News Summary
The Ole Miss baseball program is experiencing a significant reshuffle with the entry of Cole Ketchum and Jackson Miller into the NCAA Transfer Portal. Ketchum, a right-handed pitcher from Mississippi, announced his transfer after spending three seasons at Ole Miss. Meanwhile, infielder Jackson Miller concludes his time with the Rebels after just one season. Their departures, alongside other players, follow a competitive 43-21 season for Ole Miss, prompting the coaching staff to reevaluate the roster as they prepare for future seasons.
Oxford, Mississippi – The Ole Miss baseball program is undergoing significant changes as right-handed pitcher Cole Ketchum and infielder Jackson Miller have both entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. This marks the beginning of what could be a substantial roster shakeup as the Rebels prepare for the 2026 season.
Cole Ketchum, a Mississippi native, made his announcement via social media, revealing his intention to seek a new college baseball program after spending three seasons with Ole Miss. Ketchum’s true freshman year in 2023 was marked by 15 appearances in which he pitched a total of 19 innings, achieving 13 strikeouts. He made a strong impression early on, debuting against Arkansas State and pitching a hitless inning without allowing a run in his first four outings. However, Ketchum did not see any action during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, ultimately leading to his decision to transfer.
Alongside Ketchum, Jackson Miller also entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, concluding his time with the Rebels after just one season. Miller expressed gratitude for his time in Oxford and shared his excitement for future opportunities on social media. The infielder had an impressive high school career, recognized as a Top-200 recruit in the 2024 Recruiting Cycle. At Benjamin High School in Florida, he played a crucial role in leading his team to a state title while boasting an exceptional .475 batting average during his senior season. Nevertheless, he only appeared in five games with the Rebels, totaling seven at-bats during his freshman year in 2025.
Ketchum and Miller are not the only players leaving the Ole Miss baseball program. They join infielder Tyler Acevedo and pitcher Hudson Mattox as players who have also decided to enter the transfer portal. This exodus comes on the heels of a competitive season for the Rebels, who finished with an impressive record of 43-21. Despite their strong performance, the team faced disappointment in the regional championship, losing to No. 4 Murray State, which has prompted the coaching staff to reevaluate the roster for next season.
The Ole Miss baseball program, under the leadership of head coach Mike Bianco, who is set to begin his 26th season in 2026, is expected to actively utilize the NCAA Transfer Portal as a strategy to rebuild their roster. Following the recent departures, the coaching staff is looking to enhance team dynamics and address any gaps that may impact their competitiveness in future seasons.
The Rebels had a strong finish in the Southeastern Conference, finishing eight spots higher than projected. The anticipated offseason activity within the Ole Miss baseball program will be closely monitored, as fans and analysts alike look for updates on new additions and further player departures from the transfer portal. With the recent changes, the team is positioned to make significant adjustments heading into the upcoming season.
As the NCAA Transfer Portal remains open, collegiate baseball programs across the nation, including Ole Miss, will continue to assess their needs and make moves that will hopefully lead to improved performance in the next campaign. The actions taken during this transfer window could have lasting implications for the Rebels’ future success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ole Miss Rebels Set to Battle Southern Miss in Key Midweek Game
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Baseball Transfer Portal Tracker
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Baseball Infielder Enters Transfer Portal
- MSN: Ole Miss Baseball Pitcher Enters Transfer Portal
- 247 Sports: Ole Miss Baseball Offseason Outlook
- On3: Ole Miss Basketball Lands Kezza Giffa
- Wikipedia: NCAA Transfer Portal
- Google Search: Ole Miss Baseball News
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Baseball
- 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.
