News Summary
Hunter Elliott, standout pitcher for the Ole Miss baseball team, has announced his return for the upcoming season after being undrafted in the recent MLB Draft. Despite facing challenges, including an elbow injury that sidelined him, Elliott’s impressive performance last season solidified his status as a key player. His decision to return signifies a commitment to the Ole Miss program, enhancing the pitching talent for the 2026 season, and fans are hopeful for another competitive run.
Oxford, Mississippi – Hunter Elliott, the ace pitcher for the Ole Miss baseball team, has officially announced his return for the 2026 season after going undrafted in the first ten rounds of the 2025 MLB Draft. The announcement, made via social media, comes as a significant boost for the Rebels, who are looking to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
Elliott, a left-hander hailing from Tupelo, Mississippi, has spent three seasons with Ole Miss, earning a reputation as one of the team’s standout talents. He played an integral role in the Rebels’ historic achievement of winning their first national championship in 2022, solidifying his status as a key player in the program’s history.
His path, however, has not been without challenges. In 2023, Elliott suffered an elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. Despite this setback, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 20th round of the 2024 MLB Draft but opted not to sign, choosing to return to Ole Miss to further develop his skills.
During the recently concluded 2025 season, Elliott showcased his talent by posting a 10-3 win-loss record and an impressive 2.94 earned run average (ERA). He made 16 starts and appeared in 17 games, pitching a total of 85.2 innings. Over the course of the season, he struck out 102 batters while allowing 31 runs, 28 of which were earned, off 59 hits, while walking 40 batters. His performance contributed to the Rebels’ advancement to the NCAA tournament, where they unfortunately fell short in the Oxford Regional final against Murray State.
Alongside Elliott, Austin Fawley, the starting catcher for Ole Miss, also announced his return for the upcoming season. This year’s MLB Draft saw additional Ole Miss players, such as Riley Maddox and Mason Nichols, being selected, leading to an evolution in the roster as players decide whether to pursue professional opportunities or continue their college careers.
The NCAA Transfer Portal is expected to see more activity as players weigh their options following the draft. Elliott’s decision to return is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates his commitment to the Ole Miss program, something that pitching coach Joel Mangrum had previously speculated. Mangrum suggested that Elliott views Ole Miss as a home base, which could deepen the team’s pitching talent pool for 2026.
As Elliott prepares for the next season, his return is poised to help solidify Ole Miss’s pitching staff and bolster their chances for a successful campaign. The Rebels also stand to benefit from retaining offensive production, as many players have opted against entering the MLB Draft, presenting an opportunity for a cohesive team effort in the subsequent season. With Elliott leading the mound, Ole Miss fans are hopeful for another competitive run as the baseball program looks to build on its recent successes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hunter Elliott to Return for 2026 Ole Miss Baseball Season
Mason Morris Drafted by Cincinnati Reds from Ole Miss
Ole Miss Softball Welcomes Transfer Kyra Aycock
Ethan Surowiec Transfers from Ole Miss to Florida Gators
Ole Miss Baseball Secures Transfer Commitment from Dom Decker
Ole Miss Rebels Focus on Roster Reconstruction for Baseball Season
Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State Baseball Showdown
Ole Miss Softball Defeats Mississippi State for Series Win
Marko Sipila Joins Ole Miss Baseball Team
Ole Miss Baseball Faces Off-Season Challenges
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger
- WTVA
- Ole Hotty Toddy
- Sports Illustrated
- Djournal
- Wikipedia: College baseball
- Google Search: Hunter Elliott Ole Miss baseball
- Google Scholar: Hunter Elliott baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: Hunter Elliott Ole Miss news
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.
