GREENSBORO, N.C. — The American Baseball Coaches Association announced Monday that Ole Miss seniors Tristan Bissetta and Walker Hooks have been named to the 2026 ABCA/Rawlings All-South Region Team. Both players received first-team honors, with Bissetta earning a spot as an outfielder and Hooks as a relief pitcher.
Bissetta, a designated hitter and outfielder, is batting .277 with a team-high 23 home runs and 61 RBIs. His 23 homers rank third in the Southeastern Conference, and his RBIs are ninth in the league. He set career highs across multiple categories this season, including home runs, RBIs, hits, doubles, walks, and total bases. Bissetta hit two home runs in a game against Jackson State on Feb. 18, becoming the first Rebel in nearly a decade to accomplish that feat in a single game. Nick Fortes was the last Ole Miss player to hit two home runs in one inning, doing so in 2017.
Hooks, a left-handed pitcher, holds a 3-1 record with nine saves, a 2.43 ERA and 61 strikeouts over 55.2 innings this season. He has been a key arm out of the bullpen, especially in high-leverage situations. Hooks led the SEC in ERA (1.73), WHIP (0.80), and appearances (17) during conference play and tied for the league lead with seven saves. He has converted eight of his last nine save opportunities and allowed just four earned runs over his last seven appearances, solidifying his role as a shutdown reliever for Ole Miss.
The honors emphasize the impact both players have had during the season. Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco praised their performances and contributions to the team. Fans can follow the Rebels’ postseason run and other news through Ole Miss baseball’s official channels and social media accounts.
