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Texas Player Rankings: 2026 Class

September 18, 2022
Brandon Gowins
Texas Scouting Director

TEXAS - As we begin a new school year, the 2026 class enters high school which means a new class to follow for the next 4 years.  After a Spring and Summer of accumulating names and evaluating the class, we are excited to introduce our initial rankings. We will take this initial list to 25 players and will continue to expand as we get more and more eyes on the class.  At first glance, this class features a lot of athleticism up the middle, and it wouldn’t be a Texas list without a few high end arms. Today we will take a deeper dive into the top 5:

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Emerson takes the top spot in the initial rankings, as he offers an elite hit tool from the left side from a premium position.  The TCU commit recently just helped the Team USA 15U National take home Gold in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup as one of the youngest players on the roster.  
 In the batters box, Emerson shows the potential for a + hit tool.  He has good natural rhythm in the box and great balance allowing him to use the whole field with authority.  He flashes pull side power and as he keeps getting stronger, that will only continue to improve. It’s rare when a player of Emerson’s age takes as much pride in his defense as he does his hitting, but Emerson shows all the makings of a high end defender at short.  He has good lateral quickness, and has enough arm to make every throw from short. While just a freshman, Emerson looks like the next big name shortstop to come through the DFW

#2 Chandler Hart - LHP/1B - Allen - Uncommitted

Hart has the look of a prototypical hard throwing Texas, and to top it off, he is Left Handed. The 6’5 Lefty joined Emerson on Team USA and helped the National Team take home Gold in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup.  

On the mound, Hart has a low effort delivery that he repeats well for his size and age. He throws from a ¾ slot, with a fastball that has been up to 90.  He sits comfortably in the upper 80’s and still has tons of projection left in his frame.  He also shows a promising curveball that he shows the ability to throw for strikes.  It has good shape and could turn into a real swing and miss pitch as it develops more power.  While Hart’s calling card is his left arm, Hart shows the ability to swing it from the right side.  He uses his long levers to drive the ball to all parts of the field.  He also shows good athleticism for his size.  Hart has Friday night starter upside and it will be fun to watch his progression.

 

#3 CJ Sampson - RHP/3B - Tomball - Uncommitted

Sampson is #3 on our initial list, and the RHP/3B has produced at a high level in some of the country’s biggest events. He is a good athlete, with present strength that allows him to repeat his mechanics well. 

On the mound, Sampson features a mid 80’s fastball with a repeatable athletic delivery.  He has great command of his fastball for a HS kid, much less one just entering his freshman year.  The command carries over to the breaking ball, which he shows the ability to throw for strikes or expand the zone to put away hitters.  He will also show feel for a changeup that will help him down the road to neutralize lefties.  Sampson also shows an advanced swing from the left side that allows him to drive the ball with authority to all fields.  He shows some pull side power with some natural loft in the swing.  

 

#4 Jorvorskie Lane - OF/INF - OD Wyatt - Uncommitted

Coming in at #4 is Jorvorskie Lane, the athletic OF from Ft. Worth. Lane, who is one of the younger players in the class, shows elite athleticism that shows up all over the field.  He is a 6.8 runner currently, and it shows up in everything he does. He shows the makings of being an elite defender in CF with good range and a good arm.  At the plate, Lane’s bat speed stands out and it allows him to drive the baseball with authority all over the field. Once he is on the bases, Lane can cause havoc.  His speed and baseball IQ makes him a great base stealer and is always looking to take the extra base.  

#5 Spencer Browning - MIF - Pleasant Grove - Arkansas Commit
Coming in at #5 is Browning, the Texarkana native committed to Arkansas.  Browning is another highly athletic MIF who also shows the ability to really hit. At the plate, Browning shows good balance throughout the swing allowing his electric bat speed to play.  He has the ability to let the ball travel deep and use his quick hands to drive the ball all over the field. It is easy to dream on the power potential of Browning’s when looking at the frame and bat speed. In the field, Browning shows soft hands and good actions in the INF. Primarily a shortstop,  He has plenty of arm for the left side. Browning is also a 6.8 runner, and it plays during the game. 

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