SEC Baseball: Position Power Rankings Through Week 3

If you can believe it, the college baseball regular season is already over 20 percent complete. Now three weekends deep, we’ve gotten multiple looks at all 16 SEC programs.

Though it’s still too early to make reservations in Omaha or declare All-Conference selections, we do now have some usable sample sizes to gauge who’s off and running and who’s trying to recover after stumbling out of the gate.

So, naturally, it’s time to formulate some rankings.

Every few weeks over the course of the season, I’ll be taking a crack at ranking the top players in the SEC at every position. To be clear: these rankings are not the gospel and are not meant to stir the pot in any fashion.

I’ll be using a blended criteria, but this season’s numbers will factor in heavily. Preseason expectations are out of the window here — we’re focusing on what we’ve seen on the field to this point. Competition, vibes and the eye test will bake in, too, and at the end of the day, this is one man’s opinion.

This will not be perfect and I encourage anyone who disagrees to let me know how wrong I am. I’ll come back with the second version of these rankings after the sixth weekend of the season, when conference play is through two weekends. Now, let’s get to it.

Catcher

1. Chase Fralick, Auburn (.405/.490/.714): After an impressive freshman season, Fralick has picked up right where he left off and looks like the most competent bat in the middle of Auburn’s lineup. He’s got 17 hits, including two doubles, a triple and two homers, and he’s also playing rock-solid defense behind the dish, with nine assists to his name this season. In the Tigers’ Sunday victory over Nebraska, he tattooed a homer that carried a 110 mph EV.

2. Daniel Jackson, Georgia (.375/.426/.958): Georgia is back to its old homer-heavy ways and Jackson is at the forefront of the barrage. He smacked five home runs last week and now has nine on the season to go with 20 RBI. He isn’t benefitting from playing at Foley Field, either. Jackson is laying waste to baseballs. After serving as a utility man last season, he’s flourished as UGA’s primary backstop in 2026 and has already boosted his stock in a big way.

3. Ryder Helfrick, Arkansas (.326/.463/.698): The preseason All-American has five multi-hit games early on and he continues to look like one of the best catchers in the nation. His raw power has led to five home runs, all of which have been of the “no-doubt” variety. The junior remains a force in the middle of an Arkansas lineup that has underwhelmed at times this season.

4. Talmadge LeCroy, South Carolina (.381/.490/.595): Back for a fifth year, LeCroy has been quite the offensive surprise for a South Carolina lineup that has struggled to generate runs. He racked up 13 hits in a six-game span and has cut down on the strikeouts early on. On defense, he’s looked like a savvy veteran and has 15 assists in 12 games. LeCroy has been loyal to the Gamecocks and he’s on pace for a career year despite the team’s poor start.

5. Deiten Lachance, Oklahoma (.361/.489/.500): An elite find out of the portal by Skip Johnson and Co., the McLennan CC transfer has a hit in all but one game so far. He’s walked more than he’s struck out and has consistently found the barrel while sitting in the middle of the OU order. The Quebec native has looked comfortable behind the plate, too.

First Base

1. Ethan Surowiec, Florida (.364/.481/.682): Surowiec played both corner infield positions over the weekend in Florida’s 2-0 trip to Miami, but he’s played more first base thus far. The Ole Miss transfer dominated the Northwoods League over the summer and his bat looks just as thunderous in a Gators uniform.

He’s gone hitless just once, is already up to 18 RBI and simply looks like a big leaguer in the box. He flashed his glove in a start at third base over the weekend, making a great diving stop. Surowiec was pegged as a preseason breakout candidate and he’s delivered early on.

2. Reed Stallman, Mississippi State (.407/.556/.889): Stallman has split time at first base with Blake Bevis, but with the way he swung the bat over the weekend in Arlington, he’ll be a mainstay in the lineup moving forward. The fifth-year senior smoked two home runs in a loss to top-ranked UCLA on Sunday and drove in six runs over the weekend. He brings easy pop from the left side and looks to be en route to a true breakout second season in Starkville.

3. Hudson Brown, Kentucky (.400/.490/.525): The redshirt sophomore has provided consistency to a Kentucky lineup that’s been starved for offense at points this season. Just five of his 16 hits have gone for extra bases but he leads the pack and carries an imposing 6-foot-6, 220-pound figure. Brown is patient and can spray the ball to all fields.

