Mississippi State baseball 2025 season preview: 3 biggest series, key players, predictions and more
Mississippi State baseball produced a decent season in college baseball this year. The Bulldogs went 40-23, finishing third in the Southeastern Conference West at 17-13. However, that wasn't enough to secure a place in the postseason as an NCAA regional host, much to the dismay of coach Chris Lemonis.
They were the second seed in the Charlottesville Regional hosted by the Virginia Cavaliers. Although the Bulldogs scored two wins over St. John's Red Storm, the Cavaliers eventually eliminated them from the postseason by beating them twice to win the regional.
The Bulldogs led the SEC with 11 selections in the 2024 MLB draft. With their focus shifting to next season, they will look to bolster their squad with key additions.
Here, we preview Mississippi State baseball ahead of the 2025 season.
Three key games for Mississippi State baseball in the 2025 season
#3, Arkansas Razorbacks
While the Diamond Dawgs finished third in the SEC West, the Razorbacks topped the division. Dave Van Horn will be keen to erase the pain of a surprise exit in the Fayetteville Regional, making them an opponent that Mississippi State will have to keep an eye on next year.
#2, LSU Tigers
The new SEC schedule sees the Tigers, the 2023 national champions and projected as the No. 1 team next season by Baseball America, as one of two permanent opponents. Both teams have strong traditions, and with the Tigers' strong recruitment drive, their showdown promises to be a classic in 2025. (State is 16th and Arkansas No. 8 in the poll, which was released Wednesday.)
#1, Ole Miss Rebels
Besides the Tigers, the Rebels will be the other permanent opponent. Their storied rivalry looks set to reach new heights in 2025 as both teams will look to get bragging rights amid their quest for college baseball glory not just in the SEC, but potentially the NCAA Tournament as well.
Key players for the Mississippi State Bulldogs in 2025
#3, Bryce Chance, OF
Chance produced a solid season at the plate for the Bulldogs. He recorded six home runs and 36 RBIs in 61 games. His average of .286 was the fourth highest for State, only behind draft selections Dakota Jordan, David Mershon and Connor Hujsak.
Chance will be motivated to use his final year of eligibility well given that it could be his last chance to impress MLB teams ahead of next year's draft.
#2, Pico Kohn, LHP
Kohn produced solid numbers as part of the Bulldogs' bullpen in 2024. He recorded 35 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.38 in 29.1 innings. According to reports, Kohn looks set to forego the step up to MLB this year to potentially take up the role of weekend starter in 2025.
#1, Hunter Hines, INF/OF
Hines was one of the top hitters for the Diamond Dawgs in 2024. The junior recorded 16 home runs and 56 RBIs with an average of .257. He also had 33 walks, which was the fourth-highest tally among all Bulldogs hitters.
Predicting the Mississippi State Bulldogs' 2025 NCAA baseball season
The Diamond Dawgs have a major job on their hands to strengthen their roster ahead of next season. While they have some exciting high school prospects like Kevin Mannell committed for next season, their bullpen needs to be bolstered with fresh additions after eight pitchers were drafted.
Although they won the College World Series just three years ago, the Bulldogs have fallen slightly behind some of the top teams in the SEC. They are likely to make the postseason under Lemonis in 2025, but are unlikely to make it in the field of eight in Omaha.