Troy’s Omaha Follow-Up, Brendan Lawson’s No. 1 Pick Case | College Fall Ball Intel

Troy Embraces New Expectations After Historic Omaha Run

There is no longer any element of surprise surrounding Troy. 

After reaching the College World Series for the first time in program history and authoring the greatest season the school has ever seen, the Trojans enter 2027 with a considerably different set of expectations. For coach Skylar Meade, the challenge is as much about managing the weight of that success as it is assembling another team capable of reaching Omaha.

“Have to figure out how to handle pace of play, body language and a target,” Meade told Baseball America.

The sixth-year Troy coach, who this offseason agreed to a four-year contract extension with the university, has been encouraged by the makeup of a roster evenly divided between 19 returners and 19 newcomers. He said he sees a group unburdened by the ego that can accompany a historic breakthrough, though navigating the attention and expectations that follow will require continued growth.

There is plenty of talent to support those ambitions, particularly in a lineup that has produced some eye-opening performances this fall.

Star catcher Jimmy Janicki will once again lead the charge behind the plate, giving Troy a premier talent at one of the game’s most demanding positions. Janicki has looked every bit as advertised this fall, reinforcing his standing as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 MLB draft. His athleticism was particularly evident at pro day, where he turned in an impressive 6.69-second 60-yard dash—a strong mark for a catcher that further underscores the breadth of his physical tools.

Outfielder Houston Markham has taken a significant step forward this fall, homering multiple times while playing strong defense in center field and emerging as one of Troy’s most dynamic players. Markham turned in a 6.39-second 60 at Troy’s pro day, the fastest on the team.

Cooper Williams has been equally impressive at shortstop, pairing high-end defensive ability with impressive offensive impact. In one recent fall workout, Williams homered with a 108 mph exit velocity and added two doubles, further strengthening his case for a spot near the top of the order. First baseman Ty McGraw delivered an even louder performance that same day, launching a home run at 115 mph while adding a 106 mph double and a 109.4 mph single.

The offensive depth extends well beyond that trio. Caden Reeves has impressed with his power, offensive performance and makeup while splitting time between catcher and first base. He and 2026 postseason hero Jabe Boroff figure to share catching responsibilities, though Boroff has spent more time at third base this fall after demonstrating his ability behind the plate last season.

Among the freshmen, Hudson Reed and Kam Jenkins have flashed loud offensive ceilings. Reed recently drove a ball 432 feet with a 108 mph exit velocity, while Jenkins connected on a 418-foot home run earlier in the fall. Jenkins is still working to find greater consistency at the plate, but both have shown the kind of impact potential that could make them important pieces of Troy’s future.

Layne Akers and Payton Knowles have also made encouraging strides. Akers has distinguished himself with his explosiveness, while Knowles has drawn comparisons from Meade to former Trojan Aaron Piasecki for his strike-zone awareness and barrel control. Unlike Piasecki, however, Knowles is unlikely to provide the same infield versatility, with first base representing his most realistic defensive fit on the dirt.

On the mound, Troy has a combination of established options, developing returners and newcomers pushing for significant innings.

Junior righty Noah Thigpen has been limited this fall but continues to pitch, and Meade remains confident in his ability. Fifth-year senior lefty Hayden Smith has emerged as a legitimate weekend rotation option after making a notable jump, touching 95 mph and developing a new secondary arsenal. Senior righty Cooper Ellingworth has worked at 93-95 mph with a four-pitch mix, while sophomore righty Matt Dill has returned from a minor knee issue and is sitting 90-92. Meade expects more velocity from Dill and is particularly encouraged by his upside and ability to throw strikes. Two-way contributor Brady Richardson has also pitched well in the same velocity band, showing a refined slider with the potential for another step forward.

Several new arms have positioned themselves to compete for substantial roles. Senior transfer righty Preston Watkins has increased his velocity to 91-93 mph, complemented by a plus secondary offering and an aggressive approach to attacking the strike zone. His early performance has given him a weekend starter profile. J.T. Long, meanwhile, has operated at 92-95 mph with two plus secondary pitches and a look Meade likened to 2026 16th-round pick Dylan Alonso. His strike-throwing has been especially encouraging.

Grady Bivens has been particularly impressive over the last three weeks, working at 91-94 mph, while freshman lefty Tyner Flynt has already emerged as a potential weekend starter. Flynt sits 90-92 mph and, according to Meade, might possess the best mound presence on the entire roster. Fellow freshman Layton Pohl is currently lower on the depth chart but touched 97 mph on scout day, offering a glimpse of his raw ability.

Joseph Taylor has reached 93 mph and features a legitimate secondary weapon, though his fastball still needs refinement. RJ Anglin, a significant late addition, has impressed with a fastball up to 95 mph, a quality slider and an aggressive strike-throwing mentality. Meade expects him to pitch frequently.

Troy’s fall schedule should provide a particularly revealing measure of its progress. Matchups with Tennessee, Samford, Florida and LSU offer opportunities to evaluate the roster against quality competition while accelerating the cohesion of a group that is equal parts familiar faces and new arrivals.

The talent is evident, as is the internal belief. The more complicated task is maintaining the habits and collective focus that carried Troy to unprecedented heights while adjusting to a reality in which opponents will be especially eager to knock off the Trojans. For Meade, that balance will help determine whether the greatest season in program history becomes the foundation for something sustained.

Brendan Lawson Begins Case For No. 1 Pick

Florida shortstop Brendan Lawson enters 2027 as a legitimate candidate to go first overall in the MLB draft. An early look at the rising junior this fall offered plenty of reasons to believe he could do it.

Baseball America recently traveled to Gainesville to evaluate Lawson and speak with him about his development. His offensive ability was immediately apparent. Lawson’s swing looks primed for another big season, and his impact was unmistakable when he turned on a 93 mph fastball from righthander Caden McDonald, driving the middle-up offering deep over the right field fence. The ball comes off Lawson’s bat with a different sound, a reflection of the exceptional impact he can generate.

Here’s a look at the homer:

Lawson has also devoted considerable attention to improving his footwork and mobility. He turned in plus run times up the line and looked noticeably more fluid at shortstop, where he will start and serve as Florida’s captain in 2027, even if his long-term professional home ultimately lies elsewhere.

Perhaps the most consequential development, however, has occurred away from the field.

Lawson has battled a severe sinus issue dating back to high school, one that cost him a considerable portion of his senior prep season and resurfaced last spring. The condition sidelined him for several games and compromised his effectiveness even when he was available. Lawson said he has finally gained control of the issue through an improved medication regimen and was adamant that he hasn’t felt this good in recent memory.

For a player whose physical gifts already place him firmly in the conversation for the draft’s top selection, improved health could be the final ingredient in building a convincing case to go 1-1.