner, that is one trait that is a must. In addition to his fastball, Pettey throws a breaking ball that sits 76-77 with good break. Pettey has a frame and easy delivery that lends itself to adding more velo. Likely not a guy that will be an instant contributor but has the ability to develop into a solid bullpen option.
18. Jack Paris
Paris is a RHP out of Texas who has a solid three pitch mix, including a fastball that sits 89-91, slider 80-82, and changeup 81-83. While Paris is not going to overpower with his fastball, the pitch has good shape and he hides it well with some late life. His slider is a solid out pitch that has excellent movement and generates swing and misses. Throwing from a ¾ arm slot, he does have the frame to add more strength and power down the road. Paris is a guy that may not be an instant contributor, but should slide in nicely from the pen, adding depth.
Moving to the SEC, Chris Del Conte and Jay Hartzell knew that a change needed to be made as SEC baseball is a completely different animal and in order to compete in the SEC, a commitment at all levels is required. One area of concern with the prior staff was recruiting and the ability to compete at the highest level. What Texas leadership did with the hiring of Coach Schlossnagle and staff was completely flip that narrative.
Led by assistant coach Nolan Cain, the Longhorns have been on fire on the recruiting trail, reshaping the entire recruiting pipeline. Despite the pesky Tigers down in Baton Rouge holding onto the number one spot in the rankings, the Longhorns are arguably the hottest team on the recruiting trail and not just in the state of Texas, but nationwide. The Longhorn staff operates as a single entity in their efforts to recruit the best hitters and pitchers unlike prior staffs. As Del Conte has stated numerous times, “a united Texas is a reckoning,” and that is absolutely true as the Horns are in the race and even landing prep prospects of the caliber that previously had not considered Texas, and it isn’t just because there is an SEC logo on the jersey now.
The list below provides a breakdown down of the 2025 and 2026 classes so that folks can familiarize themselves with who is verballed. As one would expect, there will continue to be movement in both classes due to the changes in NCAA roster limits (34) and given the caliber of recruits, who ends up signing after the 2025 MLB Draft.
First, we dive into the #2 ranked 2025 class and next week we will dive into the 2026 class.
2025 Recruiting Class
1. Kayson Cunningham
No one had a better summer than Kayson. He was MVP or in the running for MVP of every event he went to, and the San Antonio native showed why he is one of the best prospects in the nation for his class. The 2024 Jackie Robinson award winner isn’t the biggest but is in the Top 10 for the 2025 MLB Draft for good reason. Outstanding athleticism, high energy, and regardless of the situation he hits. The first thing you notice about Kayson at the plate is his barrel control, which he then uses his quick hands to drive to the gap. Defensively, he has the athleticism and glove to stick at shortstop, but his future may end up being at 2B. Hard to imagine his name not being called very early on in the MLB Draft.
2. Gavin Fien
Fien was named to Team USA (alongside fellow Horn commit Cunningham) and all Fien did was hit. Fien was also named the MLB Develops MVP of the high school All-American game, consistently hitting triple digits with his exit velo. Gavin is mostly a line drive hitter but does have the ability to extend and tap into some power, despite an unusual approach. Primarily playing 3B, Fien has the ability to stick there defensively, but if not, would be for an athletic 1B. Much like Cunningham, Gavin has likely done enough to hear his name called fairly early in the 2025 MLB Draft, with the only real concerns being his approach and where he ends up defensively.
3. Anthony Pack
If you are looking for an uber athletic left-handed hitter that has the tools to be a high projection, Pack is your guy. In talking to someone in MLB, the rawness stands out in his approach (bat to ball). When he is at his best, Pack is a high contact guy with great barrel control. If he continues developing and hits his projection, he has a chance to be very good. Defensively, he is an outfielder all the way with his blend of speed and reading the ball off the bat. As it stands, I do not think that Pack will get taken high enough in the 2025 MLB Draft to keep him from making it to campus.
4. Brett Crossland
One of the highest RHP velos in the nation, Crossland is a bigger framed pitcher (6’5, 240) that has a very bright future. Crossland’s FB sits 94-97, but his best pitch is arguably his slider (79-81, 2400 rpms) which he has very good control of. In addition, Crossland has been working on improving his changeup. The size and projection are there, the next step will be to continue developing his command, which if he does, he has future star quality. The 25 MLB Draft will certainly be a strong pull, and it is possible a team takes Crossland high enough to keep him from campus, especially if he has a strong Spring season and hits 100, while showing improved command.
5. Cooper Rummel
Another big physical RHP is Cooper Rummel. The Dripping Springs native has been extremely impressive since coming back from injury, helping Team USA 18U win the Gold alongside fellow Horn commits Cunningham and Fien. Rummel’s fastball has been up to 95 with some late life and there is absolutely more there, which is evident in the ease of his delivery. In addition, Rummel has flashed a slider with tight spin. Coming from a family of Longhorns, it is easy to be excited about the projections, but first Rummel will have to see where his are is called in the 25 MLB Draft, as he could very well get taken high enough to keep him from making it to campus.
6. Sam Cozart
A physically imposing pitcher, coming in at 6’7, 235, the projection is obvious for a guy like Cozart. On the mound, Sam has an advanced feel and pounds the zone. His fastball sits 91-93, but it is not hard to imagine with some tweaks and further development that he has more in the tank. In addition to the fastball, he has a firm curveball (86-88), changeup (81-82), and slider (79-82). A good example of his ability to pound the zone is him walking just six in forty-four innings of work. The metrics for MLB teams choosing prep right handers makes it easier for kids to end up on campus, but he is definitely a guy that an MLB team could fall in love with come the Draft.
