Who is Walker Hooks? Ole Miss star reliever vs UNC in College World Series
Article excerpt
Walker Hooks has emerged as a crucial reliever for Ole Miss baseball heading into their College World Series matchup against North Carolina. The right-handed pitcher brings a combination of velocity and control that has made him invaluable to the Rebels' pitching rotation down the stretch. Scouts have taken notice of his ability to get strikeouts in high-pressure situations, and he'll be counted on to shut down UNC's offense in what could be a pivotal game. His rise from relative anonymity to a key postseason contributor represents one of Ole Miss's feel-good stories this season.
OMAHA, NE, Walker Hooks is pitching for Ole Miss baseball in the biggest game of his career.
The Rebels (41-21) are facing No. 5 seed North Carolina (50-12-1) at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 12 (ESPN).
Hooks, the Rebels' sophomore relief pitcher, entered the College World Series to pitch in the seventh inning. He is relieving Hudson Calhoun. Ole Miss has a 2-1 lead with no outs and two runners on.
Hooks is a left-hander who has grown into the Ole Miss closer this season. He has shown the ability to pitch multiple innings. Hooks pitched three total innings across two games at Auburn in the super regional. He allowed an earned run in both games but got both saves.
Hooks was named to the second team of the Perfect Game's 2026 College Baseball All-American team.
Here's what to know about Hooks.
Walker Hooks stats
Hooks is 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA in 2026. He has nine saves.
Ole Miss has used Hooks in three NCAA Tournament games, and has gotten the win all three times he's pitched.
Walker Hooks MLB draft ranking
Hooks is in his second year of college baseball and is not eligible to be drafted.
MORE: How Walker Hooks has emerged as Ole Miss baseball closer during win streak
Walker Hooks hometown
Hooks is from Brandon, Mississippi and went to Brandon High school
2026 College World Series schedule
All times Central
Friday, June 12
Game 1: West Virginia 7, Troy 5
Game 2: Ole Miss vs. North Carolina, 6 p.m. on ESPN
Saturday, June 13
Game 3: Oklahoma vs. Alabama , 2 p.m. on ESPN
Game 4: Georgia vs. Texas, 7 p.m. on ESPN
Sunday, June 14
Game 5: Troy vs Game 2 loser, 1 p.m. on ESPN
Game 6: West Virginia vs Game 2 winner, 6 p.m. on ESPN
Monday, June 15
Game 7: Game 3 loser vs Game 4 loser, 1 p.m. on ESPN
Game 8: Game 3 winner vs Game 4 winner, 6 p.m. on ESPN
Tuesday, June 16
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs Game 6 loser, 1 p.m. on ESPN
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs Game 8 loser 7 p.m. on ESPN
Wednesday, June 17
Game 11: Game 6 winner vs. Game 9 winner 1 p.m. on ESPN
Game 12: Game 8 winner vs Game 10 winner, 6 p.m. on ESPN
Thursday, June 18
Game 13 (if necessary): TBD, ESPN
Game 14 (if necessary): TBD, ESPN
CWS finals championship series
Best-of-three
Game 1: Saturday, June 20, 7 p.m. on ESPN
Game 2: Sunday, June 21, 1:30 p.m. on ABC
Game 3: Monday, June 22, 6 p.m. on ESPN, if necessary
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Walker Hooks is Ole Miss baseball star reliever vs UNC in CWS