IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine baseball signed eight on National Signing Day. The 2026 class hails from all over Southern California filling every position on the diamond with skill and potential to add to the robust depth in the program already.
 

Student-Athlete	Ht / Wt	B/T	Position	Hometown | School
Will Bandel	6-0 / 185	R/R	C	Temecula, Calif. | Temecula Valley HS
Jack Champlin	6-1 / 160	R/R	RHP/INF	Long Beach, Calif. | St. John Bosco HS
Kaleb Derosier	6-4 / 195	R/R	INF	Pasadena, Calif. | Maranatha HS
Troy Khasaempanth	6-0 / 160	L/L	LHP	Corona, Calif. | Santiago HS
Emmett Kopp	6-7 / 210	R/R	RHP	San Clemente, Calif. | JSerra Catholic HS
Braden Oliver	6-3 / 185	R/R	INF	Westlake Village, Calif. | Agoura HS
Thomas Padilla	6-2 / 175	R/R	R/R	Corona, Calif. | Santiago HS
Jaden Valenzuela	6-2 / 185	L/L	OF	Chino Hills, Calif. | Ayala HS

Will Bandel | C - "Will is a proven winner at every stop he's had. He has potentially the most well-rounded game for a catcher in his class. Will has all of the defensive skills you look for in a catcher. He is getting to more game power at the plate, and he continues to improve." - head coach Ben Orloff





Jack Champlin | RHP/INF - "Jack is the definition of baseball player and winner. He has good infield actions and strength has improved his offensive game. Jack has separated himself on the mound as maybe the best high school reliever last year. He recorded a win or save in every post season win St John Bosco had last year. He can reach 91mph with a plus SL and CH. Jack will make an instant impact next year." - head coach Ben Orloff





Kaleb Derosier | INF - "Kaleb is a physical kid that is just scratching the surface on how good he is going to be. He is a threat to hit an extra-base hit every time he comes to the plate. He offers a lot of potential defensive versatility and addresses the need for real right-handed power in the lineup." - head coach Ben Orloff




Troy Khasaempanth | LHP - "Troy is an athletic left-handed pitcher with a loose arm. He has been up to 90mph and has a feel for two off speed pitches. As Troy continues to get stronger, he looks to be a potential weekend starting pitcher." - head coach Ben Orloff




Emmett Kopp | RHP - "Emmett is a late bloomer that continues to improve at a rapid rate. He is a physical presence and a good athlete with huge upside. He has been into the low 90s with a good slider and change.  Emmett's strike throwing ability is impressive. We can't wait to see how he does this year in the Trinity League and look forward to seeing him grow on our campus." - head coach Ben Orloff




Braden Oliver | INF - "Braden is a physical shortstop. He has been a performer his entire career at Agoura.  Braden has advanced bat-to-ball skills and strike zone recognition.  He profiles defensively as a true shortstop that can stay at the position." - head coach Ben Orloff



Thomas Padilla | RHP - "Thomas had a great summer between Area Codes, scout ball, and Jupiter. He has a competitive level every time he takes the ball that is special. Thomas has been up to 93mph and has a present plus change up. He will make an instant impact when he shows up on campus." - head coach Ben Orloff




Jaden Valenzuela | OF - "Jaden is coming off a very productive summer and was one of the first commits in this class. He sees the ball well on offense and has a knack for hitting the ball on the barrel to all fields. He profiles as a top-of-the-lineup bat that can play all three outfield positions." - head coach Ben Orloff