Arkansas 2026 Rankings
November 15, 2022
Prep Baseball Report Arkansas is releasing its initial rankings for the 2026 class with what's shaping up to be a pretty impressive and projectable class. The rankings are compiled by gathering as much information through our contacts all across the Natural State as well as through certain events throughout the year such as the prestigious Junior Future Games back in July. Today we take a look at the initial top 10 with some notes and videos on the players. The list will continue to grow as the 2026 class moves through their high school careers and players will move as they continue to improve and add strength over the next couple of years. If you are interested in finding a preseason event near you click here.
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THE TOP 10
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Keaton Mathis C / RHP / Valley View , AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 1 / POS: 1
The catcher/RHP from Valley View takes the top spot in the initial 2026 rankings. Mathis impressed at this past summer's Junior Future Games in Georgia where he showed a quick release behind the plate with pop times as low as 1.93 and showed some strength at contact at the plate from the right side. Mathis can also jump on the mound working the fastball in the low to mid 80's showing off his advanced arm strength. Mathis has all the skills necessary it takes to make big jumps throughout his career as he continues to add strength and size.
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Owen Davenport LHP / OF / Prairie Grove, AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 2 / POS: 1
We got a look at the lefty from Prairie Grove this past summer and the athletically-framed left-hander didn't disappoint earning him the second spot on the initial 2026 rankings. Davenport already works the fastball in the low 80's with tight spin that allows the fastball to play up a little higher and feel for tight mid 60's curveball with heavy depth. Davenport shows the ability to tilt the ball to the bottom of the zone and paired with his tight curveball makes him a tough matchup to hitters. With his projectable frame and advanced hand speed, look for Davenport to make big gains throughout his high school career.
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Shaun Cover C / 3B / Conway, AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 3 / POS: 2
Checking in at number 3 in the initial 2026 rankings is catcher/third baseman Shaun Cover. The Conway High School product shined at this past summer's Junior Future Games where he showed some serious power potential with exit velos up to 93 mph thanks to his quick hands and strong overall bat speed. Cover understands how to use his lower half efficiently in the swing and as he continues to add strength in the lower half should continue to improve his power numbers. Cover shows the defensive abilities to remain at a high leverage spot both behind the plate as well as strong enough footwork to play on the hot corner in the future.
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Marcus Bates SS / Benton, AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 4 / POS: 1
Bates checks in at number 4 in the initial 2026 rankings as an athletic middle infielder with advanced approach at the plate. The Benton High School middle infielder shows defensive capabilities to stay up the middle as he continues to garner strength to his athletic frame. Bates has big bat potential with a consistent approach that is advanced for the class.
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Max Holland C / 2B / Conway, AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 5 / POS: 3
Checking in at number 5 Holland has big time upside at the plate and behind it. Advanced catch and throw behind the dish showing signs of one of the top catchers in area in what is shaping up to be a deep catching class. At the plate Holland shows power potential at the plate with repeatable mechanics and consistent barrels which projects power in the future.
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Cannon Driskill SS / 2B / Green County Tech, AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 6 / POS: 2
Checking in at number 6 in the in the initial 2026 rankings is Cannon Driskill from Green County Tech HS. Driskill is one of the more athletic middle infielders in the young class showing strong bounce defensively and ability to cover a ton of ground under control. At the plate Driskill is able to get the bat moving very quickly early on the swing and should project for more power as he adds strength. Driskill has already showed the ability to make big strong jumps in his measurable over the past couple of months and should be one to keep an eye on in the future.
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Jacob Murray SS / RHP / Cabot, AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 7 / POS: 3
Murray ranks as the number 7 overall prospect in the Natural State in the initial 2026 rankings as a projectable possible two-way prospect. The short-stop/RHP from Cabot shows upside on both the mound as well as in the field with the fastball working in the low 80's but the velocity can be a tad bit deceiving as the hand speed is already showing serious potential. At the plate Murray swings with strong rotation and shows a feel for swing with leverage.
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Levi Martin RHP / 3B / Pocahontas, AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 8 / POS: 1
The right-hander from Pocahontas checks in at number 8 in the initial rankings thanks to his projectability on the mound and potential power bat. On the mound Martin is working the fastball in the low to mid 80's already with a quick arm and showing strength in the lower half with strong drive. He pairs the fastball with a tight slider that he's already throwing hard in the mid 70's with sharp action. At the plate Martin shows the hand strength and quickness to drive the ball with exit velocities up to 91 mph.
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Beau Brock SS / RHP / Lakeside Hot Springs, AR / 2026Rankings OverallRank: 9 / POS: 4
Brock checks into the initial 2026 rankings at number 9 as one of the top overall athletes in the class. The Lakeside Hot Springs product already runs a sub 7 60 and shows enough arm strength that should keep him on the left side of the infield in the future. At the plate Brock shows really quick hands through the zone and some strength in the hands with exit velocities up to 88 mph. Brock can also take his athleticism to the mound where he can work the fastball into the low 80's.
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Noah Ragsdale 2B / SS / Valley View, AR / 2026Ragsdale checks into the initial 2026 rankings at number 10 as one of the more athletic players in the class. Although an undersized frame currently Ragsdale has plenty of punch at the plate. Naturally a second baseman, Ragsdale has enough arm strength to play on the left side of the diamond as well. Noah also has one of the higher exit velocities per pound with 86 mph exit velocities.
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