4. Will Furniss, Ole Miss (.342/.528/.474): The fourth-year Rebel has just three extra-base hits to his name so far this season, but he’s drawn 14 walks and has struck out just seven times — Furniss’ lowest single-season strikeout rate is 22%. The power may not be as prominent but the senior is getting on base and is easy to rely on in the middle of the Ole Miss order.

5. Zach Yorke, LSU (.289/.473/.605): It’s been a hot-and-cold start for the prodigious Grand Canyon transfer, but he’s hit four home runs and has provided excellent defense at first base. He’s drawn 10 walks and has already been hit by a pitch five times. Yorke has come through in some big moments and has quickly become a fan-favorite in Baton Rouge, to no surprise.

Second Base

1. Camden Kozeal, Arkansas (.381/.490/.905): No longer splitting time at first base, Kozeal has six home runs and a cycle under his belt through three weeks. He’s already at nine free seasons this season after walking just 19 times in 2025. Kozeal remains a do-it-all type and he’s getting on base more often early on. The defense may not be plus but 16 RBI in 12 games will make up for that. To no surprise, Kozeal is a key cog for this Arkansas lineup.

2. Ethan Mendoza, Texas (.381/.481/.619): It’s been more of the same for Texas’ reliable leadoff man, but there’s some positive differences from last season’s numbers to the early sample in 2026. Mendoza struck out 18 percent of the time last season but has gone down on strikes just four times in 11 games thus far. He’s on pace for more walks, too, and after hitting five home runs last season, his tally already sits at three in 2026. Mendoza has scored a run every game and sets the table for a staunch Texas lineup.

3. Brandon McCraine, Auburn (.533/.634/.667): Chris Rembert’s injury on opening weekend provided an opportunity to McCraine and he’s ran with it, notching 16 hits in 10 games. He’s also drawn nine walks in 30 at-bats, which leads the Tigers. The 6-foot-3 redshirt freshman has five steals, too, including a swipe of home. Rembert returned to the lineup over the weekend, but McCraine has earned his keep and could slide over to third base.

4. Gehrig Frei, Mississippi State (.371/.450/.629): Much to the chagrin of some Mississippi State fans, Frei has not been an everyday starter for Brian O’Connor through three weeks. His pinch-hit three-run home run on Friday in Arlington set the tone for what was an impressive weekend for the Bulldogs. Frei started on Saturday and Sunday, doubling in both games. He’s a switch-hitting veteran who can play all over the yard if needed. His early flashes this spring should have the MSU faithful pumped.

5. Ryan Black, Georgia (.375/.500/.719): No lineup is more versatile than Georgia’s and Black is a great representation of that. In addition to five starts at second base, Black has also made a start in left, center and right field. The senior has always proved capable at the plate and he’s already thwacked three home runs while driving in nine runs. In 116 at-bats last season, he walked 14 times. He’s already walked nine times in 32 ABs this year.

Third Base

1. Ace Reese, Mississippi State (.408/.464/.816): The preseason All-American leads the Bulldogs with 18 RBI, eight doubles and four homers. The bat speed is elite, the power comes easy and the exit velocities routinely clear 100 mph. Reese is a complete hitter and he stars in a deep Mississippi State lineup. He continues to live up to expectations.

2. Tre Phelps, Georgia (.465/.571/.907): Phelps has seamlessly filled the gap at third base for Georgia and he’s one of the many Bulldogs that’s annihilating the ball. Going back to last season, he now has a 26-game hitting streak, the second-longest streak in program history. He’s swatted five homers and is up to 15 RBI. Not many are hitting the ball harder on a regular basis than the junior, who came to Athens as a touted recruit in 2024.

3. Brodie Johnston, Vanderbilt (.370/.464/.804): Johnston caught eyes with a big opening weekend in Arlington, putting up blistering EVs while belting three home runs. He’s now up to five round-trippers and has five doubles. As a freshman, he struck out 28 percent of the time and walked less than 10 percent. It’s early, but he’s drawn eight walks and gone down on the strikes just seven times through 12 games in 2026. He’s very much on the rise and will push for All-SEC honors.

4. Camden Johnson, Oklahoma (.361/.510/.639): The Wichita State transfer has been the motor for an Oklahoma unit that has surprised folks this season. He’s a twitchy athlete and possesses top-notch table-setter skills, but a tweaked swing could lead to more power as a Sooner. He’s another that’s walking far more often early on, drawing nine free passes after walking 24 times last season. That’s helped lead to 12 steals in 13 attempts.

