A Surprising Rotation Choice
Ole Miss baseball coach Mike Bianco has named Hunter Elliott as the starter for Game 1 of the upcoming Auburn Super Regional, a decision that surprised many given Elliott’s 5.21 earned‑run average, the highest among the Rebels’ three rotation arms.
Despite the middling ERA, Elliott brings more than numbers to the mound. He is described by teammates and staff as a natural leader, the player with the deepest experience in high‑stakes moments for the program.
Elliott’s pedigree includes pitching the title‑clinching game in the 2022 College World Series for Ole Miss, a feat that still resonates in the locker room. The night before the Auburn showdown, he plans to honor a personal ritual by hunting down a medium‑rare steak dinner, a tradition he says helps him settle nerves.
Options for the Next Two Slots
Taylor Rabe and Cade Townsend are being evaluated as potential starters for Game 2 and as a possible arm for a Game 3, giving the staff depth if the series extends.
The Rebels are chasing a milestone they have not reached since 2022, when they captured a national championship. A super regional victory would mark the program’s first in that stage of the tournament, a goal that has infused the clubhouse with a palpable sense of urgency.