tejasrulz
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Football or baseball or both?
2025 Baseball thread
- Thread starter david ficken
- Start date
Football or baseball or both?
From Blake, most likely baseball
You can see the 2026 class here. Clicking the player will pull up their profile which does show their Perfect Game grade, highlights, etc. The rankings are behind a subscription pay wall.
And to @UT1983's point, that is what baseball recruiting so tough. Some of these guys are similar to a one and done in basketball, except, you don't even get the one year out of them.
It's also why baseball recruiting isn't close to the industry behemoth that football recruiting is. Too hard to know what any baseball commits or signings mean until after the draft.
I will say the changing of NIL will help SEC baseball a ton. A lot of these top players that were getting drafted rounds 4-10 are much more likely to go to college now that they get paid there. Won't effect many of the players in the top 2 rounds since they will be offered $1 million+ signing bonuses and the college money isn't that high for Recruits.
You can see the 2026 class here. Clicking the player will pull up their profile which does show their Perfect Game grade, highlights, etc. The rankings are behind a subscription pay wall.
And to @UT1983's point, that is what baseball recruiting so tough. Some of these guys are similar to a one and done in basketball, except, you don't even get the one year out of them.
It's also why baseball recruiting isn't close to the industry behemoth that football recruiting is. Too hard to know what any baseball commits or signings mean until after the draft.
Sirhornsalot
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david ficken
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We added Aiden Robbins an outfielder from Seton Hall.
david ficken
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Aiden Robbins is a 6' 2" 185 lb right hander.
In 2024 his batting ave was .302 with 6 homeruns, 6 doubles, and 5 triples. He started 43 games.
In 2025 his batting ave was .422 with 6 homeruns and 38 RBIs. He also had 44BBs and 20 SBs.
If he makes it in this is a major addition to the team.
In 2024 his batting ave was .302 with 6 homeruns, 6 doubles, and 5 triples. He started 43 games.
In 2025 his batting ave was .422 with 6 homeruns and 38 RBIs. He also had 44BBs and 20 SBs.
If he makes it in this is a major addition to the team.
He has played 2 years at Seton Hall and isn't 21 yet. Not draft eligibile. He should be on campus for at least a year
david ficken
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It's not about how good the player is now, but in a yr from now. I'm about 75% thru on vetting the info to post on the 2026 class. Some of it is about what position they play. Just because a website that someone post says 1 thing isn't always accurate. Nor does anyone need to care about rankings in baseball, like someone seems to do.
If they are pitchers, hiw many pitches do they have, the spin rate on their pitches, and of course are they lefties or righties.
Also, there are many that are both pitchers also hitters and fielders in the 2026 class.
Now, let's say of the 26 players 90% grow and improve their game that makes them more important even if not drafted. Let's say 10 do get drafted and sign. That puts us at 16. Then maybe only 5 portal out after their freshmen season. Now at 11 and be hopeful that 8/9 are players in some sort of roll as a freshman that grows as they become a sophomore and junior.
The staff is currently working on the 2027 HS class; while also doing their work on the players in the portal. For those wonder about the Maryland SS. We aren't going after him, despite the Word on the street as some go by. He is most likely a 1st rd pick in the draft and we aren't dropping $2M+ for him.
What the staff is doing by trying to get so many HS recruits in this yr and probably next yr class is to help get the depth fixed that as usual David Pierce depleted in both the pitching and fielding/hitting. It was going to get worse without a coaching change, BTW.
I'll just show you how the '24 class panned out for us.
david ficken
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Bryce Rainer -- SS-- drafted in the 1st rd signed
Theo Gillen -- SS-- drafted in the 1st rd signed.
Levi Sterling -- RHP-- drafted in the 1st rd signed.
Sam Richardson -- 3rd baseman -- portal
Drew Rerick -- RHP-- followed Schloss and Weiner to Texas
Jason Flores -- RHP-- here was good on some Tuesday night games, but bad on the weekend games
Carson Luna -- SS-- portal. Probably not a SS more like a 2nd baseman.
Dylan Vopantis -- LHP -- freshmen pitcher of the yr. Late add thru Schloss.
Bryce Navarre -- LHP -- followed Schloss and Weiner to Texas
Matt Scott -- portal
Cole Chamberlain -- C--limited playing time
Kyle Degoat -- RHP -- drafted and signed from the 14th rd.
Matthew Millett -- RHP -- ?? Have no idea on him. Not on any roster
Donovan Jordan -- portal
Chance Covert -- portal
Jackson Jordan -- RHP -- ??? Not certain if related to D. Jordan. They didn't go to the same HS
A Rod -- SS -- switch hitter. Will see how he grows over the next couple of yrs.
