Hunter Elliott has decided to return to Ole Miss for his sixth and final college baseball season, he announced Saturday. The Tupelo native and Friday night starter opted against turning pro, aiming to finish his collegiate career at Swayze Field.
Elliott is expected to be the only starting weekend pitcher for the Rebels in 2027, as other key players like Cade Townsend and Taylor Rabe are projected to be early MLB Draft picks, according to sources. He is the last remaining member of the 2022 Ole Miss national championship team.
Elliott helped lead Ole Miss back to Omaha this year, the first time since winning the title. The Rebels exited early after losses to North Carolina and Troy. Elliott expressed his desire to end his college career on a stronger note, according to the team.
Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco shared on X that “The Champ is back,” referencing Elliott’s return. The NCAA allowed Elliott to compete in both 2026 and 2027 after he suffered an elbow injury during his sophomore year, which led to Tommy John surgery. Last season, he made 17 starts with a 5.40 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 85 innings.
As the veteran of the 2027 team, Elliott will lead a roster that includes other returning players such as left-handed pitcher Walker Elliott, center fielder Hayden Federico, second baseman Dom Decker, and shortstop Owen Paino. The team has also added transfers to fill gaps left by departing players, including Judd Utermark and Will Furniss. Ole Miss begins its 2027 season in February.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
