Prep Baseball Report

VA/DC Class of 2026 Rankings: Top 25 Release


Staff
PBR Virginia/DC

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It is with great excitement that we release to you today, our most recent rankings class, the class of 2026. We unveil the Top 25 players from across the Commonwealth. 

While it is very early in the process, these are the players that we have identified as twenty-five of the best players in the state. 

*The class will expand more and more as we get a chance to see more players in the class, whether it be at events, tournaments, or high school games.*

Checking in at #1 in the initial 2026 rankings is recent Duke commit, Bryant James (Gonzaga). James offers an advanced run tool with some physical tools that show up at the plate and in the field. 

Our #2 and #3 ranked players are a pair of UVA commitments. Daniel Nienaber lands at the #2 spot. The 6-foot-3 right hander was up to 86 in the fall and has an easy operation with a lot of projection left in his future.

Nienaber's fellow UVA commit, Barrett Bucholz (Atlee), lands at the #3 spot. Advanced physicality and athleticism for the frame and class. Catch and throw ability with the versatility that will allow him to move to the outfield as well. Bucholz made a strong statement in front of hundreds of coaches in late July at the Junior Future Games. 

VA/DC Class of 2026 Top Five

1 Bryant James VA Gonzaga 2026 SS Duke
2 Daniel Nienaber VA Glen Allen 2026 RHP/1B Virginia
3 Barrett Bucholz VA Atlee 2026 C/OF Virginia
4 Jalen German VA Trinity Episcopal 2026 RHP  
5 Jason Kruczek VA Alexandria City 2026 RHP

Complete Top 25 Rankings