Dunlap standout commits to Missouri Valley Conference baseball program

Ryder Rennette will be playing NCAA Division-I college baseball.

The Dunlap junior announced via social media on Monday, Sept. 28 his commitment to Illinois-Chicago, deciding on a future with the Missouri Valley Conference program prior to his third varsity high school baseball season. He joins teammate Eli Michanicou (Bradley) as the second D-I player on the Eagles roster.

“I am honored and blessed to announce my commitment to continue academic and athletic career at the University of Illinois Chicago,” Rennette posted, adding a note of thanks to the Lord, his parents, teammates, coaches and the UIC coaching staff.

During his sophomore season, the 5-foot-10, 155-pound shortstop hit a team-best .395 off 45 hits with five doubles, a program-record six triples and 23 RBIs. He added 26 runs, walked 17 times and stole 10 bases, while posting a .950 fielding percentage on 100 total chances.

He was named a Mid-Illini all-conference first-team and a Greater Peoria Baseball Coaches Association all-star. Rennette was instrumental in helping Dunlap to a 30-8 overall record, a Mid-Illini Conference championship and a Class 3A Sweet Sixteen appearance.

Illinois-Chicago finished 27-29-1 overall and 16-8 in MVC playing during the 2026 season, winning the MVC Tournament. The Flames then went 0-2 in the NCAA Tournament with losses to Georgia Tech and The Citadel in the Atlanta Regional.

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Dunlap standout commits to Missouri Valley Conference baseball program