News Summary
Ole Miss baseball is actively improving its roster for the 2026 season after exiting the Oxford Regional, highlighting new recruits including pitcher Grant Richardson. With several key players leaving, the team is focused on sourcing talent through strategic transfers and the NCAA Transfer Portal. New additions include left-handed pitchers Grant Richardson and Wil Libbert, as well as juniors Daniel Pacella and Tristan Bissetta. This offseason, Ole Miss is determined to strengthen its lineup to bounce back in future NCAA tournaments.
Oxford – Ole Miss baseball is taking significant steps to enhance its roster for the 2026 season following its recent exit from the Oxford Regional, where the team suffered a loss to Murray State. Head coach Mike Bianco is actively recruiting players and making strategic transfers to prepare for the upcoming season. One of the most notable additions to the roster is left-handed pitcher Grant Richardson, who has committed to Ole Miss after previously playing for Grand Canyon University.
Richardson announced his decision on June 12. He brings a promising background, despite missing the entire 2025 season due to Tation John surgery. Prior to his surgery, Richardson transitioned from a relief pitcher to a starting role in 2024. During that season, he achieved a commendable record of 5-1 with a 3.73 earned run average (ERA). Over the course of 50.2 innings pitched, he struck out 70 batters while walking 30, demonstrating his potential as a strong asset for the Ole Miss pitching staff. Notably, he holds the record for the highest strikeout rate in Grand Canyon history, averaging 12.43 strikeouts per nine innings for pitchers with at least 50 innings.
In the NCAA Tournament, Richardson showcased his ability against top talent, allowing just one run in a game versus No. 13 Arizona. The program at Ole Miss has been particularly favorable for pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery, as evidenced by Hunter Elliott‘s successful return this current season, where he recorded a 2.94 ERA.
The Ole Miss baseball team faces turnover as several key pitchers are expected to depart after the 2025 season. The team may lose notable players such as Riley Maddox, Mason Nichols, and closer Connor Spencer, creating a pressing need for new talent on the mound. In addition to Richardson, the team has also signed left-handed pitcher Wil Libbert from Missouri, who underwent Tommy John surgery and pitched a team-high 53.2 innings for his previous team, although he had a 6.04 ERA.
Ole Miss will also see several players leave the program. Catcher Campbell Smithwick, who played regularly in 2025 and posted a .282 batting average with 31 hits and 23 RBIs in 110 at-bats, is among those departing. Right-handed pitcher Cole Ketchum has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, as has infielder Jackson Miller, who expressed gratitude for his time at Ole Miss after just one season.
Other players also entering the Transfer Portal include infielder Tyler Acevedo, pitcher Hudson Mattox, and outfielder Connor Chisolm. The departures highlight a critical phase for Ole Miss as they look to reshape their roster.
In an effort to bolster the team’s lineup in preparation for the next season, the program has also announced the inclusion of junior Daniel Pacella from Illinois State. Pacella had an outstanding season, achieving a .355 batting average with 20 home runs and 59 RBIs, earning him recognition as an All-MVC First-Team selection. Additionally, junior Tristan Bissetta from Clemson is set to join the team following a season that was significantly impacted by injury, where he batted .227 with three home runs over 31 games.
As the offseason progresses, Ole Miss baseball is leveraging the NCAA Transfer Portal extensively to reevaluate and recruit new talent, ensuring the program positions itself for a strong return to NCAA tournament contention in what is sure to be a dynamic season ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Grant Richardson Joins Ole Miss Baseball
- Ole Miss Sports: 2025 Soccer Schedule Announcement
- WLBT: Ole Miss Baseball Transfer Portal Tracker
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss
- SI.com: Ole Miss Baseball Transfer Portal Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- On3: Ole Miss Baseball 2025 Transfer Portal Tracker
- Google Search: Ole Miss Baseball News
- SI.com: Ole Miss Baseball Lands Talented Transfer Portal Prospects
- Google News: Ole Miss Baseball
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