News Summary
Campbell Smithwick, catcher for Ole Miss baseball, has committed to Oklahoma State after entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. This marks a major change for Ole Miss, losing a key player. Ole Miss will adjust their lineup with new recruits as they prepare for the upcoming season and manage other players also entering the transfer portal.
Oxford, Mississippi – Campbell Smithwick, the catcher for the Ole Miss baseball team, has officially committed to Oklahoma State University after entering the NCAA Transfer Portal in June. This marks a significant change for both Smithwick and the Ole Miss baseball program, as he becomes the first key player to leave the Rebels this offseason.
During his time with Ole Miss, Smithwick had a notable 2025 season, where he played in 40 games and made 27 starts, showcasing his versatility as both a catcher and a designated hitter. Over the season, he achieved a .282 batting average in 110 at-bats, accumulating 31 hits, 23 runs batted in (RBIs), and five home runs. His performance also included five doubles, 20 runs scored, and 17 walks, while he struck out 33 times.
As Ole Miss anticipates the 2026 season, the team is expected to rely on Kentucky transfer Austin Fawley as their main catcher. Fawley’s presence may help fill the void left by Smithwick’s departure as the Rebels adjust their lineup amidst other roster changes. In addition to Smithwick, several other players from the Ole Miss 2025 roster have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, including right-handed pitcher Cole Ketchum and infielder Jackson Miller. Ketchum had a promising freshman season in 2023 but did not see much action in subsequent years, while Miller, who was a former Top-200 prospect prior to joining the Rebels, has also opted for a new opportunity after just one season.
Further departures from the program include infielder Tyler Acevedo, pitcher Hudson Mattox, and outfielder Connor Chisolm, each of whom is seeking new horizons through the transfer portal. The recent exodus from the Ole Miss baseball program suggests an ongoing significant transition, driven by the combination of players choosing to leave as well as the potential for multiple 2025 roster members to be selected in the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft, which is scheduled for July 13-14 in Atlanta, Georgia.
In preparation for these changes, Ole Miss baseball is actively recruiting new talent to help replenish their roster. The team is keen on bringing in several transfer commitments to fill the gaps left by departing players and to maintain competitiveness in the coming seasons.
As the summer progresses, the dynamics of Ole Miss baseball are expected to evolve further as more players consider their options, whether it be through transferring or potentially heading to professional baseball. The program’s willingness to adapt will be crucial as it looks to build a robust team for the 2026 season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Ole Miss Baseball Roster Transformations Ahead of Next Season
Ole Miss Baseball Enhances Roster for Upcoming Season
Ole Miss Rebels Baseball Roster Overhaul Ahead of 2026 Season
Ole Miss Baseball Team Faces Major Roster Changes
Ole Miss Rebels’ Catcher Enters NCAA Transfer Portal
Ole Miss Rebels Prepare for Rebuilt Baseball Season in 2025
Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Ole Miss Offensive Rankings
- The Rebel Walk: Ole Miss Baseball Offseason Tracker
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Baseball Transfer News
- Red Cup Rebellion: Ole Miss Baseball Rebuilding
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Baseball
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
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