College Baseball Top 25 Recruiting Rankings For Class Of 2024
Image credit: Konnor Griffin (22) 2023 Baseball Factory All-American workout at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, August 12, 2023 (Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos)
LSU tops the Baseball America 2024 recruiting class rankings as the fall signing period for the class of 2024 opens.
While the recruiting class rankings aren’t finalized until the players arrive in class next fall, LSU now has the inside track for its second No. 1 class in three years. LSU landed the top-ranked class in 2022, a group that quickly helped the Tigers win the national championship.
Tennessee closely follows LSU in the rankings. Texas, TCU and Virginia round out the top five.
The recruiting rankings take into account all players from the high school and junior college ranks and were compiled following many conversations with coaches and scouts. The rankings will continue to be updated leading up to the final version in September 2024.
1. LSU
Recruiting coordinator: Josh Jordan
Top recruit: Konnor Griffin, OF/RHP
Overview: LSU brought in the top-ranked recruiting class in 2022 and now it’s signed another elite class that’s headlined by Griffin and outfielder Derek Curiel, two of the top ranked players in the prep class. On the mound, LSU also lands some high-end talent, including lefthander Cam Caminiti and righthanders Casan Evans and William Schmidt. The combination of both depth and premium talent is unmatched and should help insulate it from inevitable losses in the draft.
2024 Draft Rankings
See where Griffin landed in our top 100 draft rankings over the summer.
Griffin has electric all-around tools and has been regarded as the top player in the class since he reclassified from the 2025 class, skipping 10th grade. He’s now one of the younger players in the class and hasn’t missed a beat. He has high-end athleticism, elite speed and physical upside. Offensively, Griffin has an advanced approach at the plate and makes consistent hard contact. He creates impressive bat speed that gives him plus power potential. Griffin’s long-term future is likely as a hitter, but he also has upside on the mound thanks to a low 90s fastball and a biting slider.
2. Tennessee
Recruiting coordinator: Josh Elander
Top recruit: Tegan Kuhns, RHP
Overview: The bulk of this class was recruited in the wake of Tennessee’s 2021 College World Series appearance. That trip to Omaha was the program’s first since 2005 and gave proof of concept to Tony Vitello’s vision, and helped Tennessee build serious momentum on the recruiting trail. The class is deep, especially among pitchers and athletic position players, such as catcher Levi Clark and infielder Ty Southisene.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, Kuhns has an exciting combination of electric present stuff and tantalizing projectability. His fastball gets up to 95 mph with riding life and his sharp curveball has elite spin rates. He also works in a changeup and a splitter, consistently works in the strike zone and is a good athlete.
3. Texas
Recruiting coordinator: Caleb Longley
Top recruit: Bryce Rainer, SS/RHP
Overview: The Longhorns will move into the SEC following the 2024 season and this class of recruits has them well positioned with their new conference mates. Rainer is one of a few exciting two-way prospects in the class, and the Longhorns have plenty of depth on both sides of the ball, especially on the infield with Rainer, Theo Gillen and Samuel Richardson.
Rainer can do a little of everything on the diamond. He’s a strong all-around hitter who combines lefthanded power with a solid feel at the plate. He’s a good athlete with a plus arm, who figures to lock down a spot on the left side of the infield. And he can get on the mound, where his fastball gets up to 94 mph and he has feel for spinning a breaking ball. He’d likely be a two-way player at Texas, but no matter what role he fills, he make an impact.
4. TCU
Recruiting coordinator: Johnny DiLaura
Top recruit: Noah Franco, LHP/OF
Overview: With a younger position player group on its current roster, TCU’s recruiting class skews more toward the mound. And it’s an impressive group of pitchers in the Horned Frogs’ class, especially among lefthanders like Franco, Mason Brassfield and Blake Larson.
Franco has true two-way ability and scouts are split about where his upside is biggest. On the mound, he has a projectable 6-foot-3 build and his fastball is already reaching 94 mph. He mixes in a sweeping slider and has good feel for his changeup. As a hitter, he has an easy lefthanded swing and projects to have above-average power as he physically matures. How exactly TCU would use him remains to be seen, but he’d get an opportunity to impact the game as a pitcher and hitter.
5. Virginia
Recruiting coordinator: Kevin McMullen
Top recruit: Caleb Bonemer, SS
Overview: The Cavaliers have put together their best recruiting class in more than a decade. It’s a well-rounded group, full of athletic position players and big, powerful pitchers. It’s a formula that’s worked well for Virginia in the past and is poised to deliver another set of standouts to Charlottesville.