7. Jack McKernan
One of the most talented LHP in the state of Texas and in the nation. Jack has a fastball that sits 92-95 and a slider that sits 83-85. The slider has late movement, and the fastball has great shape and he hides it really well coming out of his hand. In addition, McKernan is a guy that has proven himself in every event. Dustin (KoP) sums it up nicely, “Major Dude.” In addition, Jack is also a Team USA 18U gold medalist. As far as his prospects for ending up on campus, I would rate them fairly low as he is a three-time USA Baseball alum and has been heavily scouted for some time now.
8. Xavier Mitchell
The lanky, athletic LHP is raw, but has outstanding potential. Xavier’s fastball sits 89-93 but has topped 94 and mixes in a changeup that sits 75-79. His command continues to improve, and he has shown excellent glove side command of his fastball using his over the top delivery. This past summer he teamed up with Texas A&M commit Nico Partida to throw a no-hitter for Team USA 18U against Costa Rica. Xavier is a prep prospect whose best days are ahead. While there certainly is going to be interest from the MLB in the draft, Xavier is a guy who could make a lot of money by going to campus.
9. Grady Westphal
The number one player in the state of Kansas, Grady is known for his ability to spin the breaking ball. Westphal has a breaking ball that has up to 3400 rpm which is in the top percentile for all pitchers in the NCAA. He pairs the elite curveball with a fastball that sits 88-92 that explodes out of the hand and is deceptive. Grady is very athletic and shows solid upside, especially as he continues to develop his command and clean up his delivery. For everyone’s favorite question about whether he ends up on campus, yes, the chances look very good that he will make his way to Austin.
10. Brody Walls
Walls is a two-way athlete who projects to be on the mound long term. Brody has a fastball that typically sits 92-94, but has been up to 96, adding a projectable slider (81-84) that has flashed this summer. This summer Walls has also utilized his changeup more and it has also flashed, giving him three solid pitches with future upside. Brody is definitely a guy who has garnered interest from MLB teams this summer and could certainly be a guy that the Horns sweat next summer if he continues to develop at the pace he has been. If he does make it to campus, he is a guy that can be an instant contributor due to his ability to command both secondary pitches.
11. Maddox Monsour
When Maddox originally committed to the Horns, there was a lot of excitement from Caleb Longley and staff because they believed he is a guy that can be a future contributor in the middle of the lineup. Maddox is a physical bat and regularly shows that at the plate, with quick hands and good barrel control. In addition to being a power guy, he moves well down the line and physically looks the part of a SEC caliber hitter. He reminds me of a more polished Max Belyeu when they were similar ages and could be a contributor early when he makes it to campus.
12. William Hill
Hill brings a combination of physicality and speed to the plate. A two-sport athlete that is a terror on the bases, Hill has quick strong hands letting him drive the ball to the gaps. Primarily an outfielder, Will brings excellent speed defensively and reads the ball well off the bat. While he is not likely a guy that is going to be an instant contributor right away, he is definitely one to watch as he develops and will make it to campus.
13. Kaleb Rogers
Kaleb is a hard throwing righty from San Antonio who is known for his fastball, which is up to 95, but typically sits in the low 90s and has excellent shape and movement. He adds in a slider (76) and a developing changeup (79). Rogers is not a guy that nibbles at the edge, instead pounding the zone and racking up strikeouts. Kaleb has an over-the-top delivery with an easy motion and repeatable delivery. While righties usually have a hard time going high in the MLB Draft, Rogers has gotten some notice this summer, so he will be one to watch next summer.
14. Grayson Boles
Boles is a physical righty out of California who has a projectable frame. Boles throws from a ¾ slot with a fastball that sits 92-94. He combines that with a high spin slider that has late action, which he locates well to the arm side. Grayson is still developing his changeup, but overall has good command and a high projection. He showed out well at the High School All-American game this summer, throwing a hitless inning. While he has certainly been scouted, the fact that he is a righty will likely see him make it to campus.
15. Presley Courville
The Horns needed a topflight catcher for the 2025 class and were able to land one of the top guys in the nation. An outstanding athlete, Courville has a strong arm and brings plenty of physicality, but more projected. Not the typical build for a catcher, Courville ran a 6.37 60 this past summer, turning numerous heads. He has good hands and exchanges the ball well, allowing him to gun down runners, when combined with his arm strength. At the plate, he is a contact first hitter, but has power projection and the ability to hit to both gaps. Presley is a guy that will make it to campus and help provide depth in the room.
16. Jadyn Furgason
Similar to the themes above, Jadyn is another hard throwing righty who has a fastball that sits 92-94 but has been up to 95. He combines the fastball with a slider (76-79) with 2500+ rpm. Furgason is a solid athlete that throws from a lower ¾ slot and pounds the zone. After an injury layoff, Furgason is looking to have a big senior season. Primarily working out of the pen, Furgason checks all the boxes for what Max Weiner is looking for in a righty.
17. Corden Pettey
Pettey is not going to overpower from the mound, with a fastball sitting 89-91, but he pounds the zone and if you are going to pitch for Max Weiner, that is one trait that is a must. In addition to his fastball, Pettey throws a breaking ball that sits 76-77 with good break. Pettey has a frame and easy delivery that lends itself to adding more velo. Likely not a guy that will be an instant contributor but has the ability to develop into a solid bullpen option.
18. Jack Paris
Paris is a RHP out of Texas who has a solid three pitch mix, including a fastball that sits 89-91, slider 80-82, and changeup 81-83. While Paris is not going to overpower with his fastball, the pitch has good shape and he hides it well with some late life. His slider is a solid out pitch that has excellent movement and generates swing and misses. Throwing from a ¾ arm slot, he does have the frame to add more strength and power down the road. Paris is a guy that may not be an instant contributor, but should slide in nicely from the pen, adding depth.
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