For the second consecutive year and third time in program history, FIU landed a Top 25 recruiting class in Baseball America's 2018 post-draft rankings.

The Panthers were ranked 19^th after coming in at No. 21 in last year's rankings.

The rankings by Baseball America are made after the Major League Baseball Draft and consider the players that chose to play college baseball as well as the players that opted to sign pro contracts.

FIU was the only Conference USA team in the top 25. The Panthers were also just one of three teams from non-power five conferences in the top 25. The others were Cal State Fullerton (No. 16) and Coastal Carolina (No. 25).

"This is the second season in a row that we have been able to secure a top 25 incoming class nationally," said FIU head coach Mervyl Melendez. "I'm very proud of the job that our coaches are doing. We are not only recruiting some of the best talent in the nation but our coaches are doing an outstanding job building relationships with coaches, families, and future Panthers."

FIU had a strong haul of players in the 2018 class. Below are just some of the players highlighted by Baseball America:

Baseball America said about outfielder/pitcher Christopher Williams, a 15^th round selection of the Cincinnati Reds:

"Christopher Williams offers two-way ability but came on strong as a hitter late in his high school career and now is seen as a hitter first. The left-handed hitter has a loose swing, average power and is an average runner who profiles in an outfield corner. He can run his fastball up to 91 mph and has a slider—a combination that should play well out of the bullpen."

Baseball America on infielder/outfielder Jarret Ford:

"Jarret Ford is an above-average runner with good instincts on the base paths. He figures to hit at the top of the lineup and can play up the middle, likely either at second base or in center field."

Baseball America on shortstop John Rodriguez, a Tampa Bay Rays draft pick:

"John Rodriguez is an advanced defender who is ready to compete right away at shortstop. He is still developing offensively, especially in his approach, but is young for the class and has the tools to develop as a hitter."

Baseball America on third baseman Kaber Rog:

"Kaber Rog is a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate who looks like the Panthers' future third baseman."

Baseball America on catchers Humberto Torres and Luis Chavez:

"Catchers Humbert Torres and Luis Chavez are both solid defenders and add depth behind the plate. Chavez, a junior college transfer, is more advanced offensively but Torres has right-handed power and impressive catch-and-throw skills."

Baseball America on outfielder/first baseman Nathan Housen:

"Nathan Housen offers defensive versatility and right-handed power."

Baseball America on pitcher Franco Aleman, an Atlanta Braves draft pick:

"Right-hander Franco Aleman, a Cuban native, this spring was named Hillsborough County pitcher of the year by the Tampa Bay Times after going 9-1, 0.58 ERA with 106 strikeouts and six walks in 72 innings. He was young for the draft class, is ultra-projectable and this year took a step forward with his control."

Baseball America on pitcher/first baseman Angel Tiburcio:

"Right-hander Angel Tiburcio can run his fastball up to 93 mph and has some projection left in his 6-foot-2 frame. He also has big right-handed power at the plate and will be a two-way player, likely also seeing time at first base."

Baseball America on pitcher Christian Dearman:

"Right-hander Christian Dearman, a junior college transfer, has an intriguing fastball-splitter combination that should play well in the bullpen."