OXFORD – Ole Miss baseball coach Mike Bianco expressed confidence in the veteran makeup of his team as they prepare for the 2026 season. After a challenging period that saw the Rebels miss the NCAA Tournaments in the last two years following their College World Series championship in 2022, the team made a notable comeback last season. With a record of 43-21 and a 16-14 mark in the SEC, Ole Miss hosted a regional for the first time since 2021, earning the No. 10 overall seed in the NCAA bracket, though they ultimately fell to Murray State in the regional final.
The Rebels will benefit from the return of key players including junior ace Hunter Elliott, senior infielder Judd Utermark, senior first baseman Will Furniss, and junior catcher Austin Fawley. Elliott, a pivotal player in the 2022 championship run, faced a tough path in recent years due to an elbow injury, but returned to form with a 10-3 record, a 2.94 ERA, and 102 strikeouts last season. Utermark had a breakout year, achieving a .294 batting average and leading the team with 22 home runs. Furniss also shone with a .305 average and 12 home runs, while Fawley, who transferred from Kentucky, contributed significantly by hitting 21 home runs.
As they kick off the 2026 season with a three-game series against Nevada, beginning Friday at 4 p.m. broadcast on SEC Network+, Bianco emphasized the importance of experience in college baseball. “It’s an older team, and older teams usually win in our league,” he stated during the team’s annual media day.
For the season opener, the starting lineup will feature Furniss at first base, while junior transfer Dom Decker will take the second base position. Utermark will play third base, with Brayden Randle at shortstop, and the outfield featuring sophomore Hayden Federico along with senior transfers Tristan Bissetta and Daniel Pacella. Bissetta previously played at Clemson, bringing a .266 average with 10 home runs, while Pacella had an impressive .355 average with 20 home runs at Illinois State.
Utermark shared his focus for the offseason, aiming to improve his strikeout rate by 20%, which he believes will benefit both his performance and the team’s overall production.
On the pitching end, Elliott is set to start Friday’s game against Nevada, followed by sophomore Cade Townsend on Saturday and transfer Wil Libbert on Sunday. Townsend, who shone against national champion LSU last season, is looking forward to working with a talented pitching staff. “This is probably the best pitching staff I’ve ever seen in my life,” Townsend commented.
With a strong lineup and depth in both batting and pitching, the Rebels look poised to make a significant impact this season, showcasing their experience and talent as they aim for a successful run in 2026.