The Ole Miss Rebels baseball team has come out of the gates hot in 2025, showcasing the type of momentum that has already turned heads across the college baseball world. Head coach Mike Bianco, now in his 22nd season at the helm, is looking to carry this early success into their upcoming match against Jacksonville State, hoping to continue building on a promising start. Derek Vandygriff, a key member of the team, offers his insights into what makes the Rebels’ hot start so exciting and why they are a team to watch this season.
For the Ole Miss Rebels, their recent success has not come out of nowhere. The program’s strong tradition of success, bolstered by Bianco’s leadership, has positioned them well heading into 2025. After clinching the 2022 College World Series title, Ole Miss has maintained its competitive edge. The Rebels are ranked highly in preseason polls, and they’ve lived up to the expectations with a fast start to the season. While a few bumps are expected along the way, the Rebels’ current trajectory is one that excites both fans and analysts alike.
One of the key factors in the Rebels’ strong start has been their offensive firepower. With talented hitters across the lineup, Ole Miss has displayed an ability to both manufacture runs and hit for power. Derek Vandygriff, a standout player who has been an integral part of the team, emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency at the plate. “We’re feeling really good right now as a team. It’s all about staying focused and sticking to our approach. We’ve had great at-bats and just need to keep pushing,” Vandygriff shared. This approach has translated into solid offensive production that has given Ole Miss the upper hand in several early-season contests.
On the mound, the Rebels have also been clicking. Ole Miss has consistently found a mix of veteran leadership and fresh arms that provide a balanced attack. The pitching staff, which has been a point of focus for Bianco and his coaching staff in recent years, has shown its depth and ability to shut down opposing offenses. Bianco, who has long been known for developing elite pitchers, has seen his pitchers rise to the occasion. Whether it’s the starting rotation or the bullpen, the Rebels’ arms have been locking down games early on in 2025.
Looking ahead to their matchup against Jacksonville State, Bianco and his players are focused on building on their momentum. “We can’t take anything for granted,” Bianco said. “Every opponent brings something unique to the table. We have to stay sharp, continue working hard, and embrace the challenge of maintaining this level of play.”
For Ole Miss to extend their hot start, it will require a continued team effort in all facets of the game. Vandygriff pointed to the importance of not becoming complacent, a trap that many teams can fall into after a strong beginning. “It’s great to get off to a hot start, but we know there’s a long season ahead of us. We’ve got to keep that hunger and stay locked in,” he explained.
As the Rebels prepare for Jacksonville State, all eyes will be on whether they can keep their momentum rolling and continue their quest to solidify themselves as one of the premier teams in college baseball. With Bianco’s leadership and a talented roster, the 2025 season is shaping up to be another exciting chapter in Ole Miss baseball’s rich history.
