The 2026 MLB Draft wrapped up with a modest selection of North Carolina talent, yielding 14 players from the state’s high schools. While the number represents a dip from recent peaks, it also marks the end of a nine‑year run in which at least one Tar Heel prospect had been chosen in the first round.
Among the names called were several standouts who have already carved out impressive résumés. Luke Nixon, a three‑year starter at N.C. State, earned a reputation for a .350 career average and solid defensive work, catching the eye of the San Francisco Giants. Cooper Allen, a two‑time HighSchoolOT all‑state pick, combined a 2.30 ERA with a .380 batting mark at the college level before the Washington Nationals selected him.
Brandon Crabtree, a three‑time all‑state selection, brought a 1.85 ERA and 120 strikeouts to the Texas Rangers’ attention, while Tanner Marsh and Chris Katz each posted notable college statistics that helped them rise on draft boards. The group also includes Matthew Matthijs, a first‑team HighSchoolOT all‑state honoree, and Camden Wimbish, who progressed from N.C. State to Campbell University before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Collegiate Roots
Many of the draftees honed their skills at institutions scattered across the state and beyond. Connor Marshburn sharpened his pitching at UNC‑Wilmington, a program known for producing reliable arms, while Josh Swink developed his repertoire at Liberty University, where he posted double‑digit strikeout seasons. Camden Wimbish, after a stint at N.C. State, transferred to Campbell University, illustrating the diverse pathways that lead to the professional draft.
The organizations listed in the draft’s background — ranging from N.C. State and UNC‑Wilmington to Duke University, Liberty University, Mercer University, Catawba College, Gaston College, Campbell University, and James Madison University — provided the academic and athletic environments that shaped these players. Their official sites, including ncsu.edu, uncw.edu, duke.edu, liberty.edu, mercer.edu, catawba.edu, gaston.edu, campbell.edu, and jmu.edu, serve as digital hubs for the next generation of talent.
Beyond the individual stories, the reduced draft presence reflects broader shifts in how high school prospects are evaluated and signed. Fewer first‑round selections may signal a deeper pool of talent spread across the country, but it also underscores the importance of continued investment in state‑wide development programs.