Mississippi
Why new coach Brian O’Connor embraces Mississippi State baseball’s lofty preseason rankings: ‘Bring it on’
STARKVILLE — If you attended a Mississippi State baseball fall scrimmage at Dudy Noble Field, you likely did so with a couple hundred fans.
That’s the standard for Mississippi State fans who love their baseball. Even the October exhibition in Pensacola, Florida, against Florida State was played in front of a sellout crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
For new Bulldogs coach Brian O’Connor, hired in June after 22 seasons at Virginia, it wasn’t a surprise, but it was a different experience.
“It’s part of what makes Mississippi State baseball so special is the passion with everybody involved,” O’Connor said Jan. 21 in an exclusive interview with the Clarion Ledger. “I fully anticipated that it would be that way. I think it’s great that people care so much and are so into it.”
Those fans were eager to get a first-hand look at MSU in what’s perhaps the most highly anticipated season in program history.
O’Connor spoke in a nearly 30-minute interview to about Mississippi State’s 2026 season. The interview was conducted three weeks before opening day when Mississippi State hosts Hofstra on Feb. 13.
O’Connor addressed what a successful first season would be, how the Bulldogs view their high rankings in the preseason polls and what questions still remain with the team.
What Brian O’Connor said about Mississippi State preseason rankings
Previous coach Chris Lemonis was clear with his goal for 2025. Mississippi State needed to host a regional in order to get back to the College World Series. Lemonis was fired in April before a late-season surge got the Bulldogs in the NCAA tournament, but not as a hosting seed.
O’Connor said he does not project what a tangible level of success is for Mississippi State in 2026, whether that’s hosting a regional or making it to the CWS.
“I don’t ever set out in a season to say, ‘If we don’t make Omaha, then it’s an unsuccessful season,’” O’Connor said. “… I have never and will not here focus on the end. Winning and those kind of accomplishments and those kind of opportunities are a byproduct of how they work, our team culture and do they stay together during challenging times?”
Outside expectations are that Mississippi State will be one of the top teams in the nation given the talent on the roster. Preseason polls from D1Baseball, Baseball America and Perfect Game all have the Bulldogs in the top six.
The Bulldogs haven’t hosted a postseason game at Dudy Noble Field since 2021 when they won the national championship.
“We ain’t ever going to shy away from that,” O’Connor said of the preseason polls. “Bring it on. That’s how we feel.
“That said, it’s noise. I share with our entire program that there’s going to be distractions and noise all the time when you play in a program like this. Manage it.”
Brian O’Connor’s biggest unanswered questions for Mississippi State baseball
It’s a challenging exercise to project who will be Mississippi State’s starters because of the influx of talent on the roster.
MSU returns five of its top seven batters in terms of 2025 OPS: Ace Reese, Noah Sullivan, Gehrig Frei, Bryce Chance and Gatlin Sanders. Reese, the third baseman, was named a preseason All-American by D1Baseball and Perfect Game.
Joining those returners are some of Virginia’s best players like outfielder Aidan Teel and pitcher Tomas Valincius, plus 24 other newcomers, including freshmen such as Jacob Parker and Jack Bauer.
O’Connor said figuring out the best starting lineup is a question that still remains. He specifically pointed to catcher, shortstop and starting pitcher because of lack of SEC playing experience at those positions.
Only 147 innings pitched out of 496⅔ returned in 2026.
“You’re talking about roles, catcher, shortstop and starting pitching, that they just haven’t done it under the bright lights on the weekend yet,” O’Connor said. “You don’t know. You see talent, but we all know that there’s always been guys that have talent and then the lights come on.
“That said, I believe in this team and how it’s being built that they will be ready to fill those roles and do the job because I believe that this team is starving. A lot of people say hungry, but there’s a difference between hungry and starving. I’m exited to see them come together and grow and become a great ball club.”
Some of those lineup decisions could linger into the start of the season. MSU’s first two series are against Hofstra and Delaware before the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series in Arlington, Texas, against Arizona State, Virginia Tech and UCLA.
