Tomas Valincius faces new challenges in SEC at Mississippi State

The former Virginia standout is adjusting to a new program and reuniting with his brother Vytas for his final college season.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Tomas Valincius had a standout freshman season at Virginia, going 6-1 with a 4.59 ERA in 12 starts. Now at Mississippi State, the left-handed pitcher is getting acclimated to a new program and coaching staff, while also reuniting with his older brother Vytas, who transferred to play in the outfield. Valincius credits pitching coach Justin Parker for helping him develop further, and he's taking on a leadership role with younger teammates as the Bulldogs aim for a national championship.

Why it matters

Valincius was one of the top freshman pitchers in the country last season, and his success at the next level will be closely watched. Mississippi State is looking to build on its recent success and contend for a title, with Valincius potentially emerging as the ace of the staff. The Valincius brothers' reunion also provides an intriguing human-interest angle to the story.

The details

After a strong freshman campaign at Virginia, where he led the team in several key pitching categories, Valincius transferred to Mississippi State. He has quickly adapted to the new program and coaching staff, crediting pitching coach Justin Parker for helping him develop further. Valincius, a left-hander who can reach 97 mph with his fastball, is expected to be a key part of the Bulldogs' rotation, though the specific roles have not yet been determined. He has also taken on a leadership role, helping younger teammates adjust to the rigors of SEC baseball.

  • Valincius was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee his senior season of high school.
  • In 2022, Valincius went 6-1 with a 4.59 ERA in 12 starts as a freshman at Virginia.
  • Valincius transferred to Mississippi State for the 2023 season, reuniting with his older brother Vytas.

The players

Tomas Valincius

A left-handed pitcher who had a standout freshman season at Virginia, where he led the team in several key pitching categories. He has transferred to Mississippi State for his sophomore year.

Vytas Valincius

Tomas' older brother, who has joined him at Mississippi State for his final season of eligibility after transferring from Illinois.

Justin Parker

The pitching coach at Mississippi State, who has helped Tomas Valincius continue to develop his skills since joining the program.

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What they’re saying

“I attribute a lot to coach Parker. Since I stepped on to campus, he's taught me things and showed me things that I never had any idea about. What he's done with me and all of the developmental process has been great with him.”

— Tomas Valincius, Pitcher (on3.com)

“When we were at different schools, we would always talk every day on the phone about our day. Now, if one of us has a bad day, we get to talk to each other and pick each other up. It's been awesome. It's what I've always dreamed of, but I didn't know it was possible until this year when he had another year of eligibility. Being with him is awesome and there's no real downside to it.”

— Tomas Valincius, Pitcher (on3.com)

What’s next

Valincius and the rest of the Mississippi State pitching staff will continue to compete for starting roles as the Bulldogs prepare for the start of the 2023 season.

The takeaway

Tomas Valincius' transition to Mississippi State has been smooth, thanks in large part to the guidance of pitching coach Justin Parker and the opportunity to reunite with his brother Vytas. As the Bulldogs aim for a national championship, Valincius' development will be crucial to their success.