PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley Baseball has unveiled its 2026 recruiting class, a dynamic group of high-upside athletes who align with head coach Justin Dedman's vision for elevating the program. Per Perfect Game, the class ranks 68th in the nation, marking one of the top incoming groups in program history.

"This recruiting class is dynamic," Dedman said. "Our entire coaching staff has done an outstanding job identifying high ceiling players we believe can develop into professional ballplayers and who care deeply about winning and becoming champions. This group is curious, obsessed and on fire for getting better every day. This class is our first full recruiting class and represents the type of impact athletes and outstanding makeup we desire to bring to Bradley. We are extremely proud of the team we have put together for our first spring together, and we are thrilled to mesh this 2026 recruiting class with next year's returners to move the needle aggressively forward."

The 2026 class includes a strong blend of position players and pitchers, each bringing advanced tools, athleticism and competitive drive.

Position Players

Adam Swanson – Catcher — Ottawa Township (IL)

A high-end athlete with a big arm and leadership presence behind the plate, Swanson brings advanced defensive skills and real hit potential.
"Adam is a five-tool player with grit and a love for the game," Dedman said. "He can really hit, is a plus runner with a strong arm, and is advanced behind the plate for his age. His determination and work ethic will allow him to compete and grow early in his career."

Ezra Liggon – Center Fielder — Vel Phillips Memorial (WI)

An explosive mover with power, speed and advanced defensive range.
"Ezra runs like a deer and hits with electric bat speed," Dedman said. "His 6'4 frame covers ground and he has a plus, accurate arm. He is disciplined, competitive and always asking questions about how he can improve."

Caleb Liggon – Shortstop — Vel Phillips Memorial (WI)

A powerful, athletic shortstop with plus-plus speed and advanced barrel skills.
"Caleb is an athlete who will stick in the middle of the diamond," Dedman said. "A plus-plus runner with quick hands and real bat speed, he is fun to watch. The ball is always on his barrel and he is on fire to improve."

William Bologna – Shortstop — Liberty North (MO)

A sure-handed defender with elite instincts, competitive edge and strong offensive foundation.
"William plays the game with an infectious joy and a zoned-in competitiveness in each at bat," Dedman said. "He is a true shortstop with athletic actions and an excellent game clock."

Kieran Leatherman – Outfielder — Wayzata (MN)

A rangy, explosive athlete with real upside in all phases.
"Kieran is an explosive and rangy athlete," Dedman said. "He is a smooth defender with a big arm, real bat speed and a tremendous future. He has an energetic life force and is curious and obsessed about his development."

Hector Roca – Catcher — Wabash Valley JC (FL)

A physical, strong-armed catcher with middle-of-the-order potential.
"We are fired up about Hector," Dedman said. "He is coming into his own as a physical run producer at the plate and has a big arm and fast hands behind the dish. He is a competitor and wants to be great."

Pitchers

Gage Brownell – Right-Handed Pitcher — Schuyler County (MO)

A 6'3 righty with projection and late-inning competitiveness.
"Gage has a bright future," Dedman said. "He is an athletic righty with a sharp breaking ball and a fastball that jumps. He is a competitor who wants to finish games and his multi-sport background adds to his development potential."

Brayden Davidson – Right-Handed Pitcher — Liberty North (MO)

An athletic right-hander with a fast arm, up to 91 mph and a plus changeup.
"Brayden pitches with moxy and aggressiveness," Dedman said. "He is up to 91 and pairs that with a fast arm, plus changeup and a budding slider."

Codi Scott – Left-Handed Pitcher — Jefferson College (MO)

A physical lefty with a low-90s fastball, cutter and strong performance history.
"Codi is competitive, confident and driven," Dedman said. "His combination of command and competitiveness will play early."

Luke Goss – Right-Handed Pitcher — Lincoln Land CC (IL)

A deceptive right-hander with a unique slot and fastball up to 92 mph.
"Luke has an easy operation and a unique fastball profile," Dedman said. "He is a proven strike thrower who has made major strides in the weight room."

Jake Alvarez – Right-Handed Pitcher — Odessa College (TX)

A fierce competitor with versatility in usage and a strong cutter/fastball combo.
"Jake is hungry to develop into a pro and compete at the highest level," Dedman said. "He has a true cutter, a riding fastball and the ability to spin it."

Brayden Schnurbusch – Right-Handed Pitcher — John A. Logan CC (IL)

A 6'7 right-hander with one of the highest ceilings in the class, already touching 94 mph.
"Brayden is blossoming into a special pitcher," Dedman said. "He is driven, hungry and an athletic mover with a ton of projection."

Joe Kelly – Right-Handed Pitcher — Loyola Academy (IL)

An athletic righty with a fast arm, lower release point and a riding fastball up to 89 mph.
"Joe is an athletic 6'1 right hander with a fast arm," Dedman said. "He spins his slider very well and knows how to get to his glove side."

Luke Parkinson – Right-Handed Pitcher — Whinall (WI)

A projectable 6'3 right-hander with cut-ride action and long-term upside.
"Luke is blossoming into his physical frame," Dedman said. "He is extremely athletic, competitive and driven to become special."

Andrew Balentine – Left-Handed Pitcher — Folsom Lake (CA), formerly Fresno State

A 6'1 left-hander with a swing-and-miss fastball and quickly developing offspeed.
"Andrew has a fast arm and swing-and-miss fastball," Dedman said. "Hitters struggle to square him up, and his offspeed is developing quickly. He is driven and curious and wants to see how great he can become."