Bonemer came on strong over the summer and now stands as perhaps the best infielder in the class. He stands out for his power-speed combination, as he’s a plus runner with plus raw power. He has a smooth, easy swing and while there’s some swing-and-miss in his game, his offensive upside is considerable. Defensively, he can play anywhere on the infield and has a good baseball IQ.
6. Mississippi
Recruiting coordinator: Carl Lafferty
Top recruit: Owen Paino, SS
Overview: The Rebels again have put together an impressive signing class, headlined by their position players. Paino is arguably the best shortstop in the prep class and outfielder Slade Caldwell has been one of the top performers. The pitching isn’t as deep, but Ole Miss has no shortage of impact talent in the group.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, Paino has a big build for a shortstop, but his infield actions, hands and baseball IQ all point to him being able to stick at shortstop. Offensively, he has a balanced lefthanded swing, good pitch recognition and makes consistent contact. He’s hit over power, but his size suggests that he’ll develop more pop in time, even if his on-base skills remain the focal point of his offensive game.
7. Florida State
Recruiting coordinator: Ty Megahee
Top recruit: Hunter Carns, C
Overview: Florida State is coming off a difficult season as it missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 45 years and a summer that saw both of Link Jarrett’s top assistant coaches get hired away as head coaches. The Seminoles still have a strong class committed that’s especially deep among position players, including Carns and slugger Myles Bailey.
Carns in October was named MVP at Perfect Game’s WWBA World Championship in Jupiter and offers plenty of offensive upside. His electric bat speed and strength produce plus raw power. He’s a good athlete and while there’s some swing-and-miss to his game, he could immediately step into the heart of the Florida State lineup. His defense is not as advanced and there’s some question as to whether he’ll stick behind the plate. He’s a good athlete and an average runner, however.
8. Vanderbilt
Recruiting coordinator: Mike Baxter
Top recruit: Owen Hall, RHP
Overview: This class isn’t as laden with stars as some recent Vanderbilt classes, but that might mean it isn’t hit as hard on draft day. Regardless, the class still runs deep and is well-rounded between both position players and pitchers.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, Hall combines projection with solid present stuff. His velocity has steadily ticked up over the last year and he’s been up to 97 mph, while also showing advanced feel for spin. He throws both a curveball, which is an above-average offering, and a slider, as well as showing some feel for a changeup. He throws a lot of strikes but if he can find more consistent command, he could take another step forward.
9. Georgia
Recruiting coordinator: Josh Simpson
Top recruit: Michael Mullinax, OF
Overview: Georgia this summer underwent a coaching change, with Wes Johnson hired to take over the program. While much of the class was committed when Johnson and his staff arrived, they were able this fall to make some significant additions, including Bryce Clavon and Erik Parker, two exciting in-state infielders.
Mullinax, however, has been pledged to Georgia for a couple years. His tools, athleticism, track record and ability to play a premium defensive position (center field) makes for an enticing combination. He’s a switch-hitter with plus raw power and premium speed who can impact the game in a number of ways.
10. South Carolina
Recruiting coordinator: Monte Lee
Top recruit: PJ Morlando, OF
Overview: The class is headlined by Morlando, who is in the conversation with Konnor Griffin as the top player in the prep class. While he brings serious star power to the group, South Carolina has solid depth behind him, including powerful lefthander Brandon Clarke, a junior college transfer.
Morlando has a premium offensive skillset. He has elite bat speed and a strong build, giving him plus raw lefthanded power. Equally impressive is his ability to get to that power in games, thanks to his advanced pitch recognition and feel for the barrel. He has average speed and profiles as a corner outfielder who would be an immediate force in the heart of the lineup.
11. Florida
Recruiting coordinator: Chuck Jeroloman
Top recruit: Brendan Lawson, SS
Overview: Florida has a smaller class than normal, but it’s not lacking on impact talent. The class is typically strong on the mound, as the Gators again cleaned up on in-state arms. Their incoming pitchers are big and physical, starting with 6-foot-6 righthander Schuyler Sanford.
Lawson, a Canadian native, leads the position players. He’s a dynamic lefthanded hitter who has been on the rise this year. He creates plenty of bat speed and can drive the ball to all fields, with more power likely to come as he physically matures. It comes with some swing and miss and where he fits defensively is still a bit of a question, but his impact potential is clear.
