HBCU Baseball Players to Look Out for in 2025

Here are HBCU baseball players to look out for in the 2025 season who may provide the most value to their teams’ success. They are game-changing top players to watch during the season. Black College Nines (BCN) continues to access the HBCU baseball top talent pool and the names you may or may not know, but could be top players in the making for the season. We provide which pitchers and hitters have the best shot to take the next big step in their respective collegiate careers in the coming months.

Here are our HBCU baseball players to look out for this spring…  

Norfolk State University 

Justin Journette – OF Named Black College Nines Large School All-Elite First Team and that division’s Player of the Year. Selected to the HBCU Swingman Classic. Earned All-NEC Second Team honors. Started all 51 games. Fourth on the team in batting average (.304). Brought in 35 runs on 59 hits. Placed third on the team in doubles (10) and led the team in triples (three). Led the team in home runs (15), setting the school Division I record, and RBIs (47). Also, drew 27 walks. Earned a spot on the NEC Honor Roll. Also named to the NSU AD Honor Roll for both semesters.

Talladega College 

Miguel Oropeza – A standout player who led the NAIA in batting average in 2024. Named Black College Nines Small School All-Elite First Team and that division’s Player of the Year. Oropeza was also awarded the MVP and Best Hitter in the GCAC. His return provides a significant offensive boost to the top HBCU NAIA baseball program.

 

 

Samuel Guadamuz RHP – Returning after an excellent 2024 season with a record of 11-2 and an ERA of 3.22, solidifying the team’s pitching rotation. Guadamuz provides stability for the starting pitching staff. Additionally, he was Black College Nines Pitcher of the Year and Black College Nines Small School Division All-Elite First Team. Guadamuzhas bolstered the roster with some much needed arms, including versatile right-handed pitching who can serve as starters or come out of the bullpen.

Albany State University 

Landon Kiefer – Landon will return for his junior year after two unbelievable years. He was the 2023 Division II Freshman of the Year and a 1st team All-SIAC conference selection in 2024. Landon had 10 wins in 2024, and the Rams expect big things out of Kiefer. He will sit at 88-91 and top 92 mph and worked all summer on throwing four pitches for a strike. The Albany State coaching staff stated “Kiefer is very talented on the mound, expect his best year yet this season as he will hit the 30 plus win total in 2024.” HBCU Baseball Black College Nines Small School Division Second Team All-Elite.

Brady Davis – Davis will return for his senior year after winning nine games for the Rams and being named SIAC Pitcher of the Year. Davis is a crafty lefty that relies on pinpoint control and changing speeds to keep hitters off balance. Worked hard to gain some velocity with his fastball and will pitch from 78-82 mph with his change being his best pitch. Lately, Davis has shown signs of the big breaking ball he possessed in high school before his Tommy John surgery his senior year. Davis will not wow you with his velocity, but it is amazing how he can go through a line-up and never be hit hard. A former HBCU Baseball Black College Nines Small School Division First Team All-Elite.

Jeremiah Reddell – Reddell will return for his senior season after having a story book career. Reddell won 12 games in 2023 and another 6 last year for the Rams. Head Coach Hemmings is hoping that Reddell will be able to repeat his 2023 season. Reddell will sit anywhere between 83-88 mph with a great change-up and wipeout slider and the ability to keep hitters off balance with his ability to locate 4 pitches in any count. Reddell is another ultra-competitive player that the Rams will heavily rely on to get them back to the NCAA Regional tournament and the Black College World Series. Reddell is another pitcher that has a chance to get into the 30 plus career win total.”

Luke Addison – Addision will return for his junior year after one of the best offensive performances that the Rams have ever witnessed. Appeared in 49 games of the season, registering a .358 batting average, .424 on-base percentage, and .503 slugging percentage. Totaled 55 runs, 201 at-bats, 74 hits, 10 doubles, three triples, 10 HR, 63 RBIs, 27 walks, and seven stolen bases. He was named the 2023 SIAC Utility Player of the Year and 1st team All-SIAC and All-tournament team in 2024. Scott Hemmings stated “Addison is a phenomenal player and has a chance to be one of the best I have ever coached.” Former HBCU Baseball Black College Nines Small School Division First Team All-Elite.

Lincoln University (PA) 

Wesley Hogan – Wesley is the everyday shortstop and is a 4-year starter in the program. He hits in the middle of the lineup and is a leader on and off the field. Last season he hit.268 with 9 home runs, 8 doubles, 35 RBI, slugged .542, and had a.384 OBP and was 5/6 in SB. His strikeout to walk rate continues to improve and his approach has improved tremendously over the past 2 seasons. His work ethic has put him in a position where the sky is the limit for him in 2025. Definitely a name to look for as Lincoln transitions into the CACC.

Xavier University of Louisiana (LA) 

Miles Peterson

Senior OF/C three-year letterman R-R Upper Marlboro, Md. Peterson, a returning starter, is an exciting player. He is versatile and can play all three outfield positions with gap to gap speed, which is valuable to a team. He also can play catcher, which brings additional value to Xavier’s baseball program and solidifies his title as one of the team leaders.

 

Southern University 

KJ White – Junior infielder brings consistent offensive and defensive power to the lineup. White went 6 for 10 with two stolen bases in the team’s fall world Series. Last season, White batted .359 in 45 games, 35 runs, 52 hits, 20 runs batted in, 17 for 18 in the stolen base department.

 

 

Honorable Mention:

Victor Rivera

Known for his speed, Rivera led the NAIA in stolen bases last season. His return brings both offensive and defensive value to the team.

Texas Southern University

Calvin McClendon LHP, projected to be weekend starters and bring a ton of SWAC experience to the Tigers pitching staff.

Kewan Braziel LHP will look to be a weekend starters.

Morris College

Jaylen Halley and Daniel Roberts both returners who really made an impact last season.

Bluefield State University 

Angel Martinez (OF), Kevin Rodriguez (INF/OF), Sebastian Ortega (OF), Will Austin (RHP), Grayson Peel (RHP) – Mooresville, Colton Roberts (RHP), and Tomas Rodriguez (C).

Norfolk State University 

Jalan Jones sophomore OF who slashed .318 / .390 / .490 as a freshman last season.

Delaware State University

Jaryn Sample – 3B/P Jaryn displayed power and consistent solid contact this fall after having a great offensive year the prior season. Jaryn has been working hard all fall improving his defensive lateral movement and gaining more power in his swing.

Michael Lane – Michael was one of the most consistent pitcher this fall gaining velocity on his fastball and continues to improve with his accuracy and location on his pitches. One of the hardest workers on the team and a natural leader his continual improvement and consistency shows his dedication.