Judd Utermark, the all-time home run leader for Ole Miss baseball, has announced he will return for a fifth season with the Rebels. His decision follows teammate Will Furniss's similar announcement, both shared via "I'm Back" videos on social media. Utermark has played 181 games throughout his college career and set the program record with 49 home runs last season, ending Year 4 with 51. He recorded notable stats in his senior season, including a .309 batting average with 22 home runs and 55 RBIs. This return is made possible by a recent court ruling allowing members of the Class of 2022 to extend their eligibility under the NCAA鈥檚 new policy.

By the Numbers
  • Utermark has played 181 games over 4 seasons at Ole Miss.
  • He hit 22 home runs in his senior season, totaling 51 for his career.
State of Play
  • Utermark joins teammate Will Furniss in returning for an additional season.
  • A court ruling has allowed Class of 2022 members to take advantage of extended eligibility.
What's Next

As Utermark prepares for his fifth year, he aims to improve his performance and further extend his home run record. Anticipation builds for the upcoming season as both Utermark and Furniss could set new benchmarks for the program. The impact of the court ruling may lead to more players considering similar extensions.

Bottom Line

Judd Utermark's return signifies not just his personal ambition but also a shift in college baseball dynamics driven by evolving eligibility rules, potentially benefiting both players and programs in the long term.