Cole Cheatham, a 6‑foot‑4 right‑hander standing 250 pounds, hails from Liberty, Indiana, and has quickly become one of the most talked‑about arms in the 2026 high school class.
A Rising Star in the Making
During his senior season he compiled a 5‑0 record while fanning 103 batters over 45.2 innings, a performance that earned him First Team All‑State honors from multiple outlets, including the respected PrepBaseballReport.
At the Perfect Game showcase in early July, Cheatham’s fastball repeatedly hit the upper 90s, topping out at 97 miles per hour and drawing praise from scouts for its sharp movement and command.
He also earned a spot on the USA Baseball 18U National Team, appearing in two games and throwing three innings, further cementing his status as a national prospect.
Rankings reflect his ascent: PrepBaseballReport places him at the top of Indiana’s prospects and within the top 50 players nationwide, while PerfectGame ranks him 183rd overall in the country.
With a combination of size, velocity and poise on the mound, coaches at West Virginia University are already tracking his development, and many expect him to be a key contributor when he arrives on campus.