News Summary
Ace Reese, a key player for the Mississippi State baseball team, has announced his decision to stay with the Bulldogs for the 2026 season, putting an end to transfer rumors. He had an impressive 2025 season with a .347 batting average, 21 home runs, and 64 RBIs over 56 games. This announcement comes as Mississippi State welcomes new head coach Brian O’Connor, who aims to enhance player development and rebuild the program’s winning culture.
Starkville, Mississippi – Ace Reese, standout player for the Mississippi State baseball team, has decided to remain with the Bulldogs for the upcoming 2026 season, putting to rest swirling rumors of a potential transfer. This announcement comes just ahead of the July 1 deadline for players to enter the transfer portal.
Reese confirmed his intent to stay with Mississippi State, rejecting speculation about heading elsewhere. The Texas native made noteworthy contributions during the 2025 season, participating in 56 games, where he boasted an impressive batting average of .347, along with 21 home runs and 64 runs batted in (RBIs). This performance has made him a promising asset as Mississippi State gears up for the new season.
The timing of Reese’s announcement coincides with recent changes within the Mississippi State baseball program, most significantly the hiring of head coach Brian O’Connor. O’Connor was officially introduced to fans on June 5, 2025, in a ceremonial event at Dudy Noble Field, which included red carpet festivities, fireworks, and a speech emphasizing the future direction of Mississippi State baseball.
O’Connor comes to Mississippi State following a successful 22-year tenure as the head coach at the University of Virginia. During his introduction, he articulated his commitment to fostering relationships with players and focusing on their development, stressing that success would flow as an outcome of those dynamics. His appointment, securing a four-year contract with an average annual salary of $2.9 million, makes him the second-highest paid coach in college baseball, underscoring the investment the university is making in its baseball program.
Mississippi State’s leadership faced scrutiny following the firing of former head coach Chris Lemonis, a decision made by athletic director Zac Selmon. The shift in coaching staff was viewed by some as controversial, but many also recognized it as a necessary step to enhance the program’s future prospects. Under interim coach Justin Parker, Mississippi State showed resilience with a 9-1 record before being eliminated by Florida State in the Tallahassee Regional, which pointed to a pressing need for change.
In his inaugural address, O’Connor characterized the Mississippi State baseball program as a vital environment for player growth, emphasizing the responsibility players hold in representing not just themselves, but also their families and the university with integrity. His priority will involve establishing trust and loyalty with the players, developing their skills, and creating a winning culture predicated on these values.
As Mississippi State looks ahead to the 2026 season, the combination of Reese’s decision to stay and O’Connor’s leadership offers fans a renewed sense of optimism. O’Connor aims to harness the team’s past successes and work toward returning to the College World Series, an aspiration that resonates with the passionate fan base showcasing their unwavering support for the program.
Overall, Mississippi State baseball is at a pivotal moment as it embarks on a new chapter under O’Connor’s guidance while retaining key players like Ace Reese. As the program transitions, the focus remains squarely on growth, development, and a successful future on the diamond.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Welcome Event for Coach Brian O’Connor
- Sports Illustrated: Coach Brian O’Connor Introductory Speech
- Clarion Ledger: Introduction of Brian O’Connor
- Google Search: Mississippi State Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Baseball
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha 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 Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
