No. 6 Ohio State Set to Host No. 12 Mississippi State in High-Stakes Super Regional Battle With Omaha Dreams on Line
The road to Omaha takes a decisive turn this weekend as the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to host the No. 12 Mississippi State Bulldogs in one of the most anticipated Super Regional matchups of the NCAA Baseball Tournament. With both teams riding strong postseason momentum and loaded with top-tier talent, this clash promises intensity, drama, and a high level of baseball befitting the stakes. The Buckeyes, making their deepest postseason run in over a decade, are determined to defend their home turf and punch their ticket to the College World Series. Mississippi State, a program with recent championship pedigree, arrives in Columbus confident and eager to add another chapter to its storied legacy.
Ohio State entered the postseason with a balanced roster and a chip on its shoulder after being overlooked early in the season. After an impressive regular season capped by a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament, the Buckeyes stormed through the regional round in convincing fashion. Their pitching staff has been the foundation of their success, led by ace right-hander Mason Curley, who boasts a 2.41 ERA and 107 strikeouts on the season. Curley, a junior projected to be selected in the top five rounds of the upcoming MLB Draft, has given the Buckeyes a dominant presence on Friday nights. Behind him, the Buckeyes have leaned on depth and consistency, with sophomores Tyler Crandall and Jaxon Myers emerging as key contributors on the mound.
On offense, Ohio State has found timely production from the middle of its lineup. Junior first baseman Cooper Wallace has been a revelation this spring, slashing .347 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs. His ability to hit to all fields and come through in clutch situations has made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. He’s complemented by sophomore catcher Trey Morland, a switch-hitter who’s equally dangerous from both sides of the plate and provides strong leadership behind the dish. The Buckeyes also get a major boost from leadoff man Ethan Serrano, a senior center fielder with blazing speed and exceptional defensive instincts. His .416 on-base percentage and 32 stolen bases have set the tone for the offense all season.
Ohio State head coach Justin Price, now in his sixth season, has quietly built the program into a consistent Big Ten power. Price’s teams are known for playing clean baseball, executing the fundamentals, and competing hard every inning. While the Buckeyes don’t often garner the national headlines that SEC and ACC teams do, their body of work this season demands respect. Hosting a Super Regional for the first time since 2003, Ohio State knows the significance of the moment. “We’ve been building toward this,” Price said earlier this week. “We’ve got a group of guys who believe in each other, and we’re playing our best baseball right now.”
Their opponent, Mississippi State, is no stranger to this stage. Just three years removed from a national title in 2021, the Bulldogs have reestablished themselves as a force in the SEC after a brief rebuilding period. Under head coach Chris Lemonis, who led the program to its first ever national championship, Mississippi State has combined powerful offense with a resilient pitching staff to emerge from the loaded Baton Rouge Regional. After dropping their opening game to Southeastern Louisiana, the Bulldogs rattled off four straight wins, including two over regional host LSU, to earn a Super Regional berth.
The Bulldogs’ offensive identity revolves around slugging third baseman Hudson Davis, a junior with elite bat speed and raw power. Davis leads the team with 23 home runs and enters the Super Regional with a 13-game hitting streak. He’s backed up by senior shortstop Cam Porter, who brings defensive wizardry and a knack for timely hits. Porter’s three-run homer in the regional final against LSU proved to be the difference in that elimination game. The Bulldogs’ lineup also includes freshman sensation J.T. Harlow, who was recently named an All-SEC newcomer. Harlow’s bat-to-ball skills and mature approach have added depth and versatility to the order.
On the mound, Mississippi State leans heavily on a pair of veterans—lefty Brendan Hale and right-hander Luke McDermott. Hale, a graduate transfer from Tulane, pitched a complete game shutout in the regional semifinal and will likely get the nod in Game 1 against Ohio State. McDermott, who’s battled back from Tommy John surgery, has become the emotional leader of the staff and brings a fiery competitiveness every time he takes the ball. The Bulldogs’ bullpen, headlined by sophomore closer Jalen Crosby, has been lights out in the postseason, recording 22 strikeouts in 14 innings of work during regional play.
This weekend’s series is being billed as a contrast in styles. Ohio State plays a more controlled brand of baseball, emphasizing small ball, defense, and taking advantage of opponents’ mistakes. Mississippi State, true to its SEC roots, relies on power, aggressive baserunning, and the ability to swing momentum with one big inning. Both approaches have brought their respective programs success, but in a best-of-three format where every pitch matters, execution will be the ultimate decider.
Weather forecasts indicate potential rain throughout the weekend, which could impact pitching decisions and create challenges for both coaching staffs. Pitching depth and bullpen management will be critical if the series stretches to a deciding third game. For the Buckeyes, a packed Bill Davis Stadium and the energy of a home crowd could be just the edge they need. Fans have turned out in record numbers all season, and with the team on the brink of its first College World Series appearance since 1967, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Both teams are embracing the pressure. “We love being the underdog,” Mississippi State coach Chris Lemonis said. “But we also know what it takes to win this time of year. We’ve been through the fire before.” Meanwhile, Ohio State is relishing the chance to make history. “There’s nothing like playing in front of your fans with a trip to Omaha on the line,” said Cooper Wallace. “This is what we’ve worked for all year.”
Several individual matchups are worth watching. Hudson Davis vs. Mason Curley will be a high-level duel between a power hitter and a potential first-round arm. Trey Morland’s ability to control the Bulldogs’ running game could limit their aggressive style. And don’t overlook the benches—both teams have gotten key contributions from role players throughout the season. Whether it’s a pinch-hit, a key defensive substitution, or a late-inning reliever, the margins in this series will be razor-thin.
For college baseball fans, this Super Regional represents everything the sport promises in June: elite talent, passionate crowds, and the raw emotion of playing for a dream. Ohio State, once considered a fringe contender, now finds itself two wins from Omaha with a golden opportunity at home. Mississippi State, with its history, swagger, and championship experience, won’t be fazed by the moment. It’s a collision course of ambition, tradition, and talent.
The winner of this series advances to the College World Series, a destination that defines legacies and cements programs in college baseball lore. For Ohio State, a trip to Omaha would mark the culmination of years of growth under Coach Price and signal the Buckeyes’ return to national prominence. For Mississippi State, it would be a return to familiar territory and a validation of a season spent answering critics.
No matter who emerges victorious, fans should expect a hard-fought, emotionally charged series filled with twists and unforgettable moments. From the first pitch to the final out, the battle between the Buckeyes and the Bulldogs is sure to deliver drama worthy of its place on the sport’s biggest stage.
