News Summary
After the conclusion of the 2025 baseball season, Campbell Smithwick, the catcher for the Ole Miss Rebels, has announced his entry into the NCAA Transfer Portal. Smithwick’s departure marks a significant challenge for the Rebels as they prepare for the upcoming season. Over the past season, he made a notable impact with a .282 batting average, 31 hits, 23 RBIs, and was a key player in 40 games. As the team navigates roster changes, other players are also pursuing transfers. Coach Mike Bianco will have to adapt strategies to maintain a competitive lineup.
Oxford, Mississippi – Campbell Smithwick, the Ole Miss Rebels’ catcher, has announced via social media that he is entering the NCAA Transfer Portal following the conclusion of the 2025 baseball season. Smithwick’s departure is seen as a significant blow to the Ole Miss baseball program as it gears up for the 2026 season.
During his tenure with the Rebels, Smithwick became a key player on the team, competing in 40 games during the 2025 season. He earned 27 starts, primarily as a catcher and designated hitter, showcasing his versatility on the field. Throughout the season, he achieved a commendable .282 batting average, compiling 31 hits, including five home runs and five doubles.
In addition to his power numbers, Smithwick also demonstrated his ability to drive in runs, finishing the season with 23 runs batted in (RBIs). He crossed home plate 20 times himself and displayed effective plate discipline by drawing 17 walks while striking out 33 times in a total of 110 at-bats.
Smithwick is not alone in his decision to enter the transfer portal. Other Ole Miss players, including right-handed pitcher Cole Ketchum and infielder Jackson Miller, have also opted to pursue opportunities with other programs. Ketchum, a redshirt sophomore from Mississippi, did not see game action in either the 2024 or 2025 seasons, despite making an impact in 2023. Meanwhile, Miller, a freshman outfielder, had limited playing time, participating in five games and recording seven at-bats during the 2025 season. He had previously been recognized as a Top-200 prospect in the 2024 recruiting cycle.
The NCAA Transfer Portal opened on June 1, 2025, and will remain open until July 1, providing players like Smithwick the chance to explore new options and adaptations in their athletic careers. As the Rebels prepare for the 2026 baseball season, the focus will shift to potential roster changes and recruitment strategies to fill the gaps left by departing players.
Despite Smithwick’s exit, the team is expected to retain Austin Fawley, a transfer from Kentucky, who is anticipated to take over as catcher for the upcoming season. The Rebels are looking to maintain a competitive lineup while navigating the changes within the roster.
Looking back at the 2025 season, the Rebels managed to finish with a solid record of 43-21 and made a commendable run to the regional finals before facing elimination. As the program looks to reconstruct its identity in light of these player departures, Coach Mike Bianco is set to begin his 26th season at the helm of the Ole Miss baseball team.
With the landscape of college baseball continually evolving, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for Ole Miss as it adapts to the shifting dynamics of its roster and strategizes for a successful 2026 season.
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Rebel Rundown Podcast with Malik Dia
- On3: Ole Miss Rebels Baseball Transfer Portal Intel
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Baseball Catcher Enters Transfer Portal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Baseball
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Baseball Transfer Portal Tracker
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.