5. Judd Utermark, Ole Miss (.295/.446/.750): The senior is back to sending baseballs to outer space for the Rebels. Six of Utermark’s 13 hits have gone over the fence as his swing is as bludgeoning as ever. He sits at 16 strikeouts, but we know the drill here. His sweet swing will once again win SEC games for Ole Miss. Utermark can still pick it at the hot corner, too.

Shortstop

1. Brendan Lawson, Florida (.474/.636/.921): Heading into the season it was thought that Lawson would man one of the corner infield positions, but he’s instead starring at shortstop and is amidst a torrid start. He’s already tallied 21 RBI and eight of his 18 hits have gone for extra bases, including four home runs. He’s also getting on base at an absurd clip. It looks effortless for the sophomore, who’s going to be in talks for SEC Player of the Year at the end of the season.

2. Justin Lebron, Alabama (.326/.491/.860): The slick-fielding, sweet-swinging preseason All-American is off and running once again. Lebron makes everything that he does on a baseball field look easy. It’s effortless power that’s already led to seven homers and 16 RBI. He’s already stolen 10 bases after stealing just 17 a season ago. He’s struck out just seven times. Lebron has committed four errors early, but he’s also made his fair share of impressive plays, showing great range. Alabama will go as far as Lebron takes them.

3. Jaxon Willits, Oklahoma (.324/.447/.588): Hitting cleanup and playing short in all 12 games, Willits is spraying balls all over the yard while playing terrific defense for the Sooners. The switch-hitter has had a knack for opposite-field hitting from the left side and he still has a flair for the dramatic, walking off Arizona State last week. Willits has 16 RBI and is simply a winning ball player.

4. KJ Scobey, South Carolina (.321/.333/.509): Handed the keys to shortstop as a sophomore, Scobey already has 17 hits, including four doubles and two homers — one of which was a walk-off on opening weekend. Solid bat speed and easy power. Like Lebron, four errors in 12 games is far from pristine but he’s also shown flashes with the glove. An expected bright spot for South Carolina.

5. Adrian Rodriguez, Texas (.304/.360/.500): An elite table-setter nestled in the two hole, Rodriguez’s bat-to-ball skills look even better early on as a sophomore. He’s struck out just four times and eight of his 14 hits have gone for extra bases. The switch-hitting sophomore goes to all fields on a regular basis and is a pest for opposing pitching staffs.

Left Field

1. Henry Allen, Georgia (.484/.605/.968): Perhaps lost in the hype of Georgia’s No. 1 portal class, Allen made his way to Athens from Northwest Florida State College and has quickly become another versatile weapon for Wes Johnson and Co. He’s played mostly left field thus far, though he’s a comfortable infielder and has seen time at second base. It’s ferocious raw power, but not much swing and miss. Just another daunting bat in the oft-menacing UGA lineup.

2. Bryce Chance, Mississippi State (.441/.512/.529): Another Bulldog that’s seen his stock rise through three weeks, Chance is off to a 15-for-34 start at the dish, stinging low liners through the infield on a regular basis. He’s struck out just twice and has shown a great glove in left. The fifth-year senior is a spark-plug type who fits nicely at the bottom of the order for Brian O’Connor.

3. Bub Terrell, Auburn (.348/.412/.543): No sophomore slump for Terrell. He’s quickly managed six multi-hit games and is up to nine RBI. The 6-foot-3 lefty’s swing is routinely producing triple-digit EVs as he lives in the gaps. Terrell saved Auburn from a midweek loss to West Georgia last week, serving a single the other way with a wicked cricket-like swing. He’s versatile and is integral to Auburn’s success this season.

4. Trey Gambill, Oklahoma (.385/.585/.769): Another quick, athletic veteran that puts the ball in play, gets on base and makes things happen. More walks than strikeouts, six stolen bags and, surprisingly, three early home runs after hitting only four a season ago. A perfect fit for Oklahoma’s death-by-a-thousand-cuts offense.

5. Blake Cyr, Florida (.356/.407/.622): This is the Cyr that Florida was hoping for when he transferred from Miami to Gainesville last season. The senior is on pace to crush his 2025 numbers having already hit three doubles and three homers, driving in 11 runs. Cyr has a strong lower half and the ball goes when he gets ahold of it. He’s one of five Gators with at least 16 hits through three weekends.

