The stage is set at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium as the 2025 Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament gets underway this week. While all 14 teams come into the event hoping to boost their NCAA Tournament resumes or capture the league crown, two programs from the Magnolia State enter with compelling storylines and postseason aspirations: the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Ole Miss Rebels.
Mississippi State: A Late Season Surge Sparks Belief in Starkville
It’s been a season of turbulence and transformation for the Bulldogs. After a midseason skid that saw them fall to .500 in SEC play, Mississippi State made the bold decision to part ways with head coach Chris Lemonis in late April. Since then, under interim skipper Justin Parker—formerly the team’s pitching coach—State has looked revitalized.
The Bulldogs closed out the regular season winning 9 out of 10, including a high-energy sweep of Missouri and a thrilling series win over in-state rival Ole Miss in early May. Now the No. 11 seed in Hoover, Mississippi State enters the tournament with a 34–20 overall record and a 15–15 SEC ledger.
Pitching has been the backbone of Mississippi State’s resurgence. Evan Siary earned SEC Pitcher of the Week honors after a 15-strikeout performance, while Pico Kohn leads the staff with 107 strikeouts. Offensively, Gehrig Frei (.360 AVG, 7 HR, 16 RBI) and Ace Reese (.369 AVG 21 HR, 66 RBI) have been key contributors.
The Bulldogs will face No. 14 seed Texas A&M in the opening round on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET, with the winner advancing to play No. 6 seed Auburn on Wednesday. With their RPI hovering around the bubble, the Bulldogs need at least one win to feel confident on Selection Monday. Two or more wins in Hoover could punch their ticket to a regional—and possibly remove the interim tag from Parker.
Ole Miss Rebels: Rebs Looking Like A Threat Again
After two straight seasons outside the NCAA Tournament picture, Mike Bianco’s Ole Miss Rebels have come roaring back into relevance in 2025. Entering the SEC Tournament as the No. 7 seed with a 37–18 record and 16–14 in SEC play, the Rebels have leaned on balance, experience, and a few key newcomers.
They closed the season with a statement series win over Auburn, locking up their highest seed since their 2022 national championship season. That momentum—and their offense—makes them a dangerous draw for any team.
Some of the key players hot right now for the Rebels include 3B Luke Hill (.345 AVG, 8 HR, 31 RBI), Hill was named Second Team All-SEC, Hill has been the motor of the offense, consistently finding gaps and showing leadership in the infield. Outfielder Mitchell Sanford (.310 AVG, 15 HR, 39 RBI), another Second Team All-SEC, Sanford leads the team in slugging and is a versatile defender. In pitching Hunter Elliott (3.31 ERA, 71.0 IP), A high-upside starter who’s flashed SEC ace potential, Elliott will likely get the nod in Ole Miss’ opening game Wednesday.
Ole Miss has the luxury of avoiding Tuesday’s single-elimination round. They’ll face the winner of Florida vs. South Carolina on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. CT. With a solid RPI and a resume that includes multiple Top 25 wins, the Rebels are likely a lock for the NCAA Tournament but can still improve their seeding with a few wins in Hoover.
Could Hoover See a Egg Bowl rematch ?
If the bracket aligns just right, Mississippi State and Ole Miss could meet again in the semifinals or finals—a rubber match after their heated regular season series. The potential for another clash between the Bulldogs and Rebels at one of college baseball’s grandest stages only adds fuel to one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.
Both teams have passionate fanbases expected to travel in droves to Hoover, making the stands feel like a Magnolia State showdown even when they aren’t playing each other.
With Mississippi State riding an emotional surge and Ole Miss reasserting itself as an SEC contender, the 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament promises to be must-watch baseball for fans across the Southeast—and especially in Mississippi.
Tournament Details:
- Location: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, Hoover, AL
- Dates: May 21–26, 2025
- Format: Single-elimination for seeds 11–14 on Tuesday; double-elimination begins Wednesday; semifinals revert to single-elimination Saturday
- TV: SEC Network and SEC Network+ (Streaming)
- Defending Champion: Vanderbilt
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