2027 Prospects Who Could Anchor A D1 Rotation

Being a D1 pitcher is hard enough, but it takes a specifically unique type of player to be a reliable ace at the college level. Luckily for plenty of college coaches across the country, the class of 2027 is shaping up to be an incredibly strong pitching class, chock-full of players across the country who could be future aces.   Below, Prep Softball highlights five pitchers in the class of 2027 who could one day anchor a rotation at the highest level of college softball.    Vivian Knott certainly has the size and stature to be a formidable starter dominating the circle for all seven innings. Standing at six feet tall, Vivian's incredible arsenal leaps onto hitters in the blink of an eye. Her length and extension make her 67 mph fastball look that much faster, and it helps her work in her offspeed with ease. She's already shown with the Empire State Huskies that her skills translate incredibly well to a high level across New York state and the rest of the northeast. One of the best pitchers in the class of 2027 is ready to take that next step after knocking down award after award at the high school level.     It's going to be hard for Kaylee Hodges to repeat her high level of success this season throughout the rest of her high school softball career. In 2025, Kaylee brought home Gatorade Player of the Year honors for the state of Virginia after posting an absurdly low 0.07 ERA through 102 innings. Her star-studded year included six no-hitters and a perfect game, all while striking out 244 batters. She has also demonstrated leadership abilities with multiple athletic programs at Matoaca, showcasing a small taste of how she'll one day handle being the ace of a college staff.     Emery Jensen is a two-sport athlete who could most likely play both volleyball and softball in college. But her two years of varsity softball and decorated travel ball career mean she's certainly set up for a busy softball recruiting season. The anchor of Pine Lake Prep's rotation, Emery put together 10 complete games in 12 starts with four shutouts and a pair of no-hitters. Compiling 138 strikeouts to 12 walks in 70 innings, she's flashed a unique athleticism that colleges could jump on. She does this all while posting a .654 batting average with 39 RBI.     Kyleigh Stonerock burst onto the varsity scene last year and gave Midway a small taste of what her skill set could become. Then in her sophomore year, the first full campaign in one of her three varsity sports, she dominated. Posting a 0.32 ERA with 131 strikeouts through 64.2 innings, Kyleigh catapulted up recruiting boards for the state of North Carolina. She uses the athleticism she displays while playing varsity basketball and volleyball to enhance her pitch mix and be that much more dynamic in the circle. That makeup will appeal to college coaches, who are undoubtedly circling her name on their lists.     Sadie Jo Hunter has a tantalizing five-pitch mix that has baffled hitters in the Carolinas the last two years. She boasts an incredible fastball with tons of movement that couples flawlessly with a changeup and drop-curve that look like they're on a string. In two varsity seasons, she has a 0.46 ERA, and this year struck out 259 batters through 117 innings, while walking just 16 batters. She's a fiery competitor with the attitude of someone who always wants the ball in the biggest moments.

Being a D1 pitcher is hard enough, but it takes a specifically unique type of player to be a reliable ace at the college level. Luckily for plenty of college coaches across the country, the class of 2027 is shaping up to be an incredibly strong pitching class, chock-full of players across the country who could be future aces.