Mississippi State's Aidan Teel Shines in 16-3 Win Over Austin Peay

Teel hits first career grand slam to power Bulldogs to victory

Feb. 25, 2026 at 2:06am

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Aidan Teel, a transfer outfielder from Virginia, had a career night for Mississippi State in their 16-3 win over Austin Peay. Teel hit a grand slam home run to give the Bulldogs a big lead, and he emphasized that the team's success is more important than individual stats. Mississippi State has gotten off to a 9-0 start, their best since 2015, and will face tougher competition this weekend in Arlington, Texas.

Why it matters

Teel's performance highlights the depth and team-first mentality of the Mississippi State baseball program, which has gotten off to an impressive start this season. The Bulldogs will face their toughest tests yet this weekend against ranked opponents, but they are focused on playing their game and not worrying about the competition.

The details

Teel's grand slam in the 7th inning gave Mississippi State a 7-1 lead, which they would extend to a 16-3 final score. Teel emphasized that he is just focused on doing whatever the team needs, whether that's getting on base or driving in runs. Despite not getting off to the individual start he may have hoped for, Teel is committed to the team's success above all else.

  • Mississippi State has gotten off to a 9-0 start, their best since the 2015 season.
  • This weekend, Mississippi State will head to Arlington, Texas to face Arizona State, Virginia Tech, and the #1 ranked UCLA Bruins.

The players

Aidan Teel

A transfer outfielder from Virginia who had a career year at the plate last season and is a key part of the Mississippi State lineup this year.

Brian O'Connor

The head coach of the Mississippi State baseball team, who previously coached at Virginia and brought several of his former players with him to Starkville.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone is rooting for each other. There is no animosity at all whenever someone steps into the plate. Next guy up, and whoever goes up to the plate, we want him to do well because it's all about the team. Nobody gives a crap about what any one player does; it's all about getting a win, and that is what drives this team.”

— Aidan Teel, Outfielder

“There was not much to it. It felt pretty good, but it was all about wanting to come through for the guys around me. (Jack) Gleason goes up there and gets us out of a bases-loaded jam. I am just doing my part as a hitter. Everyone is grinding out there, and it is a blessing to be in this lineup.”

— Aidan Teel, Outfielder

“For me, it is all about going out there and grinding for the guys next to me. I just want to succeed for those guys. If I am not seeing the ball well, just getting on base helps the team. By any means possible. Whatever I have to do to help this team, because everyone else is always picking me up.”

— Aidan Teel, Outfielder

What’s next

Mississippi State will face a tough weekend slate against Arizona State, Virginia Tech, and #1 UCLA in Arlington, Texas.

The takeaway

Aidan Teel's team-first mentality and willingness to do whatever it takes to help Mississippi State win reflects the strong culture and depth of the Bulldogs' baseball program, which has gotten off to an impressive 9-0 start this season.