News Summary
After a disappointing early exit from the Oxford Regional, Ole Miss baseball coach Mike Bianco is implementing significant roster changes for the upcoming season. The Rebels are actively utilizing the NCAA Transfer Portal to bring in talented new players while parting ways with several key athletes. This strategic shift aims to enhance the team’s performance and competitiveness as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Fans are eager to see how the mix of new talent and departures will impact the team’s journey in the approaching season.
Oxford, Mississippi — Following an early exit from the Oxford Regional after a disappointing loss to Murray State, Ole Miss baseball head coach Mike Bianco is making significant roster changes for the upcoming 2026 season. The Rebels are poised for a transformative year as they navigate the NCAA Transfer Portal, bringing in a number of new players while bidding farewell to several key athletes.
Incoming Players
To fortify the team, Ole Miss has secured commitments from several talented athletes. Notable additions include:
- Grant Richardson, a junior left-handed pitcher from Grand Canyon, returns after missing the entire 2025 season following Tommy John surgery. In 2024, he demonstrated his potential with a solid 5-1 record and a 3.73 ERA, racking up 70 strikeouts over 50.2 innings.
- Daniel Pacella, also a junior, joins from Illinois State. He was a standout player in 2025, earning a spot on the All-MVC First-Team with a batting average of .355, including 20 home runs and 59 RBIs across 56 games.
- Tristan Bissetta is another outfield addition hailing from Clemson. He had a underwhelming 2025 season with a .227 batting average, but his prior performance in 2024 was stronger, hitting .298 with seven home runs.
- Wil Libbert, a freshman left-handed pitcher from Missouri, brings experience as he pitched more innings than any other pitcher at Missouri in 2025, though with a 6.04 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 53.2 innings.
- Additionally, Ole Miss will also welcome Ryne Rodriguez (LHP, Junior), Cole Ketchum (RHP, Sophomore), Campbell Smithwick (C, Sophomore), Connor Chisolm (OF, Senior), Jackson Miller (OF, Freshman), and Hudson Mattox (RHP, Freshman).
Departures
As new players are brought into the program, several existing team members have chosen to depart. Key personnel who have left include:
- Campbell Smithwick, a sophomore catcher, played 40 games in the 2025 season and showed promising stats with a .282 batting average, five home runs, and 23 RBIs before deciding to transfer.
- Cole Ketchum, a sophomore right-handed pitcher, has also entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after a limited showing in his second year, despite having a noteworthy freshman season.
- Jackson Miller, a freshman infielder, has opted to leave after spending a year with the Rebels, where he previously excelled in high school earning Player of the Year accolades.
- Further departures include Tyler Acevedo (Infielder), Hudson Mattox (Pitcher), and Connor Chisolm (Outfielder), among others.
Outlook for the 2026 Season
With the pre-season adjustments, Ole Miss aims to revitalize its roster as it builds toward a stronger 2026 season. Coach Bianco’s strategic use of the NCAA Transfer Portal reflects an active approach to bolster the team’s competitiveness and align with the program’s goal of returning to prominence in college baseball.
As Ole Miss navigates this transitional phase, fans and analysts will be keen to see how the blend of new talent and departing players influences the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Ole Miss Baseball Transfer Portal Update
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss
- WLBT: Ole Miss Baseball Transfer Portal Tracker
- Google Search: Ole Miss baseball
- Clarion Ledger: Grant Richardson Joins Ole Miss Baseball
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss baseball
- Ole Miss Sports: Women’s Basketball Media Availability
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Baseball
- SI: Hunter Elliott Earns Gold Glove Award
- Google News: Ole Miss football
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