After originally posting a look at the 2026 recruiting pipeline for the 2026 class back in October, I have to post an update because the amount of success that the Longhorn staff have had on the recruiting trail.
The Longhorns currently have the #1 recruiting class in the nation and for good reason. They have an outstanding mix of talent from in-state and out of state. There are quite a few guys that are likely to hear their name in the 2026 MLB Draft, and some of them very early on, but overall, it is a class filled with talent that will have a significant impact on the future makeup of the Texas roster.
Grady Emerson
A consensus top three player in the 2026 class, Grady Emerson is the definition of a dude. Extremely impressive tools, including one of the most polished hit tools in his class. Grady does not just have impressive tools, he also has a really high baseball IQ and approach to the game. He played up this year for Team USA and has consistently been one of the best at every event, game, and showcase he has been at. Watching his at bats, he has outstanding balance, quick powerful hands, and adjusts with ease to put the barrel on the ball.
Beau Peterson
The number one ranked player out of the state of Kansas and top ten ranked player nationally, Beau Peterson is one of the best left-handed hitters in the nation. Beau brings a physical presence to the plate and in his own words, looks to “swing hard and do damage.” He gets great leverage and extension and uses his fast hands to hit for power. While he primarily plays 3B, Beau also pitches and has good spin on his secondary stuff. Defensively, he is best known for his strong arm, but moves well for his size. The Texas staff loves LHH, and they absolutely got their guy. Peterson already has a physical mature body and his development will be interesting to watch as he is one of those kids that could go near type of the draft.
Brody Bumila
A 6’8” southpaw that can hit 96. Those metrics absolutely get baseball coaches and scouts excited. When combined with the fact that he has a low effort delivery, solid arm speed, and the ability to throw a slider with late break, you get a guy that has everyone excited at all levels. Throwing from a low ¾ slot, Bumila is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. Bumila gained close to 80 lbs over the past year after getting a nutritionist and workout coach to help build muscle and improve his body. If he continues to develop on the same trajectory he is, there is certainly the possibility that he could be a Top 10 draft pick.
Trey Rangel
One of the top RHP in the nation, Rangel is electric on the mound and combines his fastball with a solid breaking ball and changeup. Up to 94 with his fastball, Rangel comes by his velocity easily and the ball really explodes out of his hand. Trey’s slider sits 76-81 and has high spin (3111 rpm). Rangel brings a presence to the mound and likes to attack, which combined with his physical attributes, makes him a very special talent. Watching his development will be fascinating because of his athleticism and natural abilities.
Jack Smejkal
Ho hum, another top ten prospect from the state of Texas for the Horns. Jack is a must watch prep prospect when toeing the rubber, sporting a fastball that sits 91-94 with a spin rate of nearly 2500. Smejkal pairs a good slider with a spin rate around 2500 as well, generating lots of swings and misses. Unlike some prospects, Smejkal isn’t just a guy that throws, he knows how to pitch, showing a really good feel for shape and attacking the zone. Jack is also a solid prospect at the plate who has shown improvement over the past year, especially his physicality. He has displayed more power than in the past.
James Jorgensen
Jorgensen is a physical two-way player who is the kind of talent that you get on campus and then figure out where his best position is. Defensively, he uses his athleticism and moves well with quickness in the OF and INF. He has solid glove work and a very strong arm. At the plate, Jorgensen uses his bat speed and a compact swing to drive the ball to the middle and LF. On the mound, James has a loose and repeatable over the top delivery. The fastball which sits 90-91 has some late rise. He also mixes in a slider and curveball that has solid spin to them, both of which have good shape.
Brady Murrietta
Brady plays for California powerhouse Orange Lutheran and has been heavily scouted due to his advanced play at both the high school and national team level. Primarily plays catcher, Brady is advanced in his setup, blocking well and with smooth transfer to gun down runners. Murrietta has a compact but athletic build with a strong arm behind the plate. A right-handed batter, he has very good barrel control and smooth compact swing and can drive the ball to all fields.