Center Field

1. Braden Holcomb, Vanderbilt (.413/.491/.935): The junior is breaking out a big way via seven home runs, 19 total hits and 22 RBI. It’s eye-popping juice that produced a 461-foot, 116-mph moonshot over the weekend in Las Vegas. Vandy has played great non-conference competition, and while the wins haven’t been there, Holcomb has bolstered his stock in a massive way ahead of SEC action. He had 15 XBH all of last season and already sits at 10 through 12 games this year.

2. Aiden Robbins, Texas (.395/.449/.791): The Seton Hall transfer is soaking up every inning in the burnt orange. An absurd hit tool with the glove to match, Robbins has eight extra-base hits (four homers) and 15 RBI. He hit for the cycle against Michigan State in week two, and over the weekend at Daikin Park in Houston, he clobbered a ball off the train against Coastal Carolina. Robbins plays with his hair on fire and continues to exceed expectations.

3. Kyle Jones, Florida (.438/.509/.708): A welcomed sight after missing last season, Jones has been arguably the best leadoff hitter in the SEC thus far. Already at 10 extra-base hits, eight of which are doubles, Jones is making it easy for the heart of the UF order. Originally thought of as a glove-first talent, the redshirt sophomore has shown great feel at the plate and the defense now feels like a tasty accoutrement to his all-around game.

4. Caden Sorrell, Texas A&M (.395/.452/.895): Sorrell has been dynamite in the two hole for the Aggies thus far, ripping six home runs and driving in 20 runs, both of which lead the team. He’s already shown power to all fields, and despite 13 strikeouts in 38 at-bats, Sorrell is doing serious damage. He possesses one of the best left-handed swings in the country and just has the look of a big-leaguer.

5. Tyler Macon, Missouri (.480/.541/.620): Macon showed flashes in a 92-AB sample size last season but the bat is really shining early on in 2026. Already at 24 hits and 22 RBI, Macon has thrashed the ball. On opening weekend against Mount St. Mary’s, Macon had a 6-for-6 game with eight RBI. He’s currently riding an 11-game hitting streak, has five steals and is leading the charge for a Mizzou offense that’s been beating up on its opposition as of late.

Right Field

1. Tristan Bissetta, Ole Miss (.444/.500/.844): The biggest stock-riser in the SEC thus far, Bissetta has been flat-out awesome through 12 games for Ole Miss. He had his second multi-homer game over the weekend in Houston and now has 20 hits and 19 RBI on the year. The swing is long but pretty and he’s shown power to all fields. He’s on pace to surpass some of the numbers from the his three-year Clemson career in one season with the Rebels.

2. Jake Brown, LSU (.415/.475/.792): Entered this season as one of the more underrated sticks in the SEC, but he’s been the best bat in an LSU lineup that’s not consistently put up runs early on. With five doubles, five home runs and 20 RBI under his belt in 12 games, Brown has been the moneymaker for the Tigers, consistently finding the barrel, depositing balls into the right field bleachers at Alex Box.

3. Cash Strayer, Florida (.421/.511/.711): Perhaps the early frontrunner for SEC Freshman of the Year, Strayer has done nothing but produce in his first 11 games as a Gator. He’s gone deep twice and also has three doubles and a triple, racking up nine RBI. Strayer already has seven multi-hit games and has proved reliable in the clutch thus far. His early contributions add another layer to Florida’s lineup.

4. Logan Johnstone, Vanderbilt (.368/.564/.658): Another on-base machine, the Washington State grad transfer has already walked 16 times, drawing at least one free pass in all but one game. He’s hit three homers and a good chunk of his contact has been quite loud. His approach at the plate is paying off and that led to Tim Corbin quickly moving up from the bottom of the order to the leadoff spot.

5. Kuhio Aloy, Arkansas (.385/.415/.667): Given the ho-hum start for Arkansas, Aloy has somehow flown a tad under the radar early on. He’s managed a hit in all 10 games he’s played and has hit three homers while driving in 12 runs. There’s never any shortage of torque or effort when he swings the bat, leading to some big-time exit velocity. Aloy has walked just twice thus far, but he’s still such a tough AB for opposing pitchers.

Starting Pitcher

1. Ruger Riojas, Texas (16 IP, 2 ER, 3 BB, 30 K): Riojas has evolved into one of the best arms in the SEC. It was a surprise to see him land the Friday role, but it didn’t take long to realize that Max Weiner has helped him reach a new level, which makes Texas’ absurd pitching staff even scarier.

In his five shutout innings against Coastal Carolina in Houston, Riojas allowed one hit and fanned 11 behind an upper-90s heater and a wicked off-speed arsenal that led to a 65% whiff rate. The veteran been nothing short of dominant and he’s got the personality — hair and mustache included — to match.

