The University of Minnesota Duluth baseball program has finalized the signing of eight student-athletes set to join the Bulldogs for the 2026 season.

Nikhil Kandi - Infielder

A two time varsity captain for the Prior Lake High School Lakers, Kandi tallied a .600 BA during his freshman year and second base, shortstop, and third base all at the varsity level. The Savage, Minn. native also played club ball for the Starters MN National team where he tallied a career .386 BA and .966 OPS.

"I chose UMD because of the great campus, academics, and baseball culture. Once I met the coaches and players I knew this is where I wanted to be."

Liam Kruse - Right Handed Pitcher / Outfielder

The Marshall, Minn, native has been an ace on the mound for the Marshall High School Tigers, closing out the 2024 season with a 0.54 ERA while collecting All Section and All Conference honors. Kruse also excelled in the classroom, placing in the top ten of his freshman, sophomore, and junior year classes for grade point average.

"The city of Duluth appeals to me, I feel like I can make a difference on the team, and I like the campus."

Austin Lahti - Right Handed Pitcher

A native of Oulu, Wis., Lahti played club ball for the Superior Legion while also playing for the Northwestern HS Tigers where he earned All Conference honors. A high honor roll student while at Northwestern HS, Lahti's brother Cole plays for the UMD men's basketball team.

"They have a great baseball program and tradition of quality baseball and for their great Engineering Program."

Ayden Lysaght - Left Handed Pitcher

Lysaght collected two no-hitters and multiple double digit strike-out games while playing for the Elkhorn Area HS Elks. He currently leads his varsity team in strikeouts per innings pitched and is ranked among the top 20 of all left handed pitchers in the 2025 class by PBR Wisconsin.

"I chose UMD after meeting with the coaches and players. I felt this was a place where I would be able to continue to grow as a student athlete. The players I met with provided genuine information about the baseball program and the school. The size of the campus also fit with what I wanted."

Soren Marker - Catcher

A native of Waconia, Minn., Marker earned two All Conference honorable mentions during his time with the Waconia HS Wildcats. Marker was also successful in the classroom at Waconia High, earning academic honor roll honors four times throughout his high school career.

"I chose UMD because I loved the campus and the weather."

Jack Meyers - Right Handed Pitcher

Meyers helped lead the Cannon Falls HS Bombers to a state tournament appearance in his sophomore year, collecting All Conference, All Section, and All State honors throughout both his sophomore and junior years.Throughout his high school career, he was elected to the Minnesota Academic Honor Society and was named to the academic honor roll in every semester.

"I chose UMD because of the people and coaches along with their location, top-tier business program, and facilities."

Brady Schornstein - Left Handed Pitcher

Schornstein is a three year varsity starter and a two year captain for the Champlin Park High School Rebels, collecting an All District honor and two All Conference honors so far throughout his high school career. Schornstein has also succeeded academically, being named to the Champlin Park HS honor roll with high honors and earning an academic letter.

"The town, people, community, and athletics felt like home to me. I love the outdoors and loved the atmosphere of Duluth."

Ryan Sheehan - Left Handed Pitcher

Sheehan recorded the lowest ERA and the highest batting average amongst his team while playing for the Bloomington Kennedy HS Eagles. Throughout his career, Sheehan has collected All Conference, All Section, and Team MVP honors while also excelling in the classroom with four academic letters.

"It was a perfect location for me, not too close but not too far, nice coaches and good engineering school."