Ace Reese Sets the Standard as Mississippi State Baseball Prepares for 2026

Junior third baseman named preseason All-American as Bulldogs open new era under coach Brian O'Connor

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Mississippi State junior Ace Reese was named a preseason All-American by multiple outlets as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2026 season under new head coach Brian O'Connor. Reese, who transferred from Houston, had a monster 2025 season, leading the team in several offensive categories and being named SEC Newcomer of the Year.

Why it matters

Reese's preseason accolades and leadership will be crucial as Mississippi State embarks on a new era under O'Connor, who takes over a program that has high expectations after making the NCAA Tournament in 2025.

The details

Reese was named to the preseason All-America first teams by Baseball America, Perfect Game, and D1Baseball. He led Mississippi State in 2025 with a .352 batting average, 21 home runs, 66 RBIs, and a .718 slugging percentage. Reese started all 57 games for the Bulldogs last season.

  • The 2026 college baseball season begins on February 13.
  • Reese was named a preseason All-American on Monday.

The players

Ace Reese

A junior third baseman at Mississippi State who transferred from Houston and had a standout 2025 season, leading the Bulldogs in several offensive categories and being named SEC Newcomer of the Year.

Brian O'Connor

The new head coach of the Mississippi State baseball team, taking over the program after the Bulldogs made the NCAA Tournament in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“It's nice to see it, but at the end of the day, we all have a goal to get to Omaha as a team. So that's kind of what our focus is on.”

— Ace Reese

What’s next

Mississippi State opens its 2026 season on February 13 with a three-game series against Hofstra.

The takeaway

Ace Reese's preseason All-American honors and leadership will be crucial as Mississippi State looks to build on its 2025 NCAA Tournament appearance and succeed under new head coach Brian O'Connor.