CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois head baseball coach Dan Hartleb announced the additions of seven players in the team's 2026 signing class on Wednesday.
Five incoming freshmen and two junior college signees completed Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreements and will join the Fighting Illini in the fall of 2026.
"We are extremely excited about our 2026 signing class," Hartleb said. "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."
JOSEPH CATALANO // RHP // 6-4 // 200 // R/R // SHERMAN, ILL. // WILLIAMSVILLE HS/KANKAKEE CC
- Made 18 appearances out of the bullpen at Kankakee in 2025
- Posted a 5-1 record with eight saves
- Registered a 2.81 ERA and 43 strikeouts across 32.0 innings of work
- Three-year letterwinner at Williamsville High School
- Two-time all-conference honoree
- Also played football in high school
- Has one younger brother
- Chose Illinois because "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 // 1B/OF // 6-3 // 215 // L/L // MAYWOOD, ILL. // MOUNT CARMEL HS
- Rated as the #20 prospect in Illinois and the #395 prospect overall in Prep Baseball Report's Class of 2026 rankings
- Rated as the #2 prospect in Illinois and #11 nationally at his position
- Has four younger siblings
- Also played basketball and football in high school
- 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 // RHP // 6-1 // 170 // R/R // O'FALLON, MO. // HOMESCHOOL
- Rated as the #12 prospect from Missouri in Prep Baseball Report's Class of 2026 rankings
- 2023 SLABA Team Pitching MVP
- 2025 PBR Invitation to Senior Future Games
- 2024 Perfect Game Showcase fastest 60-yard dash
- 2025 PBR Illinois Summer ID ranked #1 hardest fastball (94 m.p.h.)
- 2025 Missouri Summer ID ranked #1 highest spin rate on curveball with 3251 rpm
- 2024 Missouri Homeschool state champion with STL Patriots Baseball
- As a junior, posted a 3.80 ERA and a .186 batting average against
- Father, Brett Cox, played baseball at St. Louis Christian College and great uncle, Gary Haverly, played professionally within the New York Mets organization
- Has four siblings
- Chose Illinois because "I really felt connected and welcomed by the coaching staff. They were very easy to talk to, and it seemed like they were very invested in me. Since I'm from the St. Louis area, I liked how convenient the distance would be from my home. Illinois has much to offer for the academic goals I have and also the player growth I hope to experience."
JOEY IRELAND // INF // 6-1 // 185 // R/R // HOMEWOOD, ILL. // MOUNT CARMEL HS
- Rated as the #23 prospect in Illinois in Prep Baseball Report's Class of 2026 rankings
- Has six younger siblings
- Also played golf in high school
- Chose Illinois because "it gives me the chance to play baseball at a high level while also getting a great education. It's the best of both worlds; I can compete and grow as an athlete, but also prepare for my future beyond baseball."
ADDISON LATKO // C/OF // 5-10 // 180 // R/R // PARK RIDGE, ILL. // DEPAUL COLLEGE PREP
- Rated as the #67 prospect in Illinois in Prep Baseball Report's Class of 2026 rankings
- Across first three years of varsity baseball, holds a .317 average and a .967 batting average with nine home runs and 59 RBI
- Three-year letterwinner at DePaul College Prep
- Also played football in high school
- Father, Ed Latko, also attended Illinois
- Named after Wrigley Field (first name is Addison and middle name is Clark)
- Has four siblings
- Chose Illinois because "the coaching staff felt like family after getting to know each other. The campus is beautiful and also offers outstanding academic programs. Coach Christ and I have developed a very strong coach-to-player relationship. I am extremely excited to get after it with all of the ball players at the university as well."
KADEN MAXWELL // LHP // 6-2 // 215 // L/L // VALPARAISO, IND. // ANDREAN HS
- Rated as the #24 prospect in Indiana in Prep Baseball Report's Class of 2026 rankings
- Rated as the #3 left-handed pitcher in Indiana in Prep Baseball Report's Class of 2026 rankings
- 2025 IHSAA Class 3A state champion
- Earned the save in Andrean's sectional win over Hanover Central
- Also played basketball in high school
- Has three older siblings
- Chose Illinois because "the moment I spoke with the coaches and looked at the campus, I knew it was home. They also have a very good agricultural school, and that is something I have a lot of interest in."
NATE NOVINSKA // C/OF // 6-1 // 190 // R/R // BELLEVILLE, WIS. // VERONA AREA HS/MADISON COLLEGE
- Letterwinner in both baseball and football at Verona Area High School
- Two-time first team all-conference selection in the Big Eight Conference as a junior and senior
- Two-time WBCA All-District as a junior and senior
- Participated in WBCA All-Star game
- Named Second Team All-Big Eight Conference as a senior
- 2023 all-conference honoree in football
- Mother, Jennifer Novinska, played college basketball at Saint Mary's (Minn.)
- Has one younger brother
- Chose Illinois because "I felt comfortable there. I really connected with the coaching staff, and I like what they are doing with the program."
