IMG Academy Produces Four MLB Draft Selections, Headlined by Program's Second-Highest Draft Pick in History

BRADENTON, Fla. (July 13, 2026) – IMG Academy, the world’s leading sports education brand, had four former student-athletes selected in the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft in Philadelphia, Pa. Headlining the class was Zion Rose, who was selected No. 6 overall by the Kansas City Royals, becoming the second-highest MLB Draft pick in IMG Academy history and the sixth first-round selection in the baseball program's history. He was joined by Brady Neal, who the Cincinnati Reds selected in the eighth round (No. 242 overall), Cameron Johnson, who the Chicago White Sox selected in the 15th round (No. 435 overall), and Max Kaufer, who was selected by the Texas Rangers selected in the 18th round (No. 538 overall), as IMG Academy continued its tradition of developing student-athletes for professional baseball.

This year's MLB Draft selections add to IMG Academy's longstanding baseball legacy, bringing the program's total to 77 MLB Draft selections since 2005. During that span, IMG Academy alumni have been selected by 28 different Major League Baseball organizations, with at least three alumni drafted in every MLB Draft since 2014. Since 2019, 15 IMG Academy alumni have been selected within the first three rounds, and the program has produced multiple draft picks in each of the last five draft classes, including several selections within the first two rounds.

"The MLB Draft is a special moment for our student-athletes, families, and coaches because it represents years of dedication, development, and perseverance," said Nick Phelps, Associate Director of Baseball at IMG Academy. "Every selection reflects the commitment these players have made to their development, and we're proud to see them take the next step in their baseball journey."

Zion Rose University of Louisville, Outfielder (No.6 | Kansas City Royals) Class of IMG Academy 2023

With the No. 6 overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft, Rose became the second-highest first-round pick in IMG Academy baseball history, trailing only Elijah Green, who was selected No. 5 overall in 2022. Rose also became the 74th IMG Academy baseball alumnus drafted since 2005 and the sixth first-round selection in program history. He will join fellow IMG Academy alumnus Sean Gamble, who was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 2025 MLB Draft, giving the organization back-to-back IMG Academy draft picks. Rose transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season in 2023 and helped lead the Ascenders to the program's first undefeated season (25-0), earning MaxPreps National Champion honors. He finished the season ranked among Florida's top 20 players in runs scored.

Following his time at IMG Academy, Rose developed into one of the nation's premier players at Louisville. In 2025, he was one of just six NCAA Division I players to record at least 30 extra-base hits and 30 stolen bases, helping lead the Cardinals to the College World Series before earning a spot on the U.S. Collegiate National Team. Despite appearing in just 36 games in 2026 because of injury, Rose earned All-America honors after batting .417 with 13 doubles, six home runs, 47 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. He led Louisville in batting average, recorded more walks and hit-by-pitches (25) than strikeouts (15), hit .390 in ACC play, and tied for the conference lead with 18 stolen bases in league games. Before arriving at IMG Academy, Rose was named the 2022 Daily Southtown Baseball Player of the Year and earned All-State honors after batting .496 with 12 doubles, four home runs, 39 RBIs and 31 stolen bases as a junior. He also participated in the 2022 Hank Aaron Invitational at Truist Park and was ranked the No. 50 overall player and No. 3 catcher nationally by Prep Baseball Report.

Brady Neal University of Alabama, Catcher (No.242 | Cincinnati Reds) Class of IMG Academy 2022  

Originally selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 17th round (522nd overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of IMG Academy, Brady Neal chose to forgo professional baseball and begin his collegiate career before ultimately reaching Louisiana State University. With his selection in the 2026 MLB Draft, Neal becomes the 75th IMG Academy alumnus selected in an MLB Draft. After transferring to IMG Academy before his sophomore season in 2020, Neal batted .371 with 22 RBIs and nine extra-base hits, earning All-American honors in 2021 while reclassifying from the Class of 2023 to the Class of 2022. As a senior, he hit .359 with a .485 on-base percentage and was ranked the No. 6 overall prospect in Florida and the No. 2 catcher nationally by Perfect Game. After electing not to sign with the Brewers, Neal spent time at LSU before transferring to Alabama. Following an SEC Player of the Week campaign in 2025, Neal put together one of the best seasons of his collegiate career in 2026, batting .316 with 66 hits, 10 home runs, 39 runs scored, a .429 on-base percentage and a .969 OPS. Neal is the third IMG Academy alumnus selected by the Cincinnati Reds.

