News Summary
Four players from the University of Virginia have officially transferred to Mississippi State University as part of a restructuring of the baseball program under new coach Brian O’Connor. Notable transfers include standout outfielder Aidan Teel and promising freshmen Tomas Valincius and Chone James. Their addition is expected to enhance the team’s performance as the program aims for a championship-caliber season. With the transfer portal opening recently, these changes signify a new chapter in Mississippi State baseball.
Starkville, MS – Four players from the University of Virginia have officially transferred to Mississippi State University following the recent appointment of Coach Brian O’Connor, a notable figure in collegiate baseball. This wave of transfers is part of a broader restructuring within the Mississippi State baseball program, which saw 11 players depart and numerous new recruits join the team.
Among the transfers is Aidan Teel, a standout outfielder who played under O’Connor at Virginia. Teel concluded the previous season with impressive statistics, batting .317 while maintaining a .442 on-base percentage and a .538 slugging percentage. He contributed significantly to his team with seven home runs and 40 RBIs.
Also making the move to Mississippi State are freshmen Tomas Valincius and Chone James. Valincius, a left-handed pitcher, posted a formidable record of 6-1 at Virginia, alongside a 4.59 earned run average (ERA) and 70 strikeouts over 12 starts in his freshman year. Meanwhile, James showcased his batting prowess in 26 games, achieving a remarkable .373 batting average and securing 11 RBIs.
In addition to these players, James Nunnallee has also decided to transfer from Virginia to Mississippi State, adding to the significant changes the program is currently undergoing.
The transfer portal opened on June 2, 2025, allowing players to seek new opportunities, which has coincided with O’Connor’s introduction as Mississippi State’s baseball coach on June 5, 2025. After spending over two decades at Virginia, O’Connor expressed the importance of finding the right fit for his family in this new chapter of his career. As part of his strategy, he conducted individual exit interviews with every remaining player from the current Mississippi State roster.
The Valincius brothers are also notable additions; in addition to Tomas, Vytas Valincius will join Mississippi State after transferring from Illinois. Vytas had a standout season, earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors in 2025 with a .348 batting average, seven home runs, and 58 RBIs. His presence, along with his brother’s, is expected to enhance the new team’s performance significantly.
The incoming freshman class, highlighted by the transfers from Virginia, is anticipated to play a crucial role in reshaping the Mississippi State roster. The new coaching staff is committed to flipping the roster to elevate the team’s competitive edge and drive them toward championship-caliber performance in the upcoming season.
As Mississippi State embarks on this transformative journey under Brian O’Connor’s stewardship, the combination of experienced talent and fresh prospects may mark a new era for the program. Head coach O’Connor’s strategic decisions, including key player acquisitions, will be closely watched as fans, players, and the broader collegiate baseball community await the anticipated results of these changes on the field.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball Transfers
- SI: Ross Highfill Transfers
- On3: MSU Baseball Transfer Portal Tracker
- MSN: Mississippi State Baseball Transfer Tracker
- SI: MSU Baseball 2025-26 Roster Tracker
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball
