Breaking Down The Bullpen: What will the Roles be for the 2025 Ole Miss Rebels

Last season, the Rebels' bullpen was one of their weakest links. I think this year could be much different. Both in terms of top talent and depth, the bullpen is in much better shape. New pitching coach Joel Mangrum has done a great job developing this group, and he will have a lot of arms to work with this season. 

Of course, this will be done without two-sport star Austin Simmons, who has left the baseball program to focus full-time on football and is the anticipated starting quarterback. 

Connor Spencer 

Spencer was a big-time get for the staff to bring him back for one season. After a stop at Northwest Mississippi CC and Southeastern Louisiana, the Hernando native would arrive in Oxford and immediately take over the closer role.

He appeared in 18 games, recorded seven saves, and pitched 19 innings. He held opponents to an under .200 average and stuck out 28. In 14 of his appearances, he allowed zero runs. In the June draft, Spencer was taken in the 16th round by the Athletics, but the Grove Collective and coaching staff were able to bring him back for one more season. He will most likely be in a closing role again this year and will be one of the top-end pieces for this year's team. 

Mason Nichols 

Mason Nichols, the Jackson Prep product, was another Ole Miss pitcher with a decision to make following the 2024 season. He was eligible to turn pro and give it a shot in the MLB draft. However, like many others, Nichols elected to return for one final season in a Rebel uniform. He was spectacular as a true freshman and was a significant contributor to that 2022 national championship team out of the bullpen. In 2023, Nichols struggled, impartially allowing the long ball at a high rate.

He would return to much better form in 2024, throwing 39 innings to a 4.15 ERA, only allowing five home runs and posting a WHIP of 1.33. As the starting rotation article mentioned, Nichols was used in a starting role last season out of necessity. I don’t think that will be the case this season as there are other options, such asallowing Nichols to return full-time to the bullpen, where I expect to be used in high leverage, setup, and closing situations.