Rebels Star Outfielder TJ McCants To Enter Transfer Portal

TJ McCants, one of the driving forces in helping Ole Miss win its first national title last summer, is saying goodbye to Oxford. 

The Rebels outfielder announced Wednesday that he would be entering the transfer portal. Ole Miss struggled to regain its championship pedigree, posting a woeful 25-29 overall record and a 6-24 record in SEC games.

"I just want to start off by thanking the Ole Miss coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play this great game at the collegiate level in such a competitive league," McCants wrote on his Instagram. "I'd also like to thank my teammates for being my brothers and creating memories with me on and off the field that will last a lifetime.

"Lastly, thanks to the Ole Miss community for the support and love you guys have showed me (in) my three years here."

The 2021 Freshman All-American was a staple at the plate and while roaming Swayze Field's grass during his stay in Oxford. Last season en route to defeating Oklahoma in the College World Series, McCants batted .236 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs on 42 hits. He also was credited with just three errors after transitioning from the infielder to Ole Miss' everyday starting center fielder. 

McCants might best be known for his efforts in the College World Series final at TD Ameritrade Park. His eighth-inning home run in Game 1 against the Sooners was the first of three consecutive long balls that set the tone entering Game 2. Ole Miss would win 4-2 on Sunday to give Mike Bianco his title in program history. 

McCants also scored a run and made two critical catches to keep the Sooners off the base paths. 

The junior regressed this season at the plate, batting .232 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs on 33 hits. He posted a career-lows in on-base percentage (.308), runs scored (27) and extra-base hits (5). 

With McCants' announcement, the Rebels have now lost eight players via the portal. Those names include: right-handed pitcher Matt Parenteau, right-handed pitcher Jordan Vera, right-handed pitcher Brady Disbro, right-handed pitcher in Tommy Henninger, catcher Will Plattner, and outfielders Banks Tolley and Nathan Fink. 

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