News Summary
Hunter Elliott, a standout pitcher for the Ole Miss Rebels, has announced he will return to the team for the 2026 season after not being drafted in the early rounds of the MLB Draft. Known for his impressive 10-3 record and resilience on the mound, Elliott’s return is expected to strengthen the Rebels’ roster following key losses to the draft. His decision reflects a commitment to further enhance his skills and leadership within the team as they prepare for tough upcoming competition.
Oxford, Mississippi – Hunter Elliott, a left-handed pitcher for the Ole Miss Rebels, has announced his decision to return for the 2026 season after not being selected in the first ten rounds of the 2025 MLB Draft. This announcement came via social media on July 14, 2025, marking a critical moment for both Elliott and the Ole Miss baseball program as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In the 2025 season, Elliott demonstrated his skills on the mound, finishing with an impressive 10-3 record and a 2.94 earned run average (ERA). Over the course of the season, he pitched 85.2 innings, racked up 102 strikeouts, and allowed 31 runs (28 earned) on 59 hits. Despite facing challenges during the season, Elliott’s ability to start every Friday night game showcased his resilience, especially after a lengthy recovery period from an elbow injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 season, requiring Tommy John surgery.
Elliott’s decision to return is particularly significant for the Rebels, who faced notable losses in the recent MLB Draft. Two of their starting pitchers, Riley Maddox and Mason Nichols, were selected in the first ten rounds, leaving a gap in the roster that Elliott’s return is poised to fill. As one of the standout performers in the SEC, Elliott’s presence on the team solidifies his position as a key player for the 2026 season.
During his career at Ole Miss, Elliott has built a reputation as a reliable pitcher, including being a pivotal player in the Rebels’ national championship victory in 2022. Despite being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 20th round the previous year, Elliott opted to remain in college rather than pursue a professional career at that time. His choice underscores his dedication to the Ole Miss program and his belief that he can enhance his draft prospects in the future.
The support for Elliott’s decision is echoed by coaching staff, including the Ole Miss pitching coach, who have noted that he has a strong affinity for the program. His presence is expected to provide not only talent but also leadership to the team as they move forward.
Furthermore, the announcement of Elliott’s return coincides with the news of starting catcher Austin Fawley also returning to the squad. This dual news event signals a potentially strong lineup for the Rebels as they prepare to face tough competition in the next season.
In summary, Hunter Elliott’s announcement to return for the 2026 season represents a significant development for the Ole Miss Rebels, bolstering their pitching staff after losing key players in the draft. Elliott’s determination to enhance his skills further and his previous success on the field make his return a highly anticipated event for fans and supporters of the Ole Miss baseball program. As the Rebels gear up for the next season, the contributions of Elliott and Fawley could play a crucial role in their performance in the SEC and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Baseball
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Search: Hunter Elliott Ole Miss baseball
- WTVA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Baseball
- Hotty Toddy
- Google Scholar: Hunter Elliott baseball
- On3
- Google News: Ole Miss baseball
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
