Hunter Elliott Knows the Road to Omaha — And He’s Ready to Travel It Again
AUBURN, Ala. — Few players in the Ole Miss clubhouse understand exactly what is on the line this weekend better than Hunter Elliott. He will be the starter tonight when the Rebels take the field in game one of the Super Regionals tonight versus Auburn.
Today’s Starter: @elliotthunter10 pic.twitter.com/bWUzKJITER
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) June 5, 2026
Elliott finds himself just two victories away from returning to college baseball’s biggest stage — a place that helped define his freshman season in 2022.
That summer remains one of the most memorable runs in Ole Miss baseball history. Elliott emerged as one of the heroes of the Rebels’ national championship team, taking the ball in Omaha and eventually starting the championship-clinching game against Oklahoma.
But while the memories remain, Elliott’s focus is firmly planted on the opportunity directly in front of him.
“That was a long time ago. I think so much has changed. I have changed so much since then. It’s a great memory, it’s a lot of fun to reflect on. I feel like I don’t have a ton of time to just sit there and reflect; it’s more about what is next, the opportunity that is in front of us.“
Hunter Elliott on the 2022 title
A lot has changed since that championship run.
Injuries interrupted Elliott’s journey and tested one of the most talented left arms in the country. Now, after battling his way back to the front of the Ole Miss rotation, he once again finds himself preparing to pitch in one of the biggest games of the season.
The veteran left-hander has made 15 starts this year, logging 76 innings while posting a 5-3 record. When he takes the mound Friday night at Plainsman Park, it will mark his 16th start of the season and another opportunity to lead the Rebels in postseason play.
For Elliott, earning that responsibility carries significant meaning.
“It means a lot. I think it means the coaches have a ton of trust in you. No matter what happens, you are going to get the job done. It means you are kinda the leader of the staff, I feel like. That’s something that I pride myself in and that means a ton to me.“
Hunter Elliott
That leadership role has become increasingly important during Ole Miss’ postseason run.
The Rebels entered the NCAA Tournament knowing they possessed the talent to make a deep run, but they have spent the last several weeks proving it on the field. In winning one of the nation’s toughest regional brackets in Lincoln, Ole Miss has continued to answer every challenge placed before it.
Now comes the biggest one yet.
Auburn stands between the Rebels and a return trip to Omaha, where eight teams will compete for a national championship.
For Elliott, that possibility is exactly what motivates players through the long offseason workouts, fall practices and countless hours spent preparing for moments like these.
“Winning national championships and making it to Omaha is why you come back. You show up in early August, it’s why you do the Omaha Challenge in November. It really is why you do this. I feel like we have put ourselves in a really good spot. Feel like we have a really good ball club and very mature and all just excited.“
Hunter Elliott
The opportunity is there.
Ole Miss is two wins away from Omaha. Elliott has been there before. Now he hopes to help lead the Rebels back.
First pitch for Game 1 of the Auburn Super Regional is set for 7 p.m. CT Friday night at Plainsman Park. The game will be televised on ESPN2.
Adam Brown
Adam Brown returns to The Rebel Walk after being on the Ole Miss beat as a Sports Editor for over 13 years. He is a lifelong Oxford resident. Brown graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Prior to The Rebel Walk, Brown was the sports editor of HottyToddy.com covering every Ole Miss sport and local high school sports in the community.
