Southern Miss baseball should have one of the most experienced and deepest lineups head coach Christian Ostrander has fielded during his tenure.
That is saying something considering last season’s group, which belted a program-record 106 home runs — a defining trait of an offense that ultimately went cold in the final game of the Hattiesburg Regional in 2025.
That power came at a cost entering 2026. Nick Monistere (21 home runs) and Carson Paetow (16) are gone, taking more than a third of that production with them.
The biggest question for Southern Miss is not whether it can hit for power again, but whether the lineup can apply consistent pressure on opposing pitchers from top to bottom. For Ostrander, there is confidence that whatever gaps existed a year ago can be filled by the current roster.
“I thought we were a threat offensively last year,” Ostrander said. “I think we can be a very big threat again this year. I thought we played very good defense last year. I think we could play very good defense again this year.”
2026 lineup projection -
1. Kyle Morrison — 2B
Morrison steps into the leadoff role after transferring from South Alabama.
With the Jaguars, Morrison started all 51 games, recording 57 hits with 13 doubles, two triples and nine home runs while leading the team with 44 RBIs. He slashed .294/.399/.521 and drew 28 walks, numbers that fit the profile of an ideal table setter.
Morrison has had some minor issues at second base during scrimmages, but nothing considered serious or long term.
2. Joey Urban — CF
Urban, slotted second, remains one of Southern Miss’ most reliable offensive pieces. His nine home runs in 2025 came with consistency and situational awareness, making him an ideal bridge between the table setters and the middle of the order.
Defensively, Urban’s range in center field will not mirror what Southern Miss has had in recent years with Gabe Montenegro, Matthew Etzel, Dalton McIntyre and Jake Cook. Those are significant shoes to fill, but the expectation is steadiness rather than a drop-off.
3. Matthew Russo — 1B
Russo’s return is the clearest answer to the power lost from a year ago. He hit 18 home runs last season and remains the most proven middle-of-the-order bat on the roster.
Shaping up for a big senior season as the team’s anchor and captain, Russo has struggled at times this spring to consistently barrel the ball, but his track record provides confidence. His defense at first base is also among the best in the Sun Belt.
4. Davis Gillespie — LF
Gillespie endured a sophomore slump last season, one that ultimately cost him a regular spot in the lineup. That should not be the case in 2026.
Gillespie spent the entire offseason working on his swing and plate presence, and the belief within the program is that this is the best version Southern Miss fans have seen.
“In this day and age, most guys walk into your office at exit meetings and say, ‘I’m going to find a place that values me more,’” Ostrander said. “But not him. He was frustrated, but he knew what he was capable of doing. I think he’s going to have a big year.”
Gillespie has hit several long home runs during spring camp and appears poised for a breakout season.
5. Caleb Stelly — DH
Stelly could eventually move toward the top of the lineup, but he slots into the five hole for now.
The Louisiana transfer batted .302 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs last season. After undergoing offseason surgery and missing the fall, Stelly returned in the spring and showed immediate pop at the plate.
While the long-term plan included time in center field, do not expect that on opening day as Southern Miss prioritizes his health for the stretch run.
6. Ben Higdon — RF
Higdon has big shoes to fill in right field replacing Paetow, but he has looked impressive in early scrimmages.
Higdon surged late last season and batted .323 in 39 starts with seven home runs and 22 RBIs. If he can turn that momentum into a full season, the lineup offers few, if any, breathers.
7. Drey Barrett — 3B
It is telling that Barrett slots this far down the lineup.
As a freshman, Barrett hit nine home runs with 30 RBIs and a .254 average, though he struck out 50 times. That has been a point of emphasis with hitting coach Travis Creel throughout the offseason.
While his spring has been uneven, Barrett’s glove at third base is reliable enough to keep him on the field.
8. Tucker Stockman — C
The return of Stockman cannot be overstated.
His veteran presence behind the plate, paired with sneaky power, gives Southern Miss value deep in the lineup. Stockman batted .332 with six home runs and 33 RBIs last season and has had a strong fall and spring with multiple long balls.
9. Ty Long — SS
The most uncertain spot in the lineup belongs to Long.
Long saw just six at-bats and made two starts last season, but he has had a solid spring and won the shortstop job over Seth Smith. His defense has stood out in scrimmages, and any offensive production from the nine hole would be a bonus.
No doubt, the lineup will evolve throughout the season, but this represents the best projection for opening day when Southern Miss opens the season against UC Santa Barbara on Friday at 4 p.m.
