A familiar quest
The Ole Miss baseball program is back on the national stage, having secured a spot in the College World Series for the first time since its 2022 championship run. The Rebels are now chasing a second title in program history, hoping to replicate the dominance they displayed three years ago.
Coach Mike Bianco, who has led the team for more than a decade, notes that the leadership and teamwork that defined the 2022 squad are evident in this year’s roster. He believes the blend of experience and hunger gives the Rebels a genuine chance to contend.
Hunter Elliott, the only player on the 2026 club still wearing a championship ring, expressed excitement about returning to Omaha. He urged teammates to keep it simple and play the baseball they have mastered all season, emphasizing focus over flash.
Outfielder Hayden Federico highlighted the camaraderie that has developed in the locker room, recalling how the 2022 team bonded through adversity. After a disappointing 2025 season that ended with a surprise loss to Murray State, the Rebels see this tournament as an opportunity to restore pride and unity.
The Rebels open their tournament against North Carolina on Friday at 6 p.m. Central, a matchup that could set the tone for a potential second national championship for Ole Miss.