June 10, 2025

Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball Faces Player Exodus

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News Summary

Jackson Owen, a former catcher from Starkville High School, is among several players transferring from Mississippi State University following a disappointing season. The NCAA transfer portal has seen many athletes, including key pitchers, declare their intentions to seek new opportunities. The recent coaching change is impacting roster dynamics as coaches prepare for upcoming seasons. With the transfer window open and the Major League Baseball Draft approaching, Mississippi State’s baseball program anticipates significant changes as they aim to rebuild under new leadership.

Starkville – Jackson Owen, a former catcher from Starkville High School, has declared his intention to transfer from Mississippi State University. He is among a wave of players, including left-handed pitcher Robert Fortenberry and right-handed pitcher Kevin Mannell, who have recently entered the NCAA transfer portal.

All three athletes played as reserves on the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team this past season, contributing to a roster that saw significant challenges. Kevin Mannell had particularly high expectations upon transfer from Cloud County Community College, regarded as a top prospect from junior college. However, he is now seeking new opportunities following a disappointing season.

The NCAA transfer portal became available on June 2, 2023, marking the beginning of what has turned into a player exodus from Mississippi State. Since the portal opened, several players, including Gavin Black, Landis Davila, Dylan Cupp, Wes Pritchard, Mikhai Grant, Michael O’Brien, and Nolan Stevens, have also announced their intent to transfer.

Robert Fortenberry, known for his impressive performance at the junior college level, boasted a 15-2 record with a 2.74 ERA during his freshman season. In contrast, his time at Mississippi State has been less successful, with an 11.12 ERA across six relief appearances. These figures highlight the challenges faced by players transitioning to the competitive landscape of NCAA Division I baseball.

The recent coaching change at Mississippi State is believed to have played a significant role in the players’ decisions regarding transfers. Brian O’Connor, previously the head coach at the University of Virginia, was hired on June 1, shortly after the conclusion of Mississippi State’s season, which ended in the Tallahassee Regional final. O’Connor is expected to take an active role in assessing the team’s current players and their future intentions while also focusing on enhancing the roster through new transfer talent.

As the transfer window remains open until July 1, 2023, anticipation builds around further roster changes. The upcoming Major League Baseball Draft, scheduled for July 13-14, adds another layer of uncertainty for players as they navigate their futures. This spring transfer period is also notably earlier than in previous years, prompting swift decisions by players.

In addition to the previously mentioned players, Aidan Teel, Vytas Valincius, Chone James, James Nunnallee, and Tomas Valincius have all committed to transfer to Virginia, indicating a trend of departures following the coaching transition. Players Lukas Buckner and Ross Highfill have also announced their entry into the transfer portal, contributing to the ongoing changes within the program.

As Mississippi State prepares for the next season under O’Connor’s leadership, the focus will turn towards building a competitive roster capable of revitalizing the program. The influx of new transfers, combined with the developments in the current roster, will be crucial in determining the direction of the Bulldogs baseball team for the upcoming season.