Mississippi State Baseball Welcomes New Head Coach Brian O’Connor

Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State baseball is gearing up for the 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose under new head coach Brian O’Connor. Following the dismissal of Chris Lemonis on April 28, O’Connor, who comes from a successful 22-year tenure as Virginia’s coach, aims to revamp the program and enhance its competitive edge in college baseball.

O’Connor, whose salary of $2.9 million per year is the second-highest in college baseball, behind Tennessee’s Tony Vitello, was officially introduced to the Mississippi State community on June 5 at Dudy Noble Field. His hiring underscores the program’s commitment to maintaining a top-tier baseball team, especially in light of its recent financial struggles.

As part of his roster overhaul, O’Connor has made notable additions through the transfer portal. Aidan Teel, a Third-Team All-ACC centerfielder from Virginia, has signed on to join the Bulldogs. Teel’s impressive resume from 2024 includes 59 hits, 51 runs, and 40 RBIs, combined with his flexibility as a two-way player, which adds depth to the team’s dynamics. Alongside him, several of his former Virginia teammates are making the move to Mississippi State, including left-handed pitcher Tomas Valincius, outfielder James Nunnalle, and utility player Chone James. Adding to the incoming talent is Illinois outfielder Vytas Valincius, Tomas’s older brother, who adds valuable Big Ten experience to the roster.

The Bulldogs will also benefit from a core of returning players, including Bryce Chance, a centerfielder who made waves in the previous season with a .332 batting average and an impressive 19-game hitting streak. Ace pitcher Reese, recognized as the SEC Newcomer of the Year, is back and looking to build on a stellar season that saw him hit 21 home runs and tally 66 RBIs while leading the SEC in total bases and slugging percentage. Other returning standouts include pitchers Ryan McPherson and Dane Burns, as well as infielder Charlie Foster, who will contribute to a stable foundation for the team’s upcoming campaign.

Despite the excitement surrounding the team, Mississippi State baseball faces challenges. The program has been operating at a planned deficit of nearly $7 million in the 2024 fiscal year, with expenses outpacing revenue by $3.15 million. Despite winning a national championship in 2021 and multiple NCAA tournament appearances, the baseball team has struggled to turn a profit since 2011. Last season, Dudy Noble Field enjoyed the highest average attendance in college baseball, averaging 11,000 fans per game, yet the team recorded a 36-23 record, reflecting the need for improvement on the field.

The roster shake-up has been significant, with 13 players entering the NCAA transfer portal, indicating a shift in team dynamics that O’Connor is determined to address. He is proactively engaging in individual meetings with players to align roster fit and foster a winning culture within the team. While funding and resources play a critical role in a team’s success, O’Connor emphasizes the importance of selecting the right players to achieve long-term results.

As Mississippi State navigates its future, uncertainties loom regarding the state of the team’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) pool and the implications of new revenue-sharing rules on future scholarship allocations. Balancing experienced players with fresh talent remains a priority for O’Connor as he sets the stage for a promising 2026 season.