The landscape of college baseball at Ole Miss is set to shift dramatically as two of its most accomplished players secure a fifth year of eligibility for the 2027 season. A U.S. District Court injunction granted on July 31 cleared the path for a fifth season, allowing Judd Utermark and Will Furniss to return to the Rebels' roster.
Judd Utermark, who burst onto the Rebels’ record books with 51 career home runs, returns after the injunction cleared his path. In 2026 he batted .309, smashed 22 homers and drove in 55 runs while manning third base, underscoring his continued power at the plate.
Joining him is first-base stalwart Will Furniss, a .306 hitter who launched nine homers and amassed 57 RBIs while starting every game at first base. Over his first four seasons he has already logged 33 home runs, underscoring his consistency and reliability in the lineup.
Their re-entry comes at a time when the Rebels’ 2026 draft class produced eight selections, a depth that now faces a reshuffle. With the roster’s top talent returning, the coaching staff must integrate new transfers and adjust existing roles to maintain competitiveness.
Projected 2027 Starting Lineup
Among the newcomers, Indiana transfer Caleb Koskie arrives with a .372 average and 11 homers from the previous season, while TCU transfer Brady Dallimore is slated to become the primary catcher after a .270 showing with eight homers. Outfield and infield spots will also see action from Dom Decker, a high-average second baseman with 10 homers, and Hayden Federico, who will patrol center field.
The projected 2027 starting nine includes Decker at second base, Utermark at third, Furniss at first, Dallimore behind the plate, Koskie in right field, Federico in center, Owen Paino at shortstop, Trey Hawsey as the designated hitter, and Blake Fields in left field. Hawsey may also see time at first base or split duties, depending on how the coaching staff balances experience with fresh legs.
The infusion of veteran power and proven contact hitters promises to keep Ole Miss competitive as it navigates a demanding schedule and aims to maintain its reputation as a pipeline for MLB talent.