Cameron Johnson Oklahoma University, Pitcher (No. 435 | Chicago White Sox) Class of IMG Academy 2023

Originally selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 20th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, Cameron Johnson has become the 76th IMG Academy alumnus to be selected in the MLB Draft. A member of IMG Academy’s Class of 2023, Johnson transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season and was ranked as the No. 2 left-handed pitcher nationally and a top-15 overall prospect entering the year. During his time at IMG Academy, Johnson was a key member of the 2022 MaxPreps National Championship team, which completed the program’s first-ever undefeated season with a perfect 25-0 record. After being selected by the Cardinals in 2023, Johnson honored his commitment to continue his development at the collegiate level. He spent his freshman season at Louisiana State University before transferring to the University of Oklahoma for his sophomore and junior seasons. During the 2026 season at Oklahoma, Johnson showcased his dominance on the mound, pitching 53.2 innings while limiting opposing hitters to a .205 batting average while recording 72 strikeouts. With his selection by the Chicago White Sox Johnson becomes the fourth IMG Academy alumnus to be drafted by the organization.

Max Kaufer Wichita State, Catcher (No. 538 | Texas Rangers) Class of IMG Academy 2023

Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 14th round (403rd overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft, Kaufer became the 77th IMG Academy baseball alumnus selected in program history. Before his time at IMG Academy, Kaufer was recognized as the No. 1 catching prospect in the state of New Jersey by both Baseball America and Perfect Game. A member of the IMG Academy Class of 2023, Kaufer was a two-time team MVP, posted a .994 fielding percentage behind the plate and was ranked as a Top 50 overall prospect nationally by Baseball America. Following his IMG Academy career, Kaufer began his collegiate career at Texas A&M University, enrolling in the spring semester of 2023 as a true freshman at just 17 years old, making him the youngest player in the nation. After two seasons with the Aggies and one season at the University of South Carolina, Kaufer transferred to Wichita State for his senior season in 2026. He made an immediate impact for the Shockers, batting .440 with 11 home runs, 27 RBI and a 1.747 OPS in 18 games.

IMG Academy's impact on the game of baseball continues to extend across every level of the sport. In 2026, IMG Academy baseball alumni continued to excel at every level of the game. James Wood earned his second National League All-Star selection and returned to campus to coach and mentor student-athletes during the Major League Experience Camp. Drew Cavanaugh became the 10th IMG Academy baseball alumnus to reach Major League Baseball, making his debut with the San Francisco Giants, while Cam Johnson helped lead the University of Oklahoma to the College World Series championship.

IMG Academy’s player development pipeline remains among the nation's strongest, with 25 alumni currently competing in affiliated professional baseball and 65 alumni participating in NCAA Division I baseball during the 2026 season. The Class of 2026 further reinforced that legacy, with 55 graduating student-athletes committing to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level, including 22 NCAA Division I, 11 NCAA Division II, two Ivy League, six NAIA, and five Top 25 university commitments.

About IMG Academy
holistic education model that empowers student-athletes to win their future, preparing them for college and for life. IMG Academy provides growth opportunities for all student-athletes through an innovative suite of on-campus and online experiences:

• Boarding school and camps, via a state-of-the-art campus in Bradenton, Fla.
• Online coaching via IMG Academy+, with a focus on personal development through the lens of sport and performance
• Online college recruiting, via NCSA and SportsRecruits, providing content, tools, coaching and access to a network of 40,000 college coaches

To learn more about IMG Academy and its on-campus and online experiences, visit www.imgacademy.com