Kentucky hosts top recruit in 2027 class
One of the Wildcats' top targets in the 2027 class was on campus for an official visit this weekend.
One of the Wildcats' top targets in the 2027 class was on campus for an official visit this weekend.
One of the top players in the 2027 high school baseball recruiting class was on Kentucky's campus for the Wildcats' football game against Ole Miss. Isaiah Snavely, an infielder who's ranked in the top 15 nationally by Prep Baseball Report, took an official visit over the weekend. He confirmed his visit with a post on TikTok.
Snavely attends Snider High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and plays for the Indiana Bulls Black travel baseball program. The Indiana Bulls, which was founded in the early 1990s and has produced over 800 college commitments, is the summer league program for three Kentucky commitments in the 2026 class: RHP Sammy Swank, RHP Aiden Smith and outfielder Rob Czarniecki.
Learn more about Kentucky's 2026 recruiting class
Though he's still a little less than two years away from graduating high school, Snavely is currently ranked among the top draft prospects in the 2027 class by Baseball America. He's listed as 6-foot-3, 190 pounds and hits lefthanded. The publication had the following to say on Snavely at this point in his career:
"There’s a good mix of physical projection, tools and offensive upside with Snavely. He has a sound lefthanded swing and makes hard contact with the strength projection to potentially grow into a 20-plus home run threat. His speed and arm strength are both above-average tools, with his arm potentially ticking up more as he gets stronger, and he should be able to handle the left side of the infield."
On Aug. 1, college coaches were officially allowed to contact prospects in the 2027 class. Kentucky quickly picked up a commitment from lefthanded pitcher Jackson Fossitt of Leslie, Michigan. An emphasis on recruiting the Midwest emerged in the 2026 class – nine of the 11 commitments are from the Midwest or Canada – and is expected to continue for the 2027 class.
The Wildcats signed the No. 21 class in the nation in 2025 according to Perfect Game. Dating back to 2024, the Wildcats have landed a commitment from at least one top 30 prospect in each class. Sophomore shortstop Tyler Bell started the trend, followed by incoming freshman Owen Jenkins. The 2026 class has a commitment from Matt Ponatoski, who's ranked in the top 25 by Prep Baseball Report and also a top 100 football recruit as a quarterback. Though he's uncommitted – and rankings are subject to change – Snavely might be the best shot for the Wildcats at extending the streak into a fourth year.
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