Trenton Maybin
The top player out of the state of North Carolina, Trent is an extremely athletic OF with plus defensive skills. The son of 15-year MLB veteran Cameron Maybin, Trent is an exciting prospect due to the tools and projection that he has shown. At the plate, Maybin has a lot of length in his swing which can lead to strikeouts, but with further development, he can be a player that is able to hit at a high level with some pop.
Marcus Cantu
Smaller stature player but athletic that primarily plays SS. Good range and solid glovework with good hands. Solid arm strength to gun it across the diamond. At the plate, Cantu is a left-handed hitter that uses a high leg lift to hit in rhythm but needs to work on his bat path. Cantu does have good hand speed and strength, primarily to the pull side.
Matthew Manis
Manis is primarily a LHP out of Houston that has an athletic build with plenty of projection. The fastball sits 87-90 and has some late life. Manis locates well and pounds the strike zone. Matthew pairs the fastball with a tight slider that he can locate with ease. Manis has an easy delivery and with the athletic build, it is easy to see why Max and the staff like the upside projection.
Reiston Durham
Durham is one of the top ranked players out of the state of Georgia. Very athletic, Durham primarily plays short stop, flashing outstanding lateral movement and solid glove and arm. Another left-handed hitter in the class, Durham’s swing can get long, causing swing and miss, but he has extremely fast hands and bat speed. The projection is certainly there with some cleanup of his swinging motion. Physically, Durham is a guy that is already athletic and has the frame which projects more.
Cooper Webb
As a Lake Travis alum, I always love seeing the Horns adding a Cavalier to the roster. Webb, a two-sport standout, has an extremely bright future on the bump. Cooper already has a fastball that sits in the high 80s and has touched 91. The curveball is a true 12/6 and creates a lot of uncomfortable looks for hitters. Webb commands the zone well and pounds the strike zone. Webb has an over-the-top delivery and goes downhill at hitters as well. With a 6’3 185lb frame, there is a lot of physical projection for Webb and as he fills out and focuses solely on baseball long term, there is a good reason to be excited about where he will end up at.
Easton Autrey
The son of long time Corsicana head coach Heath Autrey, Easton is a guy that you immediately notice when he is taking at-bats. Autrey has a big physical frame that projects to well at the next level. Primarily playing 3B, Autrey moves well for his size and build with good glovework defensively. At the plate is where Autrey shines. A big left-handed hitter with a balanced base who is able to use his strength and quick hands to explode through the ball. The ball just sounds different coming off his bat compared to other prep prospects.
Mills Carrillo
Carrillo is primarily a RHP from Florida with an average frame and build. He has a compact delivery, using his strong lower half to pound the zone and generate solid sink on his fastball. While his velo sits in the high 80s, he projects to add additional velo. In addition to his fastball, he has a good curveball and firm changeup. The biggest thing that stands out about Mills is his mentality on the mound. He is a bulldog that attacks and does not back down from anyone.
Tucker Thompson
Having already secured the #1 overall prospect out of the state of Kansas, Texas made it a double by securing the third ranked prospect as well in Tucker Thompson. The lefty has a fastball that sits 89-92 with rise and an outstanding slider with a sweeping motion. Throwing out of a ¾ arm slot, Tucker has a whippy motion and hides the ball well, generating uncomfortable swings and misses. 5’11 and only 160 lbs, Thompson shows significant projection and is a guy that has the ability to add velo and further add to his repertoire.
Jax Robinson
Robinson has played both 3B and Catcher in high school, but his future is certainly behind the plate. A 6 foot 190 lb frame, Jax has good athleticism and quickness. He moves well behind the plate, transitioning into his transfer well and putting up very solid numbers with his pop time. Jax has a strong arm as well, helping keep runners in check. A left handed hitter, which the coaching staff covets, he has shown solid power and the ability to drive the ball to all fields.
Phinn Waters
Phinn is one of the top players out of the state of Tennessee and is another LHP that Max and staff coveted. Waters struck out 93 in 48 innings during the 2024 season with a fastball that sits 89-92, slider that sits 81-83, and an outstanding changeup. The Futures Game participant calling card is his fastball which has significant rise and shape, amongst other interesting traits. Waters is athletic and a competitor on the mound, going after hitters from the onset and pounding the strike zone. Phinn is a guy that has a high ceiling and projection with more velo and physicality to come.
