Hailey
Missouri State University’s baseball team has just pulled off something big. Their new group of transfer players has been ranked among the top 25 in the country! This exciting change is part of their plan to step up and succeed in a more competitive league.
But how did they do it? Who are the new players? And what does this mean for Missouri State’s 2025 baseball season? Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
The Return of Bobby Atkinson
Bobby Atkinson is one of the most interesting players joining the team. Before he chose Coastal Carolina, Missouri State’s Coach Joey Hawkins had already tried to bring him in. But Atkinson didn’t go with Missouri State at first.
A year later, Atkinson entered the transfer portal again and this time, Coach Hawkins reached out to him once more. But Atkinson chose Bradley instead. So Hawkins moved forward and added another player, Max Knight.
This offseason, something changed. Atkinson messaged Hawkins saying he wanted to join Missouri State. Hawkins joked about the ignored text from last year, and now, Atkinson is officially a Bear!
This story shows how important persistence is. Sometimes, things don’t happen right away—but that doesn’t mean they won’t happen later.
Why Atkinson’s Addition Matters
At first, getting Atkinson seemed like a bonus. But after a lot of roster changes at the end of last season, his spot became a must-have.
Atkinson is not just another player. He was a Second-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference player. That means he’s really good and brings experience and skill to the team.
Missouri State is now heading into a brand-new challenge—their first season in Conference USA. It’s a tougher league, and having a strong player like Atkinson gives them a real advantage.
A Transfer Class Ranked Top 25 in the Nation
Atkinson is just one of 14 transfer players joining the Bears this season. This whole group has been ranked #25 in the country by 64Analytics, a well-known website that tracks college baseball stats.
This means Missouri State’s new recruits are among the best in the nation. Not only are they adding talented players, but they’re also filling important positions that needed help.
Coach Hawkins’ Strategy for Building a Strong Team
So how did Coach Hawkins make this happen?
He says Missouri State has become a great place for players looking for a fresh start or better opportunities. Some come from big schools where they didn’t get much playtime.
Others are looking to move up from smaller schools. Either way, they see Missouri State as a place to grow and succeed.
In 2024, Missouri State finished with a 30-25 record and shared the Missouri Valley Conference title. Now they’re moving up to Conference USA, which had two teams in last year’s NCAA Tournament and was ranked fifth overall among all college baseball conferences.
Filling the Gaps: What the Team Needed
Coach Hawkins and his staff made sure to add players in the areas where the team needed help:
- Middle infielders
- Outfielders
- Catchers
- Pitchers
He also used two extra spots on the team roster, bringing the Bears closer to the maximum 34-player limit.
What Makes Missouri State So Attractive to Recruits?
Moving to Conference USA has made Missouri State even more appealing. Why? Because:
- Teams in this league really care about baseball.
- Players get to travel to cool places and fly to games.
- It’s a more competitive league, and that helps players get noticed.
Coach Hawkins says this is a major factor in attracting the kind of players Missouri State wants.
The Road Ahead: Fall Prep and Future Goals
As the team prepares for the fall season, Missouri State is focusing on becoming one of the top programs in Conference USA. With smart recruiting, dedicated coaching, and talented new players, they’re ready to take on this new challenge.
The team’s success will depend on how well the new recruits fit in and perform. But with so many top-tier transfers, things are looking bright for the Bears in 2025.
Missouri State Baseball has made a huge move with a top 25 transfer class, bringing in talented players from across the country.
By filling key positions and offering exciting opportunities in a stronger league, Coach Hawkins has set the team up for success. This smart recruiting could lead to an even better season ahead and more national attention for the program.