2. Colin Fisher, Arkansas (19 IP, 0 ER, 3 BB, 26 K): The crafty lefty won the final spot in the rotation and he’s looked like Arkansas’ top arm through three starts. Using a five-pitch mix, Fisher can lean on the slider but loves dropping the hammer, too. He went eight scoreless innings vs. Xavier in week two and has really kept hitters off balance thanks to improved command and a full arsenal. The junior’s maturity shines through on the mound. He tallied 52.1 IP across the last two seasons. Could easily surpass that this spring.

3. Jake Marciano, Auburn (16 IP, 3 ER, 0 BB, 29 K): The 6-foot-2 sophomore lefty has exceeded expectations in the Friday role. His sinker-sweeper combo has kept hard contact to a minimum and the command (73% strikes) is a big plus. The strikeouts speak for themselves. Classic lefty funk. Auburn looks to have an arm worthy of the “ace” moniker.

4. Dylan Volantis, Texas (18.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 BB, 25 K): Any questions regarding how Volantis’ move to the rotation would go are long gone. It’s unfair of Texas to roll the sophomore lefty out on Sundays. He brings such a unique look and has incredible feel for all his pitches. He’s struck out at least eight in all three starts and has surrendered just two extra-base hits. It’s a low-90s heater that’s complemented extremely well by a series of breaking balls, including a knee-buckling curve that looks like one of the best pitches in the SEC.

5. Jaxon Jelkin, Kentucky (16.1 IP, 1 ER, 3 BB, 25 K): Perhaps the biggest wildcard arm in the SEC, Jelkin has checked every box in his first three starts back from Tommy John surgery. He’s shown the ability to succeed on the road and has had terrific command, locating all of his offerings for strikes.

On Friday, he checked another box by going deep, throwing 94 pitches in a 7.1-inning outing vs. St. John’s, where he allowed just two hits and struck out eight. It’s been a long road for the righty, but he looks as good as ever and is leading the way for a staunch UK rotation.

6. Cooper Moore, LSU (19.1 IP, 5 ER, 2 BB, 27 K): The Kansas transfer is exhibiting levels of funk unrivaled by his right-handed counterparts in the SEC. He’s hitting 95 with a wicked sinker and that’s not even his first or second pitch at times. Moore’s changeup had a 44% whiff rate last season and it looks just as deadly so far in Baton Rouge, drawing a similar chase rate. Aside from allowing a tad too much hard contact thus far, Moore has been as advertised and could move into the Friday role as the season moves along.

7. LJ Mercurius, Oklahoma (17.1 IP, 1 ER, 6 BB, 28 K): The UNLV transfer has one of the most potent fastballs in the nation. He’s touching 97 and has garnered a 47% whiff rate on the heater, driving downhill and exploding off the mound. Pairing it with a slider and mid-80s changeup, Mercurius threw a seven-inning complete game on Saturday vs. Gonzaga, striking out nine. Opponents are hitting .089 against the electric righty.

8. Tomas Valincius, Mississippi State (16.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 BB, 20 K): The Virginia transfer has shown a knack for wiggling out of jams early on and has pitched into the sixth inning in all three starts. When he’s locating, it’s a tough assignment for hitters. The fastball can creep into the high 90s and he’s generating plenty of whiffs with a nasty slider/sweeper that sits in the mid-80s. It’s easy to see why he was 64Analytics’ No. 8 overall player in the portal.

9. Cade Townsend, Ole Miss (13.2 IP, 1 ER, 2 BB, 25 K): The sophomore has been the most consistent arm in the Rebels’ rotation through three starts. It’s a delectable fastball-cutter-curve mix that’s generating tons of whiffs. The heater is up to 97 and the command has been terrific. He fired five scoreless over the weekend vs. Ohio State, striking out nine. His steady hand has been a much-needed compliment to the ups and downs that come with a Hunter Elliott start on Fridays. Townsend looks the part.

10. Landon Mack, Tennessee (17.2 IP, 4 ER, 5 BB, 25 K): Toeing the rubber on Saturdays for Tennessee, the Rutgers transfer provides an interesting look from the right side. There’s an effortlessness to his delivery but the fastball still touches 98. He showed big-time competitive spirit over the weekend in Arlington and hasn’t surrendered too much hard contact — he allowed 10 homers last season. He and Tegan Kuhns make for a respectable one-two punch in Knoxville.