Diamond Rebels Hit the Road for Critical SEC Test at No. 21 Florida

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss baseball hits the road for a key SEC test, traveling to Gainesville for a three-game series against No. 21 Florida. The Rebels (20-10, 3-6 SEC) will face the Gators (23-7, 6-3 SEC) at Condron Family Ballpark for the first time since the 2021 season.

First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday, with Saturday’s series finale scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Ole Miss enters the weekend with several bats heating up at the right time.

At the plate

Judd Utermark continues to climb the program record books, launching his 41st career home run in the Rebels’ most recent win—now tied for third all-time in school history. He also ranks among the SEC leaders in multiple categories, including runs scored (36), home runs (12), and runs per game.

Tristan Bissetta has been one of the most dangerous hitters in the league all season. The outfielder became the fastest Rebel to reach 13 home runs in a single season, doing so just 23 games into the year, and he now sits near the top of the SEC in home runs, total bases, RBIs, and slugging percentage.

Austin Fawley has quietly put together a strong stretch at the plate as well, riding an eight-game hitting streak while reaching base safely in 14 consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Dom Decker continues to show elite plate discipline, ranking among the conference and national leaders in walks.

Weekend Rotation

The Rebels have recorded 337 strikeouts as a staff—second-most in the SEC and fifth nationally—while Hunter Elliott continues to lead the way. The left-hander has racked up 51 strikeouts this season and ranks among the league leaders in strikeouts per nine innings.

To preserve the usual-days rest, head coach Mike Bianco has adjusted the pitching rotation for the weekend to account for the Thursday-Saturday schedule.

• Game 1: RHP Taylor Rabe (3-1, 2.61 ERA) vs. RHP Liam Peterson (1-1, 3.67 ERA)
• Game 2: LHP Hunter Elliott (3-0, 3.72 ERA) vs. RHP Aidan King (3-2, 1.97 ERA)
• Game 3: RHP Cade Townsend (2-1, 1.90 ERA) vs. RHP Russell Sandefer (2-1, 4.24 ERA)

Scouting the Gators

Florida, led by longtime head coach Kevin O’Sullivan, enters the weekend as one of the more consistent programs in the SEC. The Gators are coming off a 39-win season and their 17th straight NCAA Regional appearance.

So far this season, Florida has shown a boom-or-bust pattern in conference play—either sweeping or getting swept in each SEC series. The Gators opened league play by dominating South Carolina, stumbled against Alabama, then bounced back with an impressive road sweep of No. 4 Arkansas.

At the plate, sophomore Brendan Lawson has been the centerpiece of Florida’s offense, hitting .372 with 11 home runs while leading the SEC in on-base percentage. Blake Cyr and Kyle Jones provide additional depth, each entering the weekend with at least 30 hits.

On the mound, Aidan King has been the most effective of Florida’s projected starters, posting a sub-2.00 ERA. Liam Peterson brings swing-and-miss ability with 55 strikeouts, while Russell Sandefer rounds out the rotation.

Out of the bullpen, Jackson Barberi has been a key weapon, playing a major role in multiple shutouts while ranking near the top of the team in strikeouts.

How to Watch

Thursday and Friday’s games will stream on SEC Network+, while Saturday’s finale will air on SEC Network. Fans can also tune in via the Ole Miss Radio Network with David Kellum and Brad Henderson on the call.