Chambana Sun

Illinois head baseball coach Dan Hartleb has announced the addition of seven new players to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini's 2026 signing class. The group includes five incoming freshmen and two junior college transfers who have signed Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreements and will join the program in fall 2026.

Coach Hartleb expressed optimism about the new recruits, stating, "We are extremely excited about our 2026 signing class. We have filled high-priority needs with exceptional student-athletes. This class as a whole has great baseball ability and athleticism and will have an immediate impact on our program during their first year. We are extremely excited to have this group as a part of our Illini family."

The seven signees are:

Joseph Catalano, a right-handed pitcher from Sherman, Illinois, played at Williamsville High School before pitching for Kankakee Community College. In 2025, he made 18 appearances out of the bullpen for Kankakee, recording a 5-1 record with eight saves, a 2.81 ERA, and 43 strikeouts over 32 innings. Catalano cited his decision: "I really liked the coaching staff and the baseball program. The culture here also seems very good and something I want to be a part of."

Anthony Chavez is a first baseman/outfielder from Maywood, Illinois (Mount Carmel HS), ranked #20 in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report for the Class of 2026 and #395 overall. He is rated as the #2 prospect in Illinois at his position (#11 nationally). Chavez said he chose Illinois because "it felt like family and the perfect place for me to fit in. Baseball was a big part of my decision, and Illinois stood out as a program where I can continue to develop and compete at a high level. Coach Hartleb and Coach Christ played a big role, too. Compared to everyone else, they were the best."

Haverly Cox joins from O'Fallon, Missouri (homeschooled) with accolades including being named Team Pitching MVP in SLABA (2023) and leading state rankings in fastball velocity (94 mph) and curveball spin rate (3251 rpm). He explained his choice: "I really felt connected and welcomed by the coaching staff... Since I'm from the St. Louis area, I liked how convenient the distance would be from my home..."

Joey Ireland is an infielder from Homewood, Illinois (Mount Carmel HS), ranked #23 among prospects in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report's Class of 2026 rankings. Ireland stated: "It gives me the chance to play baseball at a high level while also getting a great education..."

Addison Latko comes from Park Ridge, Illinois (DePaul College Prep), where he maintained a .317 batting average over three varsity seasons along with nine home runs and 59 RBIs; he is ranked #67 among state prospects by Prep Baseball Report's Class of 2026 rankings. Latko commented: "The coaching staff felt like family after getting to know each other... I am extremely excited to get after it with all of the ball players at the university as well."

Kaden Maxwell is a left-handed pitcher from Valparaiso, Indiana (Andrean HS), recognized as Indiana’s #24 overall prospect (#3 LHP) according to Prep Baseball Report’s Class of 2026 rankings; he helped Andrean win the IHSAA Class 3A state championship in 2025.

Nate Novinska is joining from Belleville, Wisconsin (Verona Area HS/Madison College). He earned multiple all-conference honors in both baseball and football during high school; Novinska remarked: "I felt comfortable there. I really connected with the coaching staff, and I like what they are doing with the program."

These additions reflect continued recruiting efforts aimed at strengthening both athletic performance on-field and academic opportunities off-field for future members of Illinois Fighting Illini men's baseball.