As the 2026 college baseball season progresses into its critical conference play phase, standout MLB Draft college standouts are emerging nationwide. These players have made substantial impressions with their recent performances, showcasing skills that amplify their draft stock as scouts turn their attention toward the next level.
This roundup highlights ten of the most dominant draft-eligible college baseball stars who have excelled in recent games, fueling conversations about their impact and potential professional futures.
Jack Radel Shines as Notre Dame’s Ace
Jack Radel continues to establish himself as one of the nation’s premier starting pitchers after his fourth outing this season, marking his third on the road for Notre Dame. Facing Duke to open ACC play, Radel relied heavily on his exceptional four-seam fastball, which consistently reached the 93-95 mph range, peaking at 97 mph, and displayed impressive ride and extension well above seven feet. This pitch has become one of the most effective and underrated in college baseball, producing remarkable movement.
Complementing his fastball, Radel employed a low-80s slider and an upper-80s cutter with precision, showing excellent command. His slider generated a nearly 40% whiff rate and struck out 60% of batters it faced, while his cutter, notable for its significant lift and movement, attained high chase and strike percentages. He sporadically mixed in a low-80s curveball that adds depth due to its two-plane movement and distinct vertical drop.
Radel’s consistent dominance has solidified his reputation as a top Friday starter, with Notre Dame’s 1-0 ACC series advantage reflecting his influence. Fans and scouts eagerly anticipate his upcoming start against Louisville on the road, as he is currently ranked #35 on the Top 100 College Prospect Board.
Lorenzo Carrier’s Electrifying Bat for Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh outfielder Lorenzo Carrier turned heads with a torrid offensive stretch, boasting an astounding .867 batting average coupled with eight extra-base hits across just four games. His perfect 3-for-3 performance against Ohio featured two extra-base hits and a pair of walks, with exit velocities reaching an impressive 101.1 mph, including a massive 426-foot home run cracking 106 mph off the bat.
Carrier maintained his momentum on the road against San Jose, slashing 10-for-12 with five home runs and driving in 15 RBI during the series. Towering at 6-foot-5, his lean frame and advanced ability to track velocity below the strike zone make him a formidable force in the outfield and at the plate. He currently holds a remarkable .490 batting average with an OPS exceeding 1.600 and will look to continue this surge on the road versus Santa Clara.
Eric Nachtsheim’s Complete Game Sets Him Apart
McNeese State’s Eric Nachtsheim delivered a masterful performance over the weekend against Houston Christian, pitching a complete game to kick off Southland Conference play. His four-pitch arsenal featured a low-90s fastball that consistently hit 95 mph, paired with notable ride and extension, throwing strikes on more than 70% of his fastballs.
His standout secondary pitch was an upper-80s cutter displaying nearly a foot of late movement and a strike rate above 75%, confounding hitters throughout. While his short slider and low-80s changeup were used less frequently, both offered competitive options with unique arm-side fade and lateral movement. Nachtsheim’s evolution in creating more horizontal movement, especially with the slider, will be key as the season advances.
At 6-foot-4, Eric’s blend of velocity, movement, and durability makes him a compelling prospect to watch, especially as he prepares for his next start at Lamar.
Mulivai Levu’s Consistent Force from the Corners
UCLA’s Mulivai Levu is emerging as a powerful offensive presence for the Bruins, demonstrating consistency at the plate with a strong week against Ohio State following a slow start versus Cal State Fullerton. Between those contests, Levu went 6-for-15 with nine RBIs and homered in each game this past weekend.
He maintains an average exit velocity close to 93 mph and a hard-hit rate exceeding 50%, showcasing ability to barrel the ball against both left- and right-handed pitching. On defense, Levu has started every game at first base but may also receive infield consideration at third baseline—giving him versatility alongside offensive prowess. Entering week five, he leads UCLA in both hits and at-bats and is currently ranked #41 on the prospect board.
Logan Reddemann’s Mastery Against Top Competition
UCLA pitcher Logan Reddemann has solidified his status through strong outings against elite opponents, including a standout performance against Ohio State. Utilizing a four-pitch mix, his mid-90s fastball, reaching up to 97 mph, moves well up in the zone and brings over 2,300 RPM spin with a swing-and-miss rate exceeding 30%.
His primary off-speed pitch is a low-spin changeup, working at 83-85 mph, which features a sharp fade away from the heater, inducing a 75% whiff rate and commanding the strike zone nearly 70% of the time. A low-80s curveball and an 86-89 mph cutter round out his arsenal, though these were used less frequently as his fastball-changeup combo dominated. Reddemann remains unbeaten at 4-0 on UCLA’s top-ranked team, facing tough Power Four competition, and is slated to start against Michigan soon. He holds the #95 spot on the prospect list.
