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2026 Starkville Yellow Jackets Team Preview

February 11, 2026
Prep Baseball Mississippi Staff

The 2026 Mississippi high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Mississippi.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons at Pearl’s Trustmark Park, in the State Tournament finals at the end of May, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Mississippi. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Starkville Yellow Jackets
Head Coach: Mark Monaghan
MHSAA Classification: 7A
District Number: Region 2
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 16-13 (First Round Playoffs)

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • RHP Brody Wright (2027)
  • LHP Tyson Knox (2026)

More Names to Know

2027s:

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

  • 1B/LHP Taj Prater (2028)
  • C Jack Dodds (2028)
  • C Cooper Anthony (2029)
  • INF Murphy Gordon (2029)
  • OF Zay Spencer (2029)
  • RHP/OF Dillon Malone (2029)
  • OF Lennox Gipson (2029)

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Starkville enters the 2026 season looking to build momentum after a 16-13 campaign that ended in the first round of the 7A playoffs. Under head coach Mark Monaghan, the Yellow Jackets return a veteran-heavy core in the 2026 class, mixed with a talented wave of underclassmen that should give this roster both experience and long-term upside in one of the state’s toughest classifications.

The strength of this group starts with its senior leadership. Will Moody (2026, East Mississippi CC) headlines the returning position players as a true utility piece who can impact the game in multiple spots defensively while providing steady offensive production. Tyson Knox (2026, Meridian CC) brings physicality to the lineup with the ability to handle first base or the outfield, and his left-handed presence lengthens the order. Shortstop Torian Knox (2026, East Mississippi CC) anchors the infield with defensive stability and athleticism up the middle, while Bradley Cohen (2026) adds depth and experience to the outfield mix.

One of the more intriguing pieces on the roster is BJ Hendrix (2028), who already factors into the varsity picture with his versatility across the infield and outfield. Murphy Gordon (2029) is another young infielder who has a chance to contribute early, giving Starkville flexibility and depth as the season unfolds.

On the mound, the Yellow Jackets will lean heavily on Brody Wright (2027), a right-hander who projects to handle key innings in both starting and high-leverage roles. Tyson Knox also factors prominently from the left side, giving Starkville a valuable matchup arm who can neutralize opposing lineups. Their ability to set the tone on the mound will be critical in Region 2 play.

The 2027 class adds another layer of depth. Will Akers (INF/RHP) offers two-way value, Taylor Ricks provides stability behind the plate, and Kaden Wilson brings athleticism to the outfield while also serving as an additional arm option. That group gives Starkville interchangeable pieces who can step into larger roles when needed.

The underclass group is deep and promising. Taj Prater (2028) stands out as a physical 1B/LHP with the potential to impact both sides of the ball. Jack Dodds (2028) and Cooper Anthony (2029) strengthen the catching corps, while Zay Spencer, Dillon Malone, Lennox Gipson, and Murphy Gordon represent a talented 2028-29 wave that could accelerate the program’s trajectory sooner rather than later.

With a seasoned 2026 core, key arms returning, and a strong pipeline of underclass talent pushing for innings and at-bats, Starkville has the pieces to take a step forward in 7A this spring. If the veteran group sets the tone and the young talent continues to mature, the Yellow Jackets have the depth and balance to be a tougher out come postseason time.

Find more information on Starkville High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @JACKETBSBL
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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+ Prep Baseball Mississippi on X
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