Kalub Ramirez
Kalub is a two-way star for Hereford, starring at shortstop and starting at QB for the football team. A compact athletic build, Ramirez has a short leg lift and extremely fast hands allowing him to drive the ball with gap-to-gap power. At the plate, Ramirez has very good rhythm and barrel control as well. Defensively, Ramirez is one of the top defenders in the 2026 class, using his athleticism and glove work to put on a show.
Karson Reeder
The Tomball product has a great feel for pitching, not just throwing and has consistently put up great numbers. During the 2024 season, Reeder went 13-1 with a 0.89 ERA, striking out 120, while only issuing 20 walks. In addition, Reeder was named to the Underclass All-Tourney Team at Area Codes baseball along with fellow Longhorn commit Trey Rangel. Reeder has a FB that sits in the upper 80s and has touched 90, but with the type of arm action and the athlete he is, there is more growth and velo coming. He also throws a curveball and an even better slider, both for strikes, generating uncomfortable looks at the plate.
Bryce Krenek
One of the top pitchers in the state of Texas, Bryce had a monster 2024 season striking out 95, while giving up just 38 hits in 61 innings. Krenek’s fastball has a ton of horizontal run and his breaking ball backs up on hitters generating uncomfortable swings and misses. Krenek really flashed this summer when he threw 6 innings of no-hit ball, racking up 14 strikeouts during the Mattingly World Series. Outside of his ability to not just throw, but pitch, Bryce is a competitor and a bulldog on the mound. He has that mentality where even when he doesn’t have his best stuff, he is going to compete and battle. Physically, Krenek has a frame that can add more strength and with a loose delivery, projects really well.
Cooper Harris
One of the top pitching prospects in the state of Texas, Harris had an outstanding 2024 season using a fastball that sits 90-92 with good spin and pairing it with a curveball that keeps hitters off balance. The RHP fills up the strike zone, using his strong frame to come down hill against hitters, flashing an excellent breaker with lots of depth. With the frame and over the top delivery, there is significant growth potential for Harris.
The Longhorns currently have the #1 recruiting class in the nation and for good reason. They have an outstanding mix of talent from in-state and out of state. There are quite a few guys that are likely to hear their name in the 2026 MLB Draft, and some of them very early on, but overall, it is a class filled with talent that will have a significant impact on the future makeup of the Texas roster.
Grady Emerson
A consensus top three player in the 2026 class, Grady Emerson is the definition of a dude. Extremely impressive tools, including one of the most polished hit tools in his class. Grady does not just have impressive tools, he also has a really high baseball IQ and approach to the game. He played up this year for Team USA and has consistently been one of the best at every event, game, and showcase he has been at. Watching his at bats, he has outstanding balance, quick powerful hands, and adjusts with ease to put the barrel on the ball.
Beau Peterson
The number one ranked player out of the state of Kansas and top ten ranked player nationally, Beau Peterson is one of the best left-handed hitters in the nation. Beau brings a physical presence to the plate and in his own words, looks to “swing hard and do damage.” He gets great leverage and extension and uses his fast hands to hit for power. While he primarily plays 3B, Beau also pitches and has good spin on his secondary stuff. Defensively, he is best known for his strong arm, but moves well for his size. The Texas staff loves LHH, and they absolutely got their guy. Peterson already has a physical mature body and his development will be interesting to watch as he is one of those kids that could go near type of the draft.
Brody Bumila
A 6’8” southpaw that can hit 96. Those metrics absolutely get baseball coaches and scouts excited. When combined with the fact that he has a low effort delivery, solid arm speed, and the ability to throw a slider with late break, you get a guy that has everyone excited at all levels. Throwing from a low ¾ slot, Bumila is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. Bumila gained close to 80 lbs over the past year after getting a nutritionist and workout coach to help build muscle and improve his body. If he continues to develop on the same trajectory he is, there is certainly the possibility that he could be a Top 10 draft pick.