Vahn Lackey Continues to Dominate Behind the Plate
Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey is making a strong case as the nation’s premier catcher after a week of exceptional, all-around play. Following a modest game versus Georgia State, he exploded in an ACC series against Virginia Tech, registering a 3-for-4 game with a double, a home run at a 104 mph exit velocity, and five RBIs. His momentum carried into the series finale with another homer (105 mph off the bat) and a critical caught stealing.
Lackey excels at controlling the running game, boasting a perfect 6-for-6 record in stolen base attempts against him, while consistently increasing his ability to barrel balls and reduce chase rates. His offensive contributions rank him among the ACC’s top ten in on-base percentage. He will return to action against West Georgia, carrying the #10 ranking on the Top 100 Prospect Board.
Ross Norman’s Bounce-Back Performance for Coastal Carolina
Ross Norman showcased the best outing of his collegiate career in a crucial Saturday start that clinched a series for Coastal Carolina against East Carolina. Employing three pitches, his four-seam fastball maintained an average speed above 94 mph with a smooth ride trajectory, capable of dominating when elevated in the strike zone, though it generated fewer swings and misses than expected.
Complementing his fastball were a low-80s sweeper—a pitch that spins nearly 2,500 RPM and exhibits significant glove-side movement—and an upper-80s slider that contrasts with clear directional differences from the sweeper. After a tough start to the season partially hampered by injuries, Norman’s resurgence could be a pivotal moment for both Coastal’s rotation and his draft stock as Sun Belt play begins.
Daniel Jackson Emerges as Georgia’s Offensive Catalyst
Georgia’s Daniel Jackson has experienced a remarkable week offensively, solidifying his role as a middle-order staple in the lineup. Over six games, he blasted a 111 mph exit velocity peak and averaged just over 90 mph across 21 balls put into play. One of his home runs not only stood out for power but traveled an imposing 452 feet, the longest by a Georgia hitter this year.
Jackson’s swift toe-tap, explosive bat speed, and understanding of the strike zone allow him to punish pitches over the inner half consistently. Defensively, he has thwarted over half of attempted stolen bases in 2026, establishing himself as a major defensive asset behind the plate. As SEC play approaches, all eyes will be on his ability to maintain this high level of performance. He is set to face Tennessee at home next.
Dylan Vigue’s Commanding Seven-Inning Performance
Complementing Jackson on Georgia’s roster, right-hander Dylan Vigue earned a seven-inning mercy-rule victory against Queens with a dominant pitching display. His primary weapons—a mid-90s sinker reaching 97 mph with nearly 19 inches of horizontal movement and a potent slider in the mid-80s featuring a 62% whiff rate and sweeping action—proven devastating for opposing hitters.
Vigue’s repertoire also includes a firm mid-90s four-seam fastball with distinct plane separation from his sinker, a 90 mph cutter with excellent spin against right-handed batters, and an upper-80s changeup that generates strong arm-side fade and plenty of groundball outs. Through four starts, he continues to develop as a critical component of Georgia’s rotation entering the tough stretch of SEC competition.
Gavin Van Kempen Matches Up in Intense Pitching Duel
East Carolina’s Gavin Van Kempen matched Coastal Carolina’s Ross Norman pitch for pitch in one of the weekend’s most fiercely contested starting matchups. Van Kempen utilized three main pitches: a low-90s fastball spinning up to 2,500 RPM with impressive ride, a distinctively arm-side moving slider in the 82-84 mph range that generated a 56% whiff rate and more than 40% chase rate, and an 86-88 mph cutter featuring rare arm-side break.
Standing 6-foot-7, Van Kempen’s command and varied arsenal complement fellow starter Ethan Norby, strengthening East Carolina’s weekend rotation. He is preparing for his next appearance at home against Penn, having turned in his best outing of the year.
Top College Prospects Shaping the Upcoming MLB Draft
These ten draft-eligible standouts represent a diverse mix of pitching polish, power hitting, and defensive excellence. Their performances this season have reinforced their visibility on the MLB Draft radar, offering scouts a rich pool of talent with differing strengths across positions and playing styles.
The continuous unfolding of the 2026 college season is shaping the path leading to the draft, with these players poised to impact the professional ranks significantly. Following their upcoming starts and games will be essential for those tracking future MLB stars and the evolving college baseball landscape.
