Star pitcher Hunter Elliott returning for sixth Ole Miss baseball season in 2027

OXFORD — Ole Miss baseball pitcher Hunter Elliott has indicated he will return to Ole Miss in 2027.

Elliott posted a picture of himself pitching at Ole Miss on X on July 11 with the caption “Unfinished business.” Ole Miss baseball coach Mike Bianco highlighted the news by reposting the image with the caption “The champ is back.”

Elliott is the last remaining player from the 2022 national championship team. He is eligible to return for a sixth season in 2027 because he was awarded a medical redshirt.

The news came minutes before the start of the 2026 MLB Draft.

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The Rebels are getting a calm veteran who was an anchor for the Ole Miss pitching staff over the past couple seasons.

Elliott is a savvy pitcher who has made a career in college by getting out of jams and going deep in games. Ole Miss baseball coach Mike Bianco said Elliott has “as much guts as anybody that’s ever put on this uniform.”

Injuries have troubled Elliott’s career. After a strong freshman season in 2022, he played in just two games in 2023 before having Tommy John surgery. He was held out of 2024 as well. Elliott was solid in 2025 and 2026, but he is soon to be 24.

Elliott was drafted in the 20th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024 and took his name out of the draft in 2025 to return to Ole Miss.

Elliott built his reputation as a clutch pitcher. Ole Miss is 7-1 all-time in the NCAA Tournament when Elliott is the starting pitcher.

Elliott had a 2.70 ERA in 2022, a 2.94 ERA in 2025 and a 5.40 ERA in 2026, which are his three full seasons. He has 327 career strikeouts and 126 walks in 256⅔ innings. His record at Ole Miss is 21-10.

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_