Ole Miss Pitcher Will McCausland Reflects on Season, Previews Oxford Regional at Swayze

OXFORD, Miss. — After two years without postseason play in 2023 and 2024, the return of meaningful baseball to one of the most electrifying venues in the country means everything to both the players and the fans at Ole Miss.

McCausland excited for the passionate Swayze crowd

With the Rebels set to host postseason baseball once again at Swayze Field, pitcher Will McCausland offered a mix of enthusiasm and reflection in a recent press conference as the team hopes to carry its second-half surge into June.

“It’s going to be absolutely amazing,” McCausland said.

“It’s going to be crazy with the fans out in the outfield, the beer showers, everything like that. It’s gonna be a really fun atmosphere.”

~ McCausland on the atmosphere he expects at Swayze

The right-hander knows better than most what the environment at Oxford-University Stadium can do for a team’s energy and performance. Swayze Field’s passionate and rowdy crowds — including the iconic beer showers in right field — become a different animal in the postseason. McCausland and his teammates are embracing that energy, viewing it not as pressure but as motivation.

A ‘kick in the butt’ from Coach Bianco

For McCausland, the road to this moment hasn’t been struggle-free. The righty was candid in acknowledging the team’s difficulties this season and the pivotal turning point that helped the Rebels discover their identity.

“It honestly feels like two different seasons. It started off a little bit rough, and then we got a little kick in the butt from Coach B and the second half of the season was a totally different story.”

~ McCausland on the second half of the season

The Rebels responded with grit and determination whenever facing adversity throughout the regular season, having notably gone the entire season without being swept and responding to back-to-back series losses against Oklahoma and Mississippi State by winning six of their final eight games, including a run in the conference tournament. Bianco’s challenge to his players, asking them “do you want to be a dude or not” as McCausland explained, clearly resonated and sparked a noticeable shift in the team’s mentality.

That change was particularly evident on the mound, where McCausland noted that the pitchers challenged themselves to play with a more aggressive edge as the season went on.

“It was kind of like a mindset switch almost, like players going up there and just trying to strike every single person out.”

~ McCausland on the pitching staff challenging themselves

Resurging Rebels

That fiery mindset translated to an impressive stretch at the end of the season. That run included a series win against the No. 4 overall national seed Auburn Tigers and wins over NCAA Tournament teams Florida, Arkansas and LSU in the SEC Tournament (the latter two being host seeds), and, of course, an appearance in the conference tournament’s title game against Vanderbilt.

With a resurgent squad and the postseason returning to Oxford, the Rebels look to ride their second-half momentum deep into June. If McCausland’s words are any indication, Rebel Nation is in for an electric few weeks.

Up next

The Rebels will open the Oxford Regional on Friday, May 30, against the Murray State Racers. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ESPN+.