Judd Utermark Makes Ole Miss Baseball History With Monster HR in Lincoln Regional

A first inning blast created further seperation in the history books on Friday night,

Ole Miss Rebels infielder Judd Utermark (27) bats against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Mar. 10, 2026. | Matt Bush/Special to the Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On a 1-0 pitch in the bottom of the first, Ole Miss slugger Judd Utermark launched a 391-foot no-doubter to right-center, jolting the Rebels to life and becoming the first player in program history to reach 50 career home runs.

After a disappointing first inning that saw Arizona State take a 2-0 lead, Utermark not only shifted the momentum but also continued to separate himself in the Ole Miss record books.

The Rebel slugger's rise has been defined by constant power, coming off a season in which he hit 22 home runs, the second-most in a season by an Ole Miss hitter. By the time 2026 rolled around, Rebel fans knew they were on record watch as he chased legends Tim Elko (46) and Kyle Gordon (48).

Climbing Toward History

May 30, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels infielder Judd Utermark (27) and infielder Will Furniss (36) react after a home run during the third inning against the Murray State Racers. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Utermark made sure to deliver it in front of the home crowd. On May 13, he jumped on the first pitch and launched a two-run shot for his record-breaking 49th career homer, setting the program mark.

With modern hitting trends shifting towards aggressive launch angles and higher exit velocities to lift the ball out of the park, hitters are also becoming more technical and powerful, putting long-standing home run records in jeopardy. But with the transfer portal constantly shuffling rosters, Utermark may be the last Rebel to wear the uniform long enough to hit 50 home runs.

A Milestone in a Changing College Game

Ole Miss is guaranteed at least one more game — and two if it ends in the winners' bracket tonight. With more opportunities at the plate, 50 may not be the final number before it's all said and done.

Every additional home run adds a record that stood for 39 years, making every trip to the plate a potential piece of history for Ole Miss fans.

From his first career homer in a pinch-hit effort against Delaware in 2023 to launching his 50th in a renewed push for Omaha, Utermark has been a key piece in the resurgence Ole Miss baseball has made over the last few seasons.

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