The University of Mississippi Athletics
Baseball Freshmen Selected as No. 4 Impact Class by D1Baseball
1/10/2025 | Baseball
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss Baseball’s newest freshmen class has been named the No. 4 Impact Class in the country according to D1Baseball’s newest rankings for the 2025 season.
?? ?????? ???? ???????????? ???????????????? ?????????????? ??
— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) January 9, 2025
For the second time in three years, @LSUbaseball tops our list of the top 10 freshman classes in college baseball, with reigning champion @Vol_Baseball not far behind. https://t.co/RACrcMUvZU
This is just the latest top-five ranking for the young group of Rebels as they were ranked the No. 4 recruiting class in the country as well by both Perfect Game and Baseball America in the fall. They are one of five SEC classes in the top 10 and the third-highest ranked in the conference.
The class includes Hayden Federico, Owen Hancock, Walker Hooks, Cooper Johnson, Jackson Miller, Brett Moseley, Owen Paino, Jake Reigert, Tate Sirmans, Ethan Surowiec, and Cade Townsend.
Read what D1Baseball’s Aaron Fitt had to say about a few of the newest Rebels:
Instant Impact Pitcher: Cade Townsend, RHP
“From the Fall Report: Townsend was electric in my fall look, striking out two in 1.2 scoreless innings in the Pizza Bowl. A wiry, quick-twitch 6-foot-1, 185-pound righthander, Townsend pumped 93-95 heat with good ride, along with an excellent power cutter at 88-91, a slower downer curveball with big depth and a quality changeup. It’s a starter’s arsenal, and he has obvious future star potential.”
Instant Impact Position Player: Owen Paino, SS
“From the Fall Report: Freshman Owen Paino is the sixth-highest ranked position player from the high school class of 2024 to show up on a college campus this fall, according to Prep Baseball, and he has all the tools to be a huge star in the SEC, with athletic, rangy actions and a plus arm at short, along with a premium lefthanded bat. ‘Paino’s everything we thought he would be, he’s gonna be a superstar. He’s a first-rounder in three years,’ coach Mike Bianco said.”
Don’t Forget About: Owen Hancock, RHP
“From the Fall Report: Hancock is a high-ceiling power righty with a projectable, prototype pitcher’s frame at 6-foot-5, 198 pounds. He had a rough outing in the Pizza Bowl, but he still showed quality stuff, with a 93-95 fastball from an over-the-top slot along with a tight slider at 84-86, spinning into the 2700 rpm range. Bianco said he’s been up to 97-98.”
The Rebels open their 2025 season on February 14 against Arizona as part of the 2025 Shriners Children’s College Showdown in Arlington, Texas.
Season tickets for the 2025 Ole Miss Baseball season are now available for purchase at OleMissTix.com.
STAY CONNECTED
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss baseball on X at @OleMissBSB, on Facebook at Facebook.com/OleMissBaseball, on Instagram at Instagram.com/officialolemissbsb and on TikTok at @olemissbsb. Also, follow head coach Mike Bianco on X at @CoachMikeBianco.