Grayson Willoughby named MaxPreps National Player of the Year as Kentucky signee shines

Louisville (Ky.) Trinity standout and Kentucky baseball signee Grayson Willoughby has been named the 2026 MaxPreps National Baseball Player of the Year, adding another major honor to a historic senior season.

MaxPreps announced the award on Independence Day Eve, recognizing Willoughby as the nation’s top high school baseball player after a dominant year on both the mound and at the plate. The honor is part of the 2026 MaxPreps All-America Team, which also featured Trinity head coach Rick Arnold as National Coach of the Year following the Shamrocks’ championship run.

Willoughby delivered a stellar senior campaign, finishing 12-0 as a pitcher with a 0.67 ERA and 96 strikeouts across 62.1 innings. The right-hander also showcased his versatility at the plate, hitting .467 with 11 doubles, four triples, two home runs, and 39 RBIs.

His performance helped lead Trinity to a 41-3 record and back-to-back state championships, capped by a dominant 12-0 victory over Boyd County on June 13 at Kentucky Proud Park. The Shamrocks did not suffer a single in-state loss all season.

Already one of the highest-ranked prospects in Kentucky’s 2027 recruiting class, Willoughby now turns his attention to the next step in his baseball future. His status for college remains to be determined, as he is expected to weigh his options following the upcoming MLB Draft.

If he ultimately arrives in Lexington, Willoughby would join Kentucky with expectations of becoming an immediate impact arm, potentially anchoring the weekend rotation after one of the most decorated high school careers in the country.