12. Texas A&M
Recruiting coordinator: Nolan Cain
Top recruit: Sam Erickson, OF
Overview: The Aggies have a well-balanced class that includes some impactful pitchers and a strong set of position players. Texas A&M kept its 2023 class together through the draft and if it can do the same with this group, it would have a strong core of young players to build around for the next few years.
Erickson offers exciting offensive upside thanks to his power-speed combination. He has a physical build at 6-foot, 210 pounds and has grown into solid righthanded power to go with plus speed and good bat-to-ball skills. He’s a good defender in center field. Erickson has flown a bit under the radar to this point, but could see that change in a big way this spring.
13. Auburn
Recruiting coordinator: Karl Nonemaker
Top recruit: Connor Gatwood, RHP
Overview: Auburn took advantage of a strong group of in-state prep pitchers, who form the backbone of the class. Gatwood, righthander Christian Chatterton and lefthander Jackson Sanders make for a formidable trio at the top of the class, but don’t overlook righthanders Luke Davenport and Eli Driskell, who offer solid upside of their own.
Gatwood came on strong this spring, as his velocity started to tick up. He’s still projectable at 6-foot-5, 195 pounds and he runs his fastball into the mid 90s. That goes with a short slider, some feel for a changeup and solid athleticism. Put it all together, and it’s an exciting overall skillset.
14. Miami
Recruiting coordinator: Jonathan Anderson
Top recruit: Johnny King, LHP
Overview: The Hurricanes this summer went through a coaching change, as J.D. Arteaga was promoted from pitching coach to head coach. The new staff’s first recruiting class is a strong one, especially on the mound, with pitchers like King, righthander Lazaro Collera and lefthander David Shields leading the way.
King is young for the class and has a projectable, 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame. He may remind Miami fans of Carson Palmquist thanks to his build and pitchability. King has taken a step forward over the last year and now throws his fastball in the low 90s, which plays well off his feel for his breaking balls. He can vary his arm slot and pounds the strike zone, making for a tough at bat.
15. Iowa
Recruiting coordinator: Marty Sutherland
Top recruit: Joey Oakie, RHP
Overview: This class is probably the best in program history thanks to some premium in-state talent opting to stay home. Oakie and infielder Myles Davis give the Hawkeyes star power both on the mound and in the lineup.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Oakie has a well-rounded package on the mound. He can run his fastball up to 97 mph and he throws from a low three-quarters slot that makes for a very tough at bat. He pairs it with a sharp slider and throws a lot of strikes with both pitches.
16. Mississippi State
Recruiting coordinator: Jake Gautreau
Top recruit: Dante Nori, OF
Overview: The Bulldogs this year have a smaller recruiting class, but it packs a punch. It’s strongest among position players, with Nori leading the way, and the group brings high-end athleticism to Starkville.
Nori is the fastest player in the country, bringing game-breaking speed and elite athleticism. His all-around game is geared toward making the most of that speed, but he can drive the ball when he gets the opportunity. Still, he mostly has a contact-oriented approach and has good feel for the barrel. His speed and athleticism play well in center field.
17. Georgia Tech
Recruiting coordinator: James Ramsey
Top recruit: Drew Rogers, C
Overview: The Yellow Jackets have a big class that’s heavy on position players. Rogers, perhaps Georgia Tech’s next high-level catching prospect, leads the way, but there’s no shortage of up-the-middle talent to be found.
Rogers is one of the top catchers in the prep class and offers a powerful righthanded bat and solid defensive tools behind the plate. His strength gives him solid power and he drives the ball well. Behind the plate, he has plus arm strength and receives well.
18. North Carolina State
Recruiting coordinator: Chris Hart
Top recruit: Tyler Head, OF
Overview: Under Hart’s direction, NC State has had a lot of success finding prep hitters in Florida and the Wolfpack seem to have done it again with Head and shortstop Devin Fitz-Gerald. They lead the position players in the class, while the pitching staff offers and intriguing combination of upside and pitchability.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Head is a good athlete and a plus runner. He has a smooth lefthanded swing with solid projectable power. As he physically matures, he could end up with a very exciting combination of power and speed. He also is a solid defender in center field.