Trey Rangel
One of the top RHP in the nation, Rangel is electric on the mound and combines his fastball with a solid breaking ball and changeup. Up to 94 with his fastball, Rangel comes by his velocity easily and the ball really explodes out of his hand. Trey’s slider sits 76-81 and has high spin (3111 rpm). Rangel brings a presence to the mound and likes to attack, which combined with his physical attributes, makes him a very special talent. Watching his development will be fascinating because of his athleticism and natural abilities.
Jack Smejkal
Ho hum, another top ten prospect from the state of Texas for the Horns. Jack is a must watch prep prospect when toeing the rubber, sporting a fastball that sits 91-94 with a spin rate of nearly 2500. Smejkal pairs a good slider with a spin rate around 2500 as well, generating lots of swings and misses. Unlike some prospects, Smejkal isn’t just a guy that throws, he knows how to pitch, showing a really good feel for shape and attacking the zone. Jack is also a solid prospect at the plate who has shown improvement over the past year, especially his physicality. He has displayed more power than in the past.
James Jorgensen
Jorgensen is a physical two-way player who is the kind of talent that you get on campus and then figure out where his best position is. Defensively, he uses his athleticism and moves well with quickness in the OF and INF. He has solid glove work and a very strong arm. At the plate, Jorgensen uses his bat speed and a compact swing to drive the ball to the middle and LF. On the mound, James has a loose and repeatable over the top delivery. The fastball which sits 90-91 has some late rise. He also mixes in a slider and curveball that has solid spin to them, both of which have good shape.
Brady Murrietta
Brady plays for California powerhouse Orange Lutheran and has been heavily scouted due to his advanced play at both the high school and national team level. Primarily plays catcher, Brady is advanced in his setup, blocking well and with smooth transfer to gun down runners. Murrietta has a compact but athletic build with a strong arm behind the plate. A right-handed batter, he has very good barrel control and smooth compact swing and can drive the ball to all fields.
Trenton Maybin
The top player out of the state of North Carolina, Trent is an extremely athletic OF with plus defensive skills. The son of 15-year MLB veteran Cameron Maybin, Trent is an exciting prospect due to the tools and projection that he has shown. At the plate, Maybin has a lot of length in his swing which can lead to strikeouts, but with further development, he can be a player that is able to hit at a high level with some pop.
Marcus Cantu
Smaller stature player but athletic that primarily plays SS. Good range and solid glovework with good hands. Solid arm strength to gun it across the diamond. At the plate, Cantu is a left-handed hitter that uses a high leg lift to hit in rhythm but needs to work on his bat path. Cantu does have good hand speed and strength, primarily to the pull side.
Matthew Manis
Manis is primarily a LHP out of Houston that has an athletic build with plenty of projection. The fastball sits 87-90 and has some late life. Manis locates well and pounds the strike zone. Matthew pairs the fastball with a tight slider that he can locate with ease. Manis has an easy delivery and with the athletic build, it is easy to see why Max and the staff like the upside projection.
Reiston Durham
Durham is one of the top ranked players out of the state of Georgia. Very athletic, Durham primarily plays short stop, flashing outstanding lateral movement and solid glove and arm. Another left-handed hitter in the class, Durham’s swing can get long, causing swing and miss, but he has extremely fast hands and bat speed. The projection is certainly there with some cleanup of his swinging motion. Physically, Durham is a guy that is already athletic and has the frame which projects more.
Cooper Webb
As a Lake Travis alum, I always love seeing the Horns adding a Cavalier to the roster. Webb, a two-sport standout, has an extremely bright future on the bump. Cooper already has a fastball that sits in the high 80s and has touched 91. The curveball is a true 12/6 and creates a lot of uncomfortable looks for hitters. Webb commands the zone well and pounds the strike zone. Webb has an over-the-top delivery and goes downhill at hitters as well. With a 6’3 185lb frame, there is a lot of physical projection for Webb and as he fills out and focuses solely on baseball long term, there is a good reason to be excited about where he will end up at.
