Kent State Baseball Signed Five Talented Ohio Prospects for Class of 2026
11/21/2025 3:38:00 PM | Baseball
KENT, Ohio — Kent State head baseball coach Jeff Duncan announced today the program's 2026 signing class, featuring five of Ohio's top-ranked high school prospects.
"I want to thank my recruiting coordinator, Zeke Pinkham, as well as Birky, Coach Bertolini, and Kade McClure for their hard work and input in developing this small but elite recruiting class," said Duncan. "In the recruiting process, we look for high talent. Additionally, we are looking for individuals who are the right fit for the program. High character, high energy towards the game of baseball and in society, coachable, good teammates, and a track record of being winners. All of these guys fit that mold."
Ben Hanley | 6'1, 205 | RHP | Mason High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Hanley enters the Golden Flashes' 2026 class as one of the premier right-handed pitchers in the Midwest. The Cincinnati product is ranked as the No. 11 overall player in Ohio and the No. 4 right-handed pitcher in the state by Prep Baseball Report, while also landing at No. 146 nationally among right-handers. A 2025 Division I All-Ohio Second Team selection, Hanley impressed in his junior campaign, posting a 3-0 record with a 1.88 ERA and 40 strikeouts across five appearances (MaxPreps). He's a power arm with a fastball reaching 93 MPH, complemented by a sharp 82–83 MPH changeup, 73–77 MPH curveball, and 79–82 MPH slider. Hanley also competed in the prestigious Prep Baseball Future Games, showcasing his ability against elite national competition.
Duncan on Hanley:
"Physical right-handed pitcher that's consistently added strength and size since he committed. Comes from a great HS program in Mason HS and a baseball family. Father Todd pitched at Toledo, and Brother Jake is a sophomore at Indiana University. Ben has a great mix of pitch ability with stuff. Has a fastball that'll sit 90-92 and has seen that number climb to the mid-90s. Has a feel for his pitches as well as a feel for the game. Advanced for his age at knowing his arsenal and setting up hitters. His fastball has natural run with his arm action, but can also ride it if needed. He has two breakers, a slider & a cutter. The slider has plenty of sweep, and the cutter is a gyro. Has a changeup with fade as well to LHH."
Comparison: Derek Lowe
Conner Cuozzo | 6'1, 225 | INF | Archbishop Moeller High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)
A cornerstone of the 2026 class, Cuozzo is one of the most decorated infielders in the Midwest. The Archbishop Moeller product ranks as the No. 12 player in Ohio, No. 1 third baseman in the state, and No. 18 third baseman nationally (PBR). A 2025 Division I All-Ohio First Team selection and 2024 GCL Player of the Year, Cuozzo brings a rare combination of power, speed, and arm strength — boasting 100 MPH max exit velocity, 93 MPH average exit velocity, 82 MPH bat speed, and 389-foot max distance. Cuozzo also represented Ohio at the Prep Baseball Future Games, solidifying his status as one of the state's top offensive prospects.
Duncan on Cuozzo:
"Physical corner infielder with massive power at the plate, complemented by athleticism. Sneaky speed for his physicality. Was the 2024 GCL Player of the Year. Plays for one of the best high school programs in the country at Archbishop Moeller. Also an All-State football player."
Comp: Sawyer Solitaria
Manny Camacho | 6'8, 230 | LHP | Archbishop Hoban High School (Millersburg, Ohio)
Camacho brings left-handed dominance to the Kent State roster. The Archbishop Hoban standout is the No. 17 overall player in Ohio and the No. 3 left-handed pitcher in the state (PBR). A 2025 Division IV All-Ohio First Team honoree, Camacho features a lively 90 MPH fastball, supported by a 79–82 MPH changeup, 69–73 MPH curveball, and 70–74 MPH slider.
Duncan on Camacho:
"Physically imposing 6'8 left-handed pitcher that'll turn heads as soon as he steps on the mound. Pitches for a great high school program in Archbishop Hoban & a great travel program in Legends. Manny's arsenal has consistently gotten better as he's committed. Fastball has been up to 92 and features two breaking pitches (curveball & slider) and feel for a changeup. Manny is highly competitive, as he's a multi-sport athlete, and will push for innings as soon as he arrives on campus."
Comp: Matt Smoral
Drew Oerther | 6'2, 220 | LHP | Loveland High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Oerther joins the Flashes as one of Ohio's most well-rounded prospects, excelling both on the mound and at the plate. Ranked No. 20 overall in Ohio and the No. 4 left-handed pitcher (PBR), Oerther showcased his skills at the Prep Baseball Future Games and turned in an impressive 2025 campaign. On the mound, he recorded a 1.95 ERA with 28 strikeouts in three appearances. Oerther has a fastball that's reached up to 92 MPH.
Duncan on Oerther:
"Big body left-handed pitcher with long arms and gets extension down the mound. Strike thrower with a bulldog mentality. Has a three-pitch mix and can throw any pitch anytime for a strike. Fastball will sit 87-90 with a slider and a changeup. Changeup has the potential to be a plus pitch. Played for a top travel team in the USA Prime National."
Comp: Mark Buerhle
Chase Dennison | 6'1, 190 | RHP | Hudson High School (Hudson, Ohio)
Dennison enters the Golden Flashes' 2026 class as one of the premier right-handed pitchers in Ohio. Dennison is ranked 168th in the state by Prep Baseball Report. Dennison has a fastball reaching 90 MPH, complemented by a sharp 83–84 MPH changeup, 79–81 MPH curveball, and 79–80 MPH slider.
Duncan on Dennison:
"Late bloomer from Hudson High School up the road. Athletic right-handed pitcher that's a two-pitch mix. Fastball ranges from 87-90 with an elite breaking ball. The breaking ball boasts elite spin and has the potential to be a reliable back-end reliever immediately."
Comp: David Robertson
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