GAMES
RANKINGS
Grapevine claims back-to-back UIL State Championships with their 9-5 win over Kingwood Park in the 5A Division II Final (6/6/2025)
FIELD REPORT: VYPE DFW 2026 Preseason Baseball Rankings
Preseason hierarchy is rarely unanimous, but the area’s combined outlook opens with a familiar theme: proven playoff pedigree.
In Class 5A, defending state champion Grapevine opens as the team to beat after a 36-win campaign and a second straight title — the program’s third overall. With much of that roster back, there’s scant indication the Mustangs are prepared to loosen their grip.
Not far behind, Aledo carries its own championship pedigree into the spring. Fresh off an 8-1 victory over Smithson Valley Rangers in the 5A Division I State Final — its first crown since 2014 — Aledo proved it can pair pitching depth with timely offense on the biggest stage.
State semifinalists Lovejoy (5A Div. II), Marcus (6A Div. II) and Prosper (6A Div. I) reinforce the upper tier after Final Four runs in their respective brackets, while regional finalists Wakeland, Keller and Colleyville Heritage add further depth.
In a 6A classification defined by balance and weekly volatility, Allen and Waxahachie loom as potential risers. Both showcased district consistency a year ago and enter the new season intent on turning playoff lessons into extended May runs.
If 2025 proved anything, it’s that the path to Arlington remains crowded — and unforgiving.
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*Last section indicates 2025 result
VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Baseball Rankings -- February 2026 (Preseason)
1. Grapevine Mustangs (5A) -- 36-3 // 11-1 in District 6-5A // UIL 5A Division II State Champions*
2. Aledo Bearcats (5A) -- 34-8 // 9-0 in 5-5A // UIL 5A Division I State Champions*
3. Lovejoy Leopards (5A) -- 31-8 // 13-1 in 9-5A // 5A Division II State Semifinalists
4. Marcus Marauders (6A) -- 30-11 // 11-3 in 5-6A // 6A Division II State Semifinalists
5. Prosper Eagles (6A) -- 34-11 // 12-4 in 6-6A // 6A Division I State Semifinalists
6. Wakeland Wolverines (5A) -- 29-8 // 12-2 in 12-5A // Region II Finalists
7. Keller Indians (6A) -- 32-10 // 12-4 in 4-6A // Region I Finalists
8. Colleyville Heritage Panthers (5A) -- 23-14-1 // 12-2 in 6-5A // Region I Finalists
9. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 19-13-1 // 13-3 in 6-6A // Bi-District Finalists
10. Waxahachie Indians (6A) -- 21-14 // 10-4 in 11-6A // Area Finalists
Others to Watch: Southlake Carroll Dragons (4-6A), Rockwall Yellowjackets (10-6A), McKinney North Bulldogs (9-5A), Midlothian Heritage Jaguars (15-5A), Rockwall-Heath Hawks (10-6A), Byron Nelson Bobcats (4-6A), Royse City Bulldogs (10-6A), Dallas Jesuit Rangers (7-6A), Flower Mound Jaguars (5-6A), Midlothian Panthers (15-5A), Denton Guyer Wildcats (5-6A)
VYPE DFW Game of the Week: Southlake Carroll v. FM Marcus (UIL Baseball Region 1-6A-D2 Final)
A trip to the UIL State Tournament is on the line this week as two Dallas-Fort Worth baseball juggernauts — Southlake Carroll and Flower Mound Marcus — prepare to square off in the 6A-D2 Region I Final at Dallas Baptist University.
Southlake Carroll, under ninth-year head coach Larry Vucan, enters the series riding the momentum of a hard-fought sweep over Denton Guyer. Both games were decided by a single run (3-2), improving the Dragons to 30-7-1 on the season.
Currently ranked No. 3 in Texas by MaxPreps, Carroll is aiming for its 11th all-time trip to the UIL State Tournament and first since its 2022 state championship run — the program’s fifth overall.
Key contributors fueling Carroll’s latest postseason push include senior lefty/first baseman Jack Fuller (Weatherford-commit), senior infielders Tanner Carson and Davis Perkins (both McLennan JC-commits), freshman outfielder/pitcher Camden Dean, and senior right-hander Ethan Baiotto (Tennessee-commit).
On the other side, Marcus arrives with plenty of momentum after a gritty comeback in its Regional Semifinal series against Byron Nelson. After dropping Game 1, the Marauders rallied to take Games 2 and 3 by scores of 6-2 and 7-6.
Now 9th in the MaxPreps state rankings, Marcus is seeking its first-ever appearance at the State Tournament — a significant step forward from last season’s early exit in the Bi-District round.
Head coach Jeff Sherman’s squad features a balanced and veteran core, including senior outfielder Rock Duer, senior left-hander Emerison McKnight, senior third baseman Dane Parlin, junior shortstop Easton Mitchell, junior pitcher Luke Davis, and sophomore outfielder Michael Killian.
Also making an impact are senior leaders Jameson Taylor and Grady Fackler.
The best-of-three series will begin Thursday at 7:30 PM, followed by Game 2 on Friday at 5:00 PM. If necessary, a decisive Game 3 will be played Saturday at 2:30 PM — all hosted at Dallas Baptist University.
With state tournament dreams on the line, expect an intense battle between two of the Metroplex’s most talented and determined squads.