One of the state’s top pitching prospects, LHP Ryan Brennecke (Oconomowoc, 2025) enjoyed an eye opening sophomore campaign, resulting in a commitment to South Carolina. Starting in the winter, Brennecke put together a clean ‘pen at the West Milwaukee Preseason ID, pounding the zone with a quality three-pitch mix, something our staff is all too familiar with from Brennecke. Fast forward just a couple months later, we got an in-game look at Brennecke for his Oconomowoc squad in the spring. During his brief but loud one inning stint, Brennecke ran his fastball up to 87 mph, showcasing a big velocity jump since the previous look. This increase in velocity helped out both of his offspeed pitches, as his breaking ball played with sharper 1/7 action and his changeup featured more “fall off the table” action, too. After this standout outing in the spring, Brennecke continued to dominate throughout the summer, highlighted by a quality showing at the PBR Future Games to cap it off. Following the summer, Brennecke announced his commitment to the Gamecocks, who are fresh off Super Regional appearance, something not uncommon for this SEC member.

(PBR Future Games; 7/30/23)

We recently talked with the southpaw about his recruitment process, favorite baseball memory, and much more.

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

BRENNECKE: The expectations of the recruiting process for me was a little different because of the new [NCAA] rule. No coach could contact you until August 1st so it was for sure a little different. I was looking to compete for a College World Series and develop into a draft pick. I also wanted to be a part of a great community. To be honest South Carolina had everything I was looking for.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

B: I wanted to go down south and play a high level of baseball against the best of the best. So that really helped my decision.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

B: The recruiting process really started to heat up right away on August 1st. South Carolina first saw me play down in Fort Myers at the end of September.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

B: I chose South Carolina because of the baseball. They were a top 15 team. You can’t beat the facilities, the community is unmatched and I am still getting a good education. Everything was perfect.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

B: I was in the mix of talking to Mississippi State, Arizona State, Mizzou, Notre Dame, and a few others.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

B: 3B/RHP Carter Kutz (Hartford Union, 2025; Nebraska commit). Carter is a tough opponent to face because every pitch you make has to be perfect. You can’t leave anything down the middle because he will attack.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

B: I didn’t realize I was a college caliber player until my freshman summer. That’s when I had to start taking my game seriously and it really paid off.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

B: Just trust the process and enjoy the game. Results will come with hard work. You need patience as well.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

B: Definitely this past high school season in the sectional game against Arrowhead. Beating them while on the mound was a great memory and feeling.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

B: This year we will be the best we’ve been in a while. We are a team who lost nobody from last year and we have all developed. We are a great group and our chemistry is through the roof. We have the right pieces and the right players at each position. We will just need to put it together and we will be very scary come a state run.

P: How did the Future Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event?

B: The Future Games really helped with a lot of the schools that came to see me. Although I didn’t perform how I wanted there, it still gave me tons of looks I’ll never forget. The Future Games was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

B: I would steal RHP Peter Kussow’s (Arrowhead, 2025; Louisville commit) curveball. He has one of the best breakers I’ve ever seen.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

B: 3B/RHP Trey Kerkhoff (Burlington, 2026) is a very talented ‘26 who has so much potential and hitting abilities.

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain.

B: Yes, Prep Baseball helped with the tournament coverage and the several tweets that have been tweeted.

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