Starting Nine: Head coach Mike Bianco unveils opening weekend starters for Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss baseball held its annual preseason media day this afternoon where head coach Mike Bianco took the podium to answer questions. Additionally, Coach Bianco also revealed the opening day lineup, consisting of returning veterans, transfers, and true freshmen.
On the mound, it will be Hunter Elliott against Arizona, Riley Maddox versus Texas, and Mason Nichols to take on Clemson in this weekend’s upcoming Shriners Children’s College Showdown in Arlington. For Bianco, he says having three starting pitchers with several years of SEC experience is something he’s not used to at Ole Miss.
“To have guys who have had success in this league, it is very important.” – Bianco on having many players going into year 2 and 3 with the program
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) February 11, 2025
“To retain Hunter Elliott, Riley Maddox, Mason Nichols, and Connor Spencer gives us some experience that we haven’t had in some time.”
– Bianco on his veteran pitching staff
Catching for Elliott on Friday will be Campbell Smithwick, with Kentucky transfer Austin Fawley and BYU transfer Collin Reuter potentially seeing the field on Saturday and Sunday.
Moving onto the infield, Bianco informed us that Will Furniss will start at first base, Brayden Randle at second, Owen Paino at shortstop, and Luke Hill at third base. Despite Paino being a freshman, Bianco speaks highly of the New York native, comparing his style of play to Ole Miss legend Jacob Gonzalez.
“I don’t want to compare them, but he’s very similar to Jacob Gonzalez… there’s a slower pulse when you watch him play.“
– Bianco on Owen Paino
“Usually when you talk defense, you talk infield; and we have gotten better.” – Bianco on the defensive improvements
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) February 11, 2025
In the outfield, there are three unfamiliar faces taking over: Illinois transfer Ryan Moerman in left field, Louisville transfer Isaac Humphrey in center, and New Orleans transfer Mitch Sanford in right.
Despite not having played a regular season game, Bianco says this outfield has proven to be elite defensively, showing a high level of speed and athleticism throughout the fall.
“There’s no doubt we’re faster than we were last year… all three outfielders can really run and cover some ground.“
– Bianco on the 2025 outfield
Wrapping up the lineup at the designated hitter spot, Mike implied that BYU transfer Collin Reuter and freshman Hayden Federico will rotate consistently with other names being mixed in as well.
Players such as Judd Utermark and Luke Cheng will also rotate all across the infield and likely find numerous starts over the first couple of weeks.
What’s Next?
The Rebels will travel to Arlington, Texas, to take on Arizona, Texas, and Clemson this weekend to open the 2025 season. With the games being streamed on FloSports, be sure to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk for all of your baseball coverage and more!
2 starters against Clemson and none against Texas.