The first recruiting rankings of a new cycle are as much a reflection of where prospects stand today as they are a starting point for what comes next. Baseball America’s initial Top 25 for the 2027 class establishes an early national pecking order, but the distance separating a ranked class from ones on the outside looking in can be remarkably thin.

A breakout spring, another step forward in a prospect’s development or the emergence of an overlooked talent can meaningfully alter a program’s standing. Several schools outside the initial Top 25 already have the pieces to make that climb, with promising collections of talent anchored by prospects approaching four- or five-star territory.

The following five classes have yet to crack the national rankings, but each has compelling reasons to believe its position could change before the 2027 cycle is complete. Teams are listed alphabetically.

Arizona State Sun Devils

Arizona State has made fertile recruiting ground of its own backyard, tapping into the Southwest’s considerable talent reserves to assemble some of the nation’s most prospect-laden rosters in recent years. The Sun Devils’ early 2027 class reflects that approach, with a collection of developing talent whose collective ceiling could ultimately exceed its current standing.

Lefthander Jose Partida and shortstop Jace Harrell are already three-star prospects, though their paths toward higher rankings look considerably different. Partida is a polished strike-thrower who disrupts hitters’ timing with an advanced changeup, often relying more heavily on his secondary offerings than a low-90s fastball that reaches 94 mph. Harrell’s appeal, on the other hand, is rooted in projection. The 6-foot-2 switch-hitter has a slender frame but already demonstrates barrel feel and natural middle-infield actions, with considerable physical development still ahead. Outfielder Joshua Priest, an undersized righthanded hitter, could also work his way into the individual rankings.

Perhaps the most consequential recent addition is righthander Rylan Ulrich, who reclassified into the 2027 class after previously committing to George Washington. Ulrich drew considerable scouting attention at the WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla., where his fastball reached 95 mph while a sharp, high-70s curveball provided a legitimate second weapon. His athletic delivery, accelerating velocity gains and remaining physical projection give Arizona State another arm with the potential to climb considerably as the evaluation cycle unfolds.

Clemson Tigers

Clemson’s pursuit of a nationally ranked 2027 class received a considerable boost on signing day with the commitment of Cullen Scott, the highest-ranked uncommitted player in the country at the time. The four-star, two-way talent ranked No. 69 on BA’s overall 2027 draft board, and he immediately gives the Tigers a high-profile centerpiece with legitimate star potential on either side of the ball.

Scott reclassified from 2028 to 2027 over the summer and will still be just 17 on draft day, making his present physicality and power arsenal all the more striking. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound righthander generates upper-90s velocity with relative ease and has touched 100 mph, though erratic control remains a significant developmental hurdle. His offensive tools are similarly imposing, with prodigious righthanded power to all fields and the arm strength to profile at third base. Scott intends to continue playing both ways in college, provided Clemson can navigate his considerable draft appeal.

Three-star righthander Logan Bristol gives the Tigers another arm with substantial upside. He returned to the mound late in the 2026 scouting circuit after undergoing internal brace surgery in January, showing a fastball up to 95 mph and a sharp, swing-and-miss slider. His athletic delivery and advanced ability to locate his fastball offer an encouraging foundation as he works back toward full strength. Two-way prospect Griffin McKain and lefthander Cole Cinnamond are additional names worth monitoring.

Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky has developed a knack for finding freshman contributors beyond the obvious recruiting headliners, drawing production from both nationally regarded prospects and players whose talent was less apparent before they reached campus. The Wildcats’ early 2027 class has a similar complexion. There is no established star at its center, but several intriguing athletes and projectable arms could substantially elevate the group’s standing over the coming months.

Three-star outfielder Tyler Fryman, a recent flip from Louisville, brings an enticing blend of athleticism and offensive potential. A standout wide receiver who has attracted Division I football interest, Fryman is a plus-plus runner whose speed translates naturally to center field and the basepath—a perfect fit for Kentucky’s play style. His compact righthanded swing produces line-drive contact with gap power, giving Kentucky a player whose athletic tools could translate quickly.

On the mound, three-star righthander Traxton Roberts offers considerable room for growth. Young for the class with a lean 6-foot-2 frame, Roberts already reaches 95 mph and shows feel for multiple secondary offerings, including two distinct breaking balls and a fading changeup. Unranked lefthander Ethan Reason also merits attention with present velocity, swing-and-miss secondary stuff and an athletic delivery that suggests additional development ahead.

UCLA Bruins

Few programs are better positioned to climb the recruiting rankings after the MLB draft than UCLA, whose ability to steer premium high school talent to campus gives its classes rare staying power. As other programs lose top recruits to professional baseball, the Bruins have a history of retaining players who might otherwise command significant draft interest.

That advantage could prove particularly valuable in 2027, with several prospects already positioned to improve their individual rankings. Three-star shortstop Parker Leoff is approaching four-star territory on the strength of his advanced instincts, polished defense and compact lefthanded swing. His contact-oriented offensive game and natural feel for shortstop give him a strong foundation despite a less imposing collection of raw tools. Righthanders Jonah Cohen and Grafton Marshall-Inman, along with shortstop Colton Hadfield, are also candidates to earn three-star recognition as the cycle progresses.

Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia’s 2027 class might lack a marquee name at present, but few groups outside the Top 25f offer a more compelling combination of depth, physical projection and candidates for significant movement in the rankings. The Cavaliers have assembled a collection of prospects at varying stages of development, many of whom could climb considerably over the next several months. 

Catcher William Weber and lefthander Brady Guzzie are already firmly established three-star prospects with compelling cases for four-star recognition. Weber has an imposing 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame and generates substantial righthanded power without sacrificing much contact. His flexibility, receiving ability and above-average arm further distinguish him behind the plate. Guzzie pairs a repeatable delivery with a riding fastball that reaches 92 mph and plays above its velocity thanks to extension and life through the zone. His developing slider-changeup combination gives him multiple avenues to miss bats.

The depth extends into a particularly intriguing group of unranked prospects. At 6-foot-6, lefthander Ryan Donahoe creates difficult angles with an extreme overhand release and pairs a fastball up to 93 mph with a downer curveball. Outfielder Lane Johnson, the son of former big league catcher Rob Johnson, offers a compact lefthanded swing, natural feel for driving the ball in the air and sound defensive instincts.

Righthander Hunter Vitello might be the most interesting longer-term development play of the group. The athletic 6-foot-4 pitcher showed a fastball up to 92 mph in Jupiter, with extension and promising release characteristics that help his stuff play beyond its present velocity. His four-pitch foundation and remaining physical projection warrant attention, though improved command and additional velocity will be necessary to realize his upside.