Hayden Federico discusses Oxford ice storm and previews 2026 Ole Miss Baseball season
Oxford, Miss. – Similar to the entire town of Oxford, Mississippi, these past couple of weeks, the Ole Miss Baseball team was tasked with finding teammates who had working power through the ice storm and a place where they could temporarily move in.
According to Hayden Federico, he and Cade Townsend housed roughly nine players at a time over the duration of the storm, which led to unique bonding activities such as cooking, cleaning, and finding entertaining ways to sleep in their house. Federico admitted that 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hunter Elliott utilized the “double couch” setup to ensure his comfort.
“We had three air mattresses, couches pushed together… whatever it takes. It was great for team bonding.”
– Federico on hosting teammates during the ice storm
With the team back to work and the season looming around the corner on Friday, head coach Mike Bianco announced Hayden would be starting in centerfield this year, alongside Tristan Bissetta and Daniel Pacella in the corner outfield spots.
Despite becoming familiar with left and right field in 2025, Federico said that he’s adapted quickly to center and even robbed his first home run the other day.
Hayden Federico’s glove gets him on the field. If the bat takes the next step, Ole Miss could have a true two-way impact player in center field.@JoeHealyD1 highlights @haydenfederico3 and other @OleMissBSB breakout candidates ⤵️
🔗 https://t.co/2A4zCac8BZ pic.twitter.com/yWyZpGOLsi
— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) February 6, 2026
“The corners are definitely a lot more difficult because you have the slice, the sun, the walls, and stuff like that, so the angles are tough… Centerfield is a lot more freedom. I played football in high school, so that was kind of an easy transition moving to center. It’s just like going to catch a football.”
– Federico on playing centerfield
At the plate, Federico proved himself to be one of the most productive hitters on the team last spring. The true freshman started in 46 games and collected 34 walks, the fourth most on the team, while notching 44 hits, six doubles, and four home runs.
In a lineup filled with power from Judd Utermark, Daniel Pacella, Will Furniss, and Austin Fawley, Federico informed the media that his mindset will remain the same heading into year two.
“I think I need to see pitches and walk and get on base, but I also am not afraid to get up there and swing. There’s definitely no fear, and I’m going to go up there and have good at-bats.”
– Federico on his approach at the plate
Wrapping up his interview, Hayden was asked about the Missouri transfer Will Libbert, who was named the Sunday starter by Mike Bianco earlier this afternoon. Following a decent 2025 and an entire offseason working with Joel Mangrum, Federico explained that Libbert has become dynamic for the Rebels.
“A left-hander who is 95-97 with four other pitchers, I think that’s pretty incredible. I think he’s a first-to-third-round type of talent. He’s super quiet and goes about his business. I think he’s going to be really special.”
– Federico on Will Libbert
Opening day for Ole Miss will take place in Swayze Field this Friday at 4:00 PM against Nevada. As always, be sure to stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all of your Ole Miss sports needs.