“As you move through the first two weekends, you have options, right?” O’Connor said. “Who can you bring off the bench in certain roles? Who are the guys that you’re going to count on coming out of the bullpen in certain situations? There’s still a lot to figure out, but it’s starting to take shape. I’m excited about that. I’m excited about, as the leader, making those decisions.”
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
Members of a Fort Worth-area youth baseball team were among dozens of people rescued from rising floodwaters in Mississippi as Tropical Storm Arthur brought heavy rain and dangerous conditions to the Gulf Coast.
According to a release from Cajun Navy 2016, volunteers conducted multiple water rescues along the Biloxi River in Gulfport over the weekend as rainfall caused water levels to rise and flooded homes and roadways.
Among those evacuated were members of The Pickles, a Fort Worth-area youth baseball team.
Trey Williams, communications director for Cajun Navy 2016, said the rescue effort began when the mother of one of the players contacted the organization through Facebook seeking help. Initially, the situation did not appear urgent, but rising floodwaters overnight quickly changed conditions.
“They were just wanting to get to their game,” Williams said. “But overnight, the water rose a great bit, and it really did become more of an emergency situation where we needed to get them out of that house.”
According to Williams, volunteers working alongside the Gulfport Fire Department evacuated 12 players, nine adults, and three dogs; two German shepherds and a Labrador, from the flooded property.
The group was staying in an Airbnb near the Biloxi River when floodwaters began surrounding the elevated home. Williams said fast-moving water and changing currents created dangerous conditions for rescuers and those trapped inside.
“The most important thing was that water was very swift and fast-moving,” Williams said. “In that situation, it’s always best to get people out of harm’s way.”
The team rescue was one of several operations conducted by Cajun Navy 2016 during the storm response.
Williams said the rescue reflected the mission that inspired the organization after the historic Louisiana floods of 2016.
“It was neighbors coming together to help neighbors,” Williams said. “Every time we help somebody, they’re very grateful and relieved. In this situation, everybody was safe, everybody got out okay, and that’s why we’re here.”
A conversation on the history of Black cuisine in America
Black chefs and authors, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Chef Thérèse Nelson, Chef David Rose, and Chef Ameer Natson discuss the origins of soul food and how Black chefs have contributed to American food.
Miguel Fernandez, NorthJersey.com
When you think of Mississippi food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The state has lots of iconic offerings, including biscuits, tamales and mud pie.
Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans for Hello Fresh. They talked to families about how much they cook at home, pride in local recipes and the states they think have the best cuisine in the U.S.
“Food has always been about more than just sustenance — it’s how we connect, share stories and pass down traditions,” said Michelle Doll Olson, senior manager of culinary development at HelloFresh US. “From California shrimp tacos and Minnesota Juicy Lucy, to Louisiana gumbo and New York bagels, the dishes that define each state carry generations of family memories and cultural pride.”
The average American reportedly cooks 12 meals at home every week. That’s three breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners.
Sharing food is a matter of community pride.
Get your groceries easily with Hello Fresh
What does Mississippi taste like?
New Hampshire was proud of its apple cider donuts while Utah bragged about “fry sauce.” Ohio loves its “buckeyes.”
People said the most iconic Mississippi foods are fried catfish and soul food.
Which states have the best food?
The Top 5 foodie states, according to the survey, were:
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Florida
Residents of neighboring Louisiana were the most confident (94%) that they had the best cuisine.
What dishes and flavors represent other Southern states?
According to the data, here’s what other Southern states say represents them.
- Alabama: banana pudding, pinto beans and cornbread
- Arkansas: catfish, country fried chicken
- Florida: seafood, key lime pie, fresh orange juice
- Georgia: peach cobbler, seafood boils
- Kentucky: fried chicken
- Louisiana: crawfish, Cajun cuisine, gumbo
- North Carolina: barbecue, knoephla soup
- South Carolina: soul food
- Tennessee: barbecue
- Texas: Tex Mex, barbecue
- Virginia: ham
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@usatodayco.com.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 20, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from June 20 drawing
06-14-22-23-29
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 20 drawing
Midday: 3-3-4, FB: 7
Evening: 9-7-3, FB: 5
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 20 drawing
Midday: 0-2-5-1, FB: 7
Evening: 7-1-0-9, FB: 5
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 20 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 13
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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