USA Baseball has unveiled its 28‑player roster for the 2026 Collegiate National Team, a list that includes a standout arm from the University of Mississippi.
Walker Hooks, a sophomore pitcher for the Rebels, earned the nod after a dominant season that saw him top the SEC in earned‑run average, WHIP and relief appearances.
His 3‑1 record and nine saves punctuated a campaign in which he posted a 1.73 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP, while striking out batters at a 6.00 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio.
Road to the inaugural World Collegiate Baseball Championship
The team will travel to Taichung City, Taiwan, to compete in the first ever World Collegiate Baseball Championship, a tournament that promises to showcase the best college talent on an international stage.
For Ole Miss, Hooks will join a distinguished line of 15 previous Rebels who have represented the United States in this competition, making his selection the 16th such honor.
Coach Mike Bianco and his staff have praised Hooks not only for his statistics but also for his poise in high‑leverage situations, noting his ability to limit walks and control opposing offenses.
The upcoming championship will also feature other Ole Miss alumni such as Hunter Elliott, Jacob Gonzalez, Brandon Johnson and veteran presence from coach Mike Bianco, underscoring the program’s continued impact on the national team.