2026 North Texas HS Pre-Szn Baseball Rankings
North Texas focus and criteria
For this North Texas-only look, the spotlight narrows to programs in the greater DFW/North Texas footprint that appeared in last season’s statewide computer rankings or regional playoff brackets. Rankings lean on a blend of 2025 overall record, computer rating/strength of schedule, playoff performance, and returning impact players identified on state and regional prospect lists.
1. Grapevine Mustangs
Grapevine enters 2026 as the clear North Texas standard after a 36–3 campaign that put the Mustangs on the short list of best teams in the state last season.
They combined a top-tier run differential with front-line pitching depth, and with multiple arms and middle-of-the-order bats expected back, Grapevine has the balance to make another deep run.
2. Aledo Bearcats
Aledo’s 32–8 finish and top‑five statewide computer profile showed how dangerous the Bearcats were once their rotation settled in.
With a physical lineup and enough returning experience on the mound, Aledo looks built for another long playoff push and has a real case as the region’s most complete roster on paper.
3. Southlake Carroll Dragons
Southlake Carroll rolled to a 30–9–1 record in 6A, pairing one of the state’s toughest schedules with a top‑three statewide ranking in the largest classification.
The Dragons again feature high-end arms and several Division I–caliber bats, and recent prospect rankings continue to highlight Carroll’s upper‑class pitching as among the best in Texas.
4. Prosper Eagles
Prosper finished 33–10–1 and sat near the top of the 6A computer rankings while navigating a brutal Region I bracket.
The Eagles return multiple headline recruits, including high‑end pitching and two‑way talent, giving them the upside to challenge for the top spot in North Texas by May.
5. Marcus Marauders
Marcus posted a 30‑win season against one of the state’s deepest district slates and landed in the 6A top 10 by year’s end.
With power in the middle of the order and a track record of playoff success, Marcus profiles as a dangerous, battle‑tested group that no one in Region I wants to see in a three‑game set.
6. Keller Indians
Keller’s 29–11 mark and regional‑semifinal presence underscored a program that consistently peaks in late May.
The Indians bring back enough pitching and defensive reliability to stay firmly in the North Texas top 10, and their experience in tight playoff series should pay off again.
7. Rockwall Yellowjackets
Rockwall went 29–10 and finished inside the statewide 6A top 10, powered by an explosive offense that could score in bunches.
If a retooled staff can replace innings lost to graduation, Rockwall’s lineup depth keeps the Yellowjackets squarely in regional‑title conversation.
8. Wakeland Wolverines
Wakeland’s 29–8 season and top‑20 Dallas‑area ranking highlight a program that keeps churning out winning clubs in a loaded Frisco corridor.
The Wolverines’ mix of athletic position players and strike‑throwing arms gives them a high floor, and any sophomore breakout could push them even higher by midseason.
9. Byron Nelson Bobcats
Byron Nelson went 25–12–1 and pushed deep into the 6A Region I bracket, drawing high‑profile series against other area powers.
The Bobcats are physical on the mound and at the plate, and with several key returners, they profile as a dangerous matchup for every ranked team above them.
10. Lovejoy Leopards
Lovejoy’s 30–9 record and top‑20 statewide rating were fueled by a balanced lineup and a staff that threw strikes and limited big innings.
The Leopards again project as one of the most fundamentally sound clubs in the region, and their ability to win close games keeps them firmly in the preseason top 10.
11–15: Depth of the region
11: Mansfield Legacy Broncos – A 27–11 finish and a strong Dallas‑area ranking put Legacy firmly in the conversation as a program on the rise with the talent to upset anyone above them.
12: Midlothian Heritage Jaguars – Heritage’s 27–8 record and top‑25 statewide rating reflect a group that pairs aggressive offense with steady pitching, making them a serious 5A threat.
13: Collinsville Pirates – At 31–4, Collinsville dominated the smaller‑school landscape and returns enough impact pieces to stay among North Texas’ most dangerous lower‑classification programs.
14: Gunter Tigers – Gunter’s 35–4 mark and top‑50 statewide rating underscore a winning culture built on pitching and defense that travels in the postseason.
15: Boyd Yellowjackets – Boyd’s 35–7 season and strong computer profile keep the Yellowjackets in the mix as a small‑school heavyweight capable of another deep playoff run.