Since Brian O'Connor's introduction as Mississippi State baseball's head coach, the Bulldogs have already landed five commitments out of the transfer portal. That includes some high-profile additions that are sure to be key players for Mississippi State next spring.
Former Virginia pitcher Tomas Valincius may very well be State's Friday night starter in 2026. As a freshman in 2025, the hard-throwing lefty with 6-1 in 12 starts with a 4.59 ERA. He struck out 70 batters while issuing only 17 walks, and he closed his freshman campaign strong.
He won't be the only Valincius on the MSU roster next season. His brother, Vytas, is transferring in from Illinois. The first baseman hit .348 with seven home runs and 58 RBI in 2025 to earn 2nd Team All-Big Ten honors. With needs on the mound and at first, these brothers are important pick-ups.
State's outfield got stronger as well. Virginia's Aiden Teel was one of the very best players available in the transfer portal. Teel hit .317 with seven home runs, 20 doubles, and 40 RBI this season. He posted a .442 on-base percentage and went 9-9 stealing bases. Also joining the outfield is another former Cavalier James Nunnallee. A .296 hitter, Nunnallee struck out just 13 times while starting for the Hoos.
It should come as no surprise that four of MSU's five transfers followed O'Connor over from UVA. Utility player Chone James is yet another solid addition coming from Charlottesville. In 67 at bats this season he hit .373 with a .455 on-base percentage. The class is off to a strong start, and it should only get better.
Mississippi State expected to land elite transfer class under Brian O'Connor
Positive momentum should continue for the Diamond Dawgs in the transfer portal. There's new life behind the program, as the hire of Brian O'Connor has created plenty of buzz for what MSU will be on the field moving forward. That hire has also led to momentum behind the scenes in terms of the program's financial backing.
It is widely expected that Mississippi State will be one of, if not the, top programs for player compensation in baseball between NIL and revenue sharing. Not only can State sell playing for an elite head coach in the best venue in the sport. They can also sell high-end earning potential.
That's going to be enticing for prospects. State is in the running for two more former UVA players that are viewed as highly-ranked transfer prospects in outfielder Henry Ford and shortstop Eric Becker. If O'Connor can get them to Starkville, you're looking at one of college baseball's best rosters in 2026.