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Mississippi State Baseball Faces Crucial Transfer Decisions

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Mississippi State baseball players practicing on the field.

News Summary

As the NCAA baseball transfer portal deadline approaches, Mississippi State’s players are making significant decisions about their futures. With a top-ranked transfer portal class under new coach Brian O’Connor, notable additions and withdrawals highlight the team’s strategic roster moves. Key players like Ace Reese are considering their options, while others, such as Jackson Owen, are committing to remaining with the team. The upcoming decisions promise to shape the Bulldogs’ competitive landscape for the next season.

Starkville, Mississippi – As the NCAA baseball transfer portal window approaches its deadline at midnight on Monday, July 1, key players from Mississippi State are making critical decisions that could shape the team’s future for the upcoming season. Players must enter the portal by this deadline if they wish to transfer to another program; failing to do so means they will remain with their current team. Once players are in the portal, they can sign with any other program at any time.

Currently, Mississippi State boasts the top-ranked transfer portal class, a position that reflects the strategic moves made by new coach Brian O’Connor since his appointment. O’Connor has been linked with many prominent transfer portal players, resulting in the successful addition of Aidan Teel and Kevin Milewski to the roster. However, the team also faces challenges, notably dissatisfaction over the transfer of Eric Becker and Henry Ford, with mixed reports emerging on their situations.

A significant focus is on Ace Reese, the reigning SEC Newcomer of the Year, who has been a subject of rumors suggesting interest from other teams. Despite these speculations, Reese is not currently in the transfer portal and has recently expressed on social media his intention to return to Starkville. As of now, there are no indications that Reese will enter the portal before the deadline.

Mississippi State’s pursuit of new talent includes the consideration of former Tennessee left-handed pitcher Dylan Loy, who played an essential role in Tennessee’s national title run in 2024. Loy had a productive season in 2025, with a 3.97 ERA, a record of 4-0, and two saves across 33 appearances, making him a valuable addition should he decide to join the Bulldogs.

In recent updates, two players, catcher Jackson Owen and RHP Duke Stone, have chosen to withdraw from the transfer portal. Their decision solidifies their commitment to the team, with Owen set to work alongside transfer Kevin Milewski next season as Mississippi State’s catching duo. Additionally, Ben Davis has opted to withdraw his name from the MLB Draft, indicating a strategic decision to continue his collegiate career.

Amid these developments, Mississippi State has also secured the transfer of Brendan Sweeney, a former South Carolina reliever. O’Connor has successfully added thirteen players via the transfer portal since the team’s elimination in the postseason, demonstrating a proactive approach to roster improvement.

This year has seen a significant number of players explore their options, with 17 different Mississippi State players entering the transfer portal. Among the recent commitments is Blake Bevis, a junior outfielder from Ball State, who announced his commitment to Mississippi State on June 18. Bevis ended the 2025 season with a commendable .301 batting average, 18 home runs, and 52 RBIs, earning him first-team All-MAC selection. He is also draft-eligible and is expected to fill a role at either first base or in the corner outfield.

O’Connor continues to enrich the team with talent, having brought in nine transfers thus far, with Bevis being the sixth position player acquired. Other notable transfers include outfielders James Nunnallee, Vytas Valinius, Aidan Teel, as well as infielders Ryder Woodson and Chone James.

As the transfer portal deadline approaches, decisions made over the next few days will be pivotal for Mississippi State baseball as they look to build a competitive team for the upcoming season. The finalization of player decisions will provide further clarity on the team’s roster heading into the new campaign.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mississippi State Baseball Welcomes Brendan Sweeney to Roster
Mississippi State Baseball Welcomes New Head Coach Brian O’Connor
EA Sports College Football 26 Set for Release
Mississippi State Players Ace Reese and Noah Sullivan Earn All-American Honors
Mississippi State University Boosts Football Recruitment
Mississippi State Baseball Program Showcases Alumni Success
Mississippi State Football Shakes Up 2026 Recruiting Class
Starkville’s Young Athletes Excel at State Tournaments
Zayion Cotton Commits to Mississippi State University
Mississippi State Baseball Team Faces Transfer Setbacks

Additional Resources

HERE Starkville
Author: HERE Starkville

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