19. Oklahoma State
Recruiting coordinator: Mark Ginther
Top recruit: Garrett Shull, OF
Overview: The Cowboys have another solid class, as they aim for their fifth Top 25 class in six years. This class is deep on the mound, combining high-upside, projectable arms with a few pitchers that have solid pitchability and should help right away.
Shull gives the class a headliner among position players. The switch-hitter has a strong build and brings the ability to drive the ball from both sides of the plate. There’s some swing-and-miss to his game, but he generally makes good swing decisions and has solid pitch recognition. He’s an average runner who probably profiles best in an outfield corner.
20. Duke
Recruiting coordinator: Ty Blankmeyer
Top recruit: Andre Modugno, 3B
Overview: The Blue Devils have an exciting, high-upside class anchored by Modugno and Jeff Lougee. That pair could be the heart of the lineup for a few seasons in Durham, if things come together for Duke. The class is also strong with lefthanded pitching.
Modugno has one of the highest ceilings in the country. Listed at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, he’s physical, projectable and toolsy. He has plus raw righthanded power and could grow into more. He also is an impressive athlete, has plus speed and could be a solid defender at either third base or center field. All that upside does come with some risk, however, as there’s a fair amount of swing-and-miss in his game. If he’s able to make more consistent contact, it’s easy to dream on his potential.
21. Arkansas
Recruiting coordinator: Nate Thompson
Top recruit: Carson Wiggins, RHP
Overview: The Razorbacks last year signed the No. 1 recruiting class but got hit hard on draft day, as six recruits ultimately signed with MLB teams. This class doesn’t present quite as much draft risk, but does offer some exciting upside, nonetheless.
Wiggins is the younger brother of former Razorback Jaxon Wiggins and, like his older brother, he has a big right arm. His fastball has been up to 99 mph, and he does a good job of throwing strikes for a teenage power pitcher. He has good feel for his power slider and can mix in a splitter as well. He’s a bit old for the class, but it’s easy to dream on his upside.
22. UCLA
Recruiting coordinator: Bryant Ward
Top recruit: Ethan Schiefelbein, LHP
Overview: After landing the top-ranked 2023 recruiting class, UCLA has a smaller 2024 group. It’s not as famous, but there’s still impact talent in the class, starting with Schiefelbein and catcher Dylan Fein.
Schiefelbein has an easy delivery and stands out most for his advanced pitchability. His fastball works in the low 90s, touching 94 mph. He has good feel for spin and throws both a curveball and slider, to go with a promising changeup. There’s still some projection to his build (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) and he could develop into a top-end starter for the Bruins.
23. Wake Forest
Recruiting coordinator: Bill Cilento
Top recruit: Ryan Sloan, RHP
Overview: Coming off its best season in more than 50 years, Wake Forest has put together an impressive recruiting class. It’s especially strong on the mound, with Sloan leading the way, but it also includes some solid position players with up-the-middle defensive skills.
Listed at 6-foot-4, Sloan has grown into that frame over the last year and his velocity has ticked up as a result. His fastball works in the mid 90s and he mixes in a sharp breaking ball and a promising changeup. He has a competitive mindset on the mound and has all the tools to develop into a weekend starter for the Demon Deacons.
24. Louisville
Recruiting coordinator: Eric Snyder
Top recruit: Tague Davis, 1B/LHP
Overview: Louisville brings in a balanced class that’s deeper on the mound but offers impact talent among its position players. It’s a big and physical group, particularly on the mound, and should provide some immediate impact.
Davis is the son of former big leaguer Ben Davis and has true two-way potential. As a hitter, he offers big lefthanded power thanks to his bat speed and strong build (6-foot-4, 215 pounds). On the mound, he has solid pitchability and a good fastball-slider combination. He’s got real impact ability in both positions.
25. Arizona State
Recruiting coordinator: Sam Peraza
Top recruit: Nicholas Montgomery, C
Overview: Arizona State hasn’t had a Top 25 class in the final rankings since 2020, but this group is on track. The Sun Devils are especially strong among position players, with Montgomery and outfielder Ky McGary leading the way. They could form a strong core to the ASU lineup in years to come.
Montgomery is big and physical at a listed 6-foot-4, 210 pounds. That strength gives him big raw righthanded power and he can drive the ball to all fields. That power and his long limbs do lead inevitably to some swing and miss, but he’s a disciplined enough hitter to do a lot of damage offensively. Montgomery is big for a catcher, but he’s got above-average arm strength and has good hands, giving him a chance to stick there.
