As college baseball fans turn their eyes to Oxford, the 2026 Ole Miss Rebels are gearing up for a loaded season filled with high expectations, marquee matchups, and a roster that blends star power with up-and-coming contributors.
Coming off a strong 2025 campaign that saw the Rebels return to NCAA tournament action, Mike Bianco’s squad enters 2026 with momentum and plenty of reasons for optimism.
A Preseason National Presence
Ole Miss checks in among the preseason ranked teams, entering the season at No. 16 in Baseball America’s Top 25. However, that is the only preseason poll that they are ranked in. Expectations are building that this could be a year where the Rebels not only make the postseason again but push deep into May and June.
Star Power Anchors the Roster
The Rebels boast legitimate difference-makers on both sides of the ball:
Hunter Elliott — A bona fide ace, Elliott was named to the preseason All-SEC First Team and earned preseason All-America honors thanks to a dominant 2025 season (10-3, sub-3.00 ERA, 100+ strikeouts).
Will Furniss — The everyday first baseman gives Ole Miss offensive pop and on-base prowess, earning Second Team All-SEC preseason honors and providing a key bat in the middle of the lineup.
Judd Uttermark and Austin Fawley -- The Rebels return two sluggers that both put up over 20 homeruns last season.
They will be the heart of the lineup, and their success will be a big factor in how far this team goes. Both of them have very high strikeout rates, and if they are able to cut back on it, they can take the next step in their games.
These accolades tell a story: Ole Miss isn’t just competitive — it has impact players who can tilt big games.
Pitching Depth and Rotation Questions
While Elliott leads the charge, the Rebels return a pitching staff with intriguing pieces and some unanswered questions. Behind Elliott, a mix of returners and newcomers — including transfer additions and arms gaining experience in the offseason — provides depth and competition for weekend and midweek roles. Stay tuned once the season starts to see how the rotation and bullpen solidify.
Non-Conference and Showdown Slate
Ole Miss opens the season at Swayze Field on February 13 with a series against Nevada, setting the tone for a season in which early momentum will be crucial. The Rebels also compete in the Astros Foundation College Classic in Houston, facing Baylor, Ohio State, and Coastal Carolina — a strong early-season test before conference play begins.
SEC Gauntlet Begins in Texas
Once SEC action begins, the Rebels will navigate one of the toughest conference slates in the sport, including road tests at Texas and Florida, plus home series against Mississippi State, Kentucky, LSU, and Texas A&M. With the SEC stacked from top to bottom, every week will feel like a playoff preview.
Outlook: NCAA Tournament Contenders
With strong pitching, veteran leadership, and a schedule that could prepare the Rebels for postseason pressure, Ole Miss looks poised to return to the NCAA Tournament and potentially host a regional once again. The only question is how consistent this team will be when facing the weekly grind of elite SEC competition