Easton Autrey
The son of long time Corsicana head coach Heath Autrey, Easton is a guy that you immediately notice when he is taking at-bats. Autrey has a big physical frame that projects to well at the next level. Primarily playing 3B, Autrey moves well for his size and build with good glovework defensively. At the plate is where Autrey shines. A big left-handed hitter with a balanced base who is able to use his strength and quick hands to explode through the ball. The ball just sounds different coming off his bat compared to other prep prospects.
Mills Carrillo
Carrillo is primarily a RHP from Florida with an average frame and build. He has a compact delivery, using his strong lower half to pound the zone and generate solid sink on his fastball. While his velo sits in the high 80s, he projects to add additional velo. In addition to his fastball, he has a good curveball and firm changeup. The biggest thing that stands out about Mills is his mentality on the mound. He is a bulldog that attacks and does not back down from anyone.
Tucker Thompson
Having already secured the #1 overall prospect out of the state of Kansas, Texas made it a double by securing the third ranked prospect as well in Tucker Thompson. The lefty has a fastball that sits 89-92 with rise and an outstanding slider with a sweeping motion. Throwing out of a ¾ arm slot, Tucker has a whippy motion and hides the ball well, generating uncomfortable swings and misses. 5’11 and only 160 lbs, Thompson shows significant projection and is a guy that has the ability to add velo and further add to his repertoire.
Jax Robinson
Robinson has played both 3B and Catcher in high school, but his future is certainly behind the plate. A 6 foot 190 lb frame, Jax has good athleticism and quickness. He moves well behind the plate, transitioning into his transfer well and putting up very solid numbers with his pop time. Jax has a strong arm as well, helping keep runners in check. A left handed hitter, which the coaching staff covets, he has shown solid power and the ability to drive the ball to all fields.
Phinn Waters
Phinn is one of the top players out of the state of Tennessee and is another LHP that Max and staff coveted. Waters struck out 93 in 48 innings during the 2024 season with a fastball that sits 89-92, slider that sits 81-83, and an outstanding changeup. The Futures Game participant calling card is his fastball which has significant rise and shape, amongst other interesting traits. Waters is athletic and a competitor on the mound, going after hitters from the onset and pounding the strike zone. Phinn is a guy that has a high ceiling and projection with more velo and physicality to come.
Kalub Ramirez
Kalub is a two-way star for Hereford, starring at shortstop and starting at QB for the football team. A compact athletic build, Ramirez has a short leg lift and extremely fast hands allowing him to drive the ball with gap-to-gap power. At the plate, Ramirez has very good rhythm and barrel control as well. Defensively, Ramirez is one of the top defenders in the 2026 class, using his athleticism and glove work to put on a show.
Karson Reeder
The Tomball product has a great feel for pitching, not just throwing and has consistently put up great numbers. During the 2024 season, Reeder went 13-1 with a 0.89 ERA, striking out 120, while only issuing 20 walks. In addition, Reeder was named to the Underclass All-Tourney Team at Area Codes baseball along with fellow Longhorn commit Trey Rangel. Reeder has a FB that sits in the upper 80s and has touched 90, but with the type of arm action and the athlete he is, there is more growth and velo coming. He also throws a curveball and an even better slider, both for strikes, generating uncomfortable looks at the plate.
Bryce Krenek
One of the top pitchers in the state of Texas, Bryce had a monster 2024 season striking out 95, while giving up just 38 hits in 61 innings. Krenek’s fastball has a ton of horizontal run and his breaking ball backs up on hitters generating uncomfortable swings and misses. Krenek really flashed this summer when he threw 6 innings of no-hit ball, racking up 14 strikeouts during the Mattingly World Series. Outside of his ability to not just throw, but pitch, Bryce is a competitor and a bulldog on the mound. He has that mentality where even when he doesn’t have his best stuff, he is going to compete and battle. Physically, Krenek has a frame that can add more strength and with a loose delivery, projects really well.
Cooper Harris
One of the top pitching prospects in the state of Texas, Harris had an outstanding 2024 season using a fastball that sits 90-92 with good spin and pairing it with a curveball that keeps hitters off balance. The RHP fills up the strike zone, using his strong frame to come down hill against hitters, flashing an excellent breaker with lots of depth. With the frame and over the top delivery, there is significant growth potential for Harris.
