The claim that Noah Gartner, described as the “No. 1 ace pitcher in America” and a “five-star phenom,” committed to Nebraska baseball is a sensational headline, but available evidence suggests it’s an exaggeration. Gartner, a right-handed pitcher from Millard South High School, did commit to Nebraska in August 2023, a significant coup for the Huskers’ 2025 recruiting class. However, no credible sources, including those from the Omaha World-Herald or Prep Baseball Report, label him as the top pitcher nationally or a five-star recruit. Instead, Gartner is recognized as a talented in-state prospect with a fastball reaching 92 mph, a wipeout slider, and a developing changeup. His commitment reflects Nebraska’s focus on local talent under coach Will Bolt, but the “stunner” narrative requires closer scrutiny.
Gartner’s journey to Nebraska began with a standout summer performance in 2023, where he showcased his velocity at a national event, drawing interest from schools like Iowa. Despite playing junior varsity as a sophomore to refine his command, Gartner’s work ethic impressed Millard South coach Greg Geary, who noted his willingness to improve without complaint. A strong bullpen session at a Nebraska prospect camp led to an immediate offer, and Gartner, a 6-foot-1 righty, committed quickly, citing his love for the Huskers’ facilities and coaching staff. “Instantly I loved the coaches and was like, ‘This is where I want to go,’” Gartner said. His decision to stay in-state aligns with Nebraska’s strategy of building a 2025 class with local flavor, as seen with other commits like Lincoln East’s Joey Senstock.
In 2025, Gartner earned a spot on the Omaha World-Herald’s All-Nebraska baseball team, leading Millard North with 64 strikeouts and posting two wins at the state tournament, where the Mustangs finished as Class A runner-up. His performance—19 strikeouts in the state series—highlights his potential as a future rotation piece for Nebraska. However, national recruiting rankings, such as those from Perfect Game, don’t place him among the top 100 prospects, let alone as the No. 1 pitcher. The “five-star” label seems to borrow from football recruiting terminology, not baseball, where such ratings are less common. Nebraska’s 2025 class, with 21 commits including five junior college players, is strong but not top-35 nationally, further tempering the “stunner” claim.
The excitement around Gartner’s commitment stems from his local ties and upside. Nebraska’s coaching staff, led by Bolt and pitching coach Rob Childress, sees him as a high-upside arm who could develop into a weekend starter by 2027. His fastball velocity and offspeed pitches fit the Huskers’ philosophy of recruiting projectable pitchers for long-term growth. While not a national headliner like a Travis Sykora (who flipped to Texas in 2023), Gartner’s pledge bolsters a class heavy on pitching talent, including Lane Fenske and Pryce Bender. The narrative of a “No. 1 ace” may be hyperbole, but Gartner’s commitment is a win for Nebraska, signaling their ability to keep top in-state talent home and build a competitive future at Haymarket Park.