This is the 2024 class, with 4 drafted, 5 in the portal and 2 unknowns. Technically 5 players, but 2 need work and Williams as a very late addition that most had him on the 25 class.
Theo Gillen -- SS-- drafted in the 1st rd signed.
Levi Sterling -- RHP-- drafted in the 1st rd signed.
Sam Richardson -- 3rd baseman -- portal
Drew Rerick -- RHP-- followed Schloss and Weiner to Texas
Jason Flores -- RHP-- here was good on some Tuesday night games, but bad on the weekend games
Carson Luna -- SS-- portal. Probably not a SS more like a 2nd baseman.
Dylan Vopantis -- LHP -- freshmen pitcher of the yr. Late add thru Schloss.
Bryce Navarre -- LHP -- followed Schloss and Weiner to Texas
Matt Scott -- portal
Cole Chamberlain -- C--limited playing time
Kyle Degoat -- RHP -- drafted and signed from the 14th rd.
Matthew Millett -- RHP -- ?? Have no idea on him. Not on any roster
Donovan Jordan -- portal
Chance Covert -- portal
Jackson Jordan -- RHP -- ??? Not certain if related to D. Jordan. They didn't go to the same HS
A Rod -- SS -- switch hitter. Will see how he grows over the next couple of yrs.
This is the 2024 class, with 4 drafted, 5 in the portal and 2 unknowns. Technically 5 players, but 2 need work and Williams as a very late addition that most had him on the 25 class.
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It’s getting pretty pathetic at this point that you can’t seem to address me directly. It’s okay for people to have different opinions or approaches to things like this.
I’m happy to hear your input on these recruits. Also, nothing wrong with reviewing the rankings put out by a website. Doing both probably helps give a better picture than one alone.
longhorndon
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I remember a few years ago, Arkansas misplayed a foul ball that would have won them the title.
Sirhornsalot
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2025 Buster Posey Award Finalist Carson Tinney of Notre Dame is visiting Texas this weekend. Munroe says this is one that we really want. Big time get.
From Munroe:
- Chris Hacopian committed to Texas A&M yesterday. Despite what Aggie reporters say, Texas did NOT push for him. He's a great hitter, but fielding is a question mark.
Says a handful of players will commit to Texas if Texas wants them. Texas is playing it slow, wanting to get the best value they can. Several decisions are coming up so expect some commits soon.
From Munroe:
- Chris Hacopian committed to Texas A&M yesterday. Despite what Aggie reporters say, Texas did NOT push for him. He's a great hitter, but fielding is a question mark.
Says a handful of players will commit to Texas if Texas wants them. Texas is playing it slow, wanting to get the best value they can. Several decisions are coming up so expect some commits soon.
david ficken
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We have added a big time pitcher that is probably a weekend started in Cal Higgins. Cal Higgins played last yr at Western Kentucky. Will get some numbers on him a little later.
david ficken
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Tinney, I've heard is down to us and a couple of other SEC schools.
Been told that we likes the SS from Virginia over Hacopian. Along with the 1sr baseman/OF Henry Ford from Virginia as well.
The staff feels like they need lots a depth and players that can play an multiple position.
david ficken
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Notes on Cal Higgins:
6' 4 245 lb. LHP 1 yr in junior college the last 3 at WKU.
This past season he had a 1.87 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 43.1 innings of work oit of the bullpen. He only gave up 28 hits and 11 walks.
My understanding is the staff views him in the same role of that as Ruger Riojas. Can be a bullpen or starter it will come down to what the staff wants him to do. He has a fastball that can hit 96.
6' 4 245 lb. LHP 1 yr in junior college the last 3 at WKU.
This past season he had a 1.87 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 43.1 innings of work oit of the bullpen. He only gave up 28 hits and 11 walks.
My understanding is the staff views him in the same role of that as Ruger Riojas. Can be a bullpen or starter it will come down to what the staff wants him to do. He has a fastball that can hit 96.
Sirhornsalot
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If Volantis becomes a starter, you have to think this guy is your closer
david ficken
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It's possible. But need to see if they get other pitchers out of the portal and the pitchers that don't either get drafted or sign with the team that does draft them.
I'm curious how this guy has availability left. Played 1 year at Iowa Western Community College and 3 years at Western Kentucky. Does the CC year not count?
He's on a nice developmental path as well with stats improving each season. Over the last 3 years at WKU his ERA went from 9.58, to 3.18 to 1.87. Had his best K per innings number this last season as well.
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