UC Riverside baseball announced its 2026 signing class under first-year head coach Gregg Wallis. The class includes 18 players who will join the Highlanders for the 2027 season, representing a range of high schools and junior colleges primarily in California along with one player from Arizona.
Wallis highlighted the qualities of the signees, stating, “In a short time this summer we were able to sign 18 talented student-athletes that will help elevate the program immediately. The theme with these players has been high academic profile, spring season performance, and winning high school or JC programs. We are confident this will translate to success at UCR and can’t wait to start our fall training.”
The signing class features players such as Kyle Casey, a left-handed pitcher from Simi Valley High School recognized as the 2025 All-County Coastal League Pitcher of the Year and a four-time Academic Excellence Award recipient; Rahul Patel, a right-handed pitcher and infielder from Valley Christian High School who posted a 2.56 ERA in 41 innings and contributed to CCS Division 1 and NorCal Division 1 titles in 2026; and AJ Logsdon, a switch-hitting shortstop from Riverside Prep who was named the 2026 Riverside Prep Athlete of the Year and holds several career hitting records at his school.
Other signees come from various California cities including Corte Madera, Apple Valley, Fresno, Roseville, Fontana, Placentia, Porter Ranch, Clements, Lake Forest, Temecula, Stockton, San Francisco, Concord, San Diego, and Corona, as well as Scottsdale, Arizona. Several players also come from junior colleges such as College of Marin, College of the Sequoias, Glendale Community College, Delta College, South Mountain Community College, Laney College, and Santa Ana College.
CSB Take
The unveiling of UC Riverside’s first signing class under coach Gregg Wallis marks a significant step in shaping the future of the Highlanders baseball program. By recruiting players with strong academic records and proven success in competitive programs, the team aims to build a foundation for sustained success in the Big West Conference. This infusion of diverse talent from both high school and junior college levels offers promising depth and versatility as the Highlanders prepare for the upcoming seasons.
Source: Original report
