Mississippi State and Ole Miss baseball are both likely to make the NCAA Tournament but are competing for hosting spots. Their final series could impact their chances of securing a regional hosting position.
Key points
Mississippi State and Ole Miss are both locks for the NCAA Tournament
Both teams are competing for hosting a regional
Their final series could impact their hosting chances
Latest projections show them as potential national seeds
Mississippi StateOle MissNCAA Tournament
Mississippi State, Ole Miss baseball hosting scenarios for NCAA Tournament bracket
One series remains in the regular season and Ole Miss and Mississippi State baseball are in similar situations.
Both are locks for the NCAA Tournament but are on the bubble for hosting a regional.
Finding wins in the final series, and possibly the SEC Tournament too, are necessary. Both teams close the regular season on the road against ranked teams that are also projected to host regionals.
The No. 12 Bulldogs (38-14, 15-12 SEC) play at No. 10 Texas A&M (37-12, 16-10). The No. 19 Rebels (35-18, 14-13) play at No. 16 Alabama (35-17, 16-11). Both series begin May 14 (6 p.m., SEC Network+).
Here's a look at the different scenarios for Ole Miss and Mississippi State to host NCAA Tournament regionals.
Peyton Squyres, 5, rests in his dad’s lap, Eric Squyres, during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Q&A
What are the NCAA Tournament hosting scenarios for Mississippi State and Ole Miss baseball?
Mississippi State and Ole Miss are both in contention to host a regional in the NCAA Tournament, depending on their performance in the final series.
Are Mississippi State and Ole Miss baseball guaranteed spots in the NCAA Tournament?
Yes, both teams are considered locks for the NCAA Tournament, but their hosting status is still uncertain.
What do the latest bracket projections say about Ole Miss and Mississippi State?
The latest bracket projections have both teams as potential national seeds, but their positions are not yet confirmed.
How could the final series affect the NCAA Tournament bids for Mississippi State and Ole Miss?
The outcome of their final series could determine whether they secure a hosting position in the NCAA Tournament.
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Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor answers questions from members of the press after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Mississippi State players hold up the Governor’s Cup after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Mississippi State outfielder Vytas Valincius (14) shakes hands with teammates before a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Ole Miss players anticipate the pitch while playing defense during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance (38) swings for the ball during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Mississippi State pitcher Peyton Fowler (32) pitches during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
A “Beat Ole Miss” pin is seen on the net during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Mississippi State pitcher Dane Burns (45) high-fives teammates after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor stands in the middle of a huddle after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Mississippi State players pose with the Governor’s Cup after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Fans wait for autographs from Mississippi State players after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Fans hand hats and baseballs to Mississippi State utility player Noah Sullivan (18) for autographs after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
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See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball
Peyton Squyres, 5, rests in his dad’s lap, Eric Squyres, during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
1 / 13
See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball
Peyton Squyres, 5, rests in his dad’s lap, Eric Squyres, during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
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Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor answers questions from members of the press after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
3 / 13
See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball
Mississippi State players hold up the Governor’s Cup after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
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Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
Mississippi State outfielder Vytas Valincius (14) shakes hands with teammates before a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
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Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
Ole Miss players anticipate the pitch while playing defense during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
6 / 13
See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball
Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance (38) swings for the ball during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
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Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
Mississippi State pitcher Peyton Fowler (32) pitches during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
8 / 13
Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
A “Beat Ole Miss” pin is seen on the net during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
9 / 13
Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
Mississippi State pitcher Dane Burns (45) high-fives teammates after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
10 / 13
See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball
Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor stands in the middle of a huddle after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
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Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
Mississippi State players pose with the Governor’s Cup after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
12 / 13
Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
Fans wait for autographs from Mississippi State players after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
13 / 13
Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos
Fans hand hats and baseballs to Mississippi State utility player Noah Sullivan (18) for autographs after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.
Mississippi State, Ole Miss hosting scenarios for NCAA Tournament
Ole Miss and Mississippi State getting swept could knock them completely out of the hosting conversation, barring a deep run in the SEC Tournament. However, SEC Tournament wins are not always viewed the same as SEC regular-season wins by the selection committee.
Mississippi State is in a slightly better spot than Ole Miss. The Bulldogs' RPI is at No. 12, one spot ahead of Ole Miss. They are tied for sixth in the SEC standings, while Ole Miss is ninth.
The Bulldogs also went 4-0 against Ole Miss, which could give them the edge if the final hosting seed came down to those two teams.
The Tennessean projects MSU as the No. 12 national seed and the Rebels as the No. 13 seed. D1Baseball and Baseball America also project MSU to host, however they both have Ole Miss as a No. 2 seed.
That could mean Ole Miss needs two wins against Alabama, while MSU may be fine with just one win at Texas A&M. If Ole Miss wins one game at Alabama, it probably would need multiple wins in the SEC Tournament.
Mississippi State winning two games at Texas A&M could keep it in contention for a top eight seed. Ole Miss and Mississippi State sweeping their series obviously would, too.
Getting a top eight seed is advantageous because that means you are guaranteed to host a super regional.
Who Ole Miss, Mississippi State fans should root against
It will help Ole Miss and Mississippi State if teams near them in the projections lose, too. That would be teams like Oregon, West Virginia, Wake Forest, Nebraska, Oregon State and Kansas.
Oregon hosts Southern Cal, Nebraska plays at Minnesota, Kansas plays at BYU, Wake Forest plays at Duke, Oregon State hosts Air Force and West Virgina hosts TCU.
How NCAA Tournament history could be made in Mississippi
If everything falls the right way, there's a chance Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss all host NCAA Tournament regionals. That's never happened.
The No. 9 Golden Eagles (37-14, 19-8 Sun Belt) are projected by The Tennessean as the No. 10 national seed, just ahead of MSU and Ole Miss.
Southern Miss plays a home series against Georgia Southern (15-37, 7-20) at Pete Taylor Park beginning May 14 (7 p.m., ESPN+).
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
