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Top College Prospects to Look For This Spring
Main Photo Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

Top College Prospects to Look For This Spring

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports  |  By Brady Shick  |  Last updated Jan 14, 2026 9:36 PM ET

Even though there may be snow on the ground, the first pitch of the Division I baseball season is only a month away. While draft fever might not have the hold now that it does in June, there is plenty of hype for these standouts going into the college season. The cream of the crop is in the middle infield for this year’s college class, with college arms largely considered weaker prospects for the 2026 draft. Here is a look at some of the top college baseball prospects heading into 2026.

The Top College Baseball Prospects to Watch in 2026

Roch Cholowsky – SS/3B, UCLA

Roch Cholowsky is coming into his junior season with quite the resumé. Cholowsky was last season’s Baseball America National Player of the Year and earned 1st Team All-American honors. The UCLA junior achieved all this playing while playing a top-end shortstop. Cholowsky has the potential to finish with four-plus tools. He hit 23 homers, walked 45 times, and had 74 RBI last season for the Bruins. Known to be an above-average defender, Cholowsky also strikes out less than he walks. He is seen as the best college shortstop prospect since Troy Tulowitzki.

Justin Lebron – SS/CF, Alabama

As if his last name didn’t bring enough attention to his play, Justin Lebron plays in the toughest conference in college baseball. Overshadowed by his fellow shortstop college prospect, Lebron still has the potential to be drafted number one overall. There is no doubt about his ability to play shortstop at the next level. His first quick step that gives him plus speed on the bases also allows him to get to any ball, all to go along with a strong arm. At the plate, his approach is sometimes questionable, which is why he cooled off in conference play at Alabama from nearly .340 to ending the year at .318 as a freshman. Coming in at 6’2″ and 180 pounds, he has the strength and bat speed to hit for power at the next level. 

Drew Burress – OF, Georgia Tech

The top outfield college prospect hails from yet another conference, the ACC. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket comes in as the top outfield college prospect. In his first two years in college, Drew Burress has done nothing but show out. With 44 home runs and 10 outfield assists in two seasons, Burress gets it done in the field and at the plate. Due to his small stature at 5’9″, his ability to hit for power, and steal bases, he has drawn comparisons to a right-handed Corbin Carroll. Burress’s size and struggles hitting last summer may have raised some questions for MLB teams.

Cameron Flukey – RHP, Coastal Carolina

This draft class lacks college prospects on the mound, specifically left-handed starting pitching. However, Coastal Carolina right-handed ace Cameron Flukey headlines the class. Flukey burst onto the scene during the College World Series, going six innings with nine strikeouts. He has a strong pitch mix with a mid-to-upper 90s riding fastball, followed by at least two other above-average pitches. Flukey’s best pitch is possibly his 12-6 curveball. He generates whiffs against both left and right-handed batters. At times, however, he struggles to locate this top-end stuff. 

Liam Peterson – RHP, Florida

Liam Peterson comes in widely seen as the second-ranked right-handed starter on the college circuit. Another tall righty with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball, some scouts think he may have better stuff than Flukey. The fastball has serious arm-side run and is mirrored by a potential plus change. Peterson also adds a plus curve and plus slider to his arsenal. Peterson works deep down the mound from a three-quarter arm slot with a repeatable delivery. His ERA could be a bit concerning, coming in at 5.30 across two innings of college ball. This should be no surprise with a 1.56 WHIP during his college career, as well. If Peterson can make strides in keeping runners off the bases, he could shoot up college prospect lists and draft boards.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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