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2026 Tishomingo County Braves Team Preview

January 20, 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: Tishomingo County Braves
Head Coach: Austin Marlin
MHSAA Classification: 4A
District Number: 1-4A
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 18-14 (Second Round Playoffs)

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

C Brennan Walker (2029)


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • P Beau Crum 
  • P Jevan McDuffy 
  • P Jacob Hall 

More Names to Know

2027s:

  • Kaleb Murphy (2027)
  • Connor Nunley (2027)

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

  • Brennan Walker
  • Spencer Kirk

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Tishomingo County comes into the 2026 season looking to take another step forward after an 18–14 campaign that ended with a second-round playoff appearance in Class 4A. Under head coach Austin Marlin, the Braves return a veteran-heavy core with multiple seniors and experienced contributors, giving the program a strong foundation as it navigates District 1-4A. With continuity across the lineup and several reliable arms back, Tishomingo County projects as a competitive, well-rounded club capable of making noise in the postseason.

Offensively, the Braves are anchored by Beau Crum (2026, Northeast Mississippi CC), a proven outfield bat who sets the tone at the top and middle of the order. Crum’s athleticism plays on both sides of the ball, and his ability to impact the game as a run producer and on the mound makes him one of the most important returning pieces in the lineup. Jean McDuffy (2026) and Jacob Hall (2026) give Tishomingo County a steady presence in the infield, providing reliable defense and mature at-bats from the right side. Both project as everyday contributors who help lengthen the lineup and create consistency from pitch to pitch.

The outfield group is bolstered by Cooper Hopkins (2026), who adds athleticism and coverage in the gaps, while Brooks Marlar (2027) offers versatility across the infield and outfield. Marlar’s flexibility allows the Braves to move pieces around based on matchups while keeping quality bats in the lineup. Behind the plate, Brennan Walker (2029) is a young but impactful presence. As an underclass catcher, Walker brings long-term upside and has the opportunity to grow into a key role while gaining valuable varsity experience early in his career.

On the mound, Tishomingo County returns a trio of arms that gives the staff experience and stability. Beau Crum, Jevan McDuffy, and Jacob Hall headline the pitching group, providing the Braves with multiple options to manage innings throughout the season. That combination of arms allows the coaching staff to mix and match roles between starting and relief duties, while also benefiting from pitchers who understand how to compete deep into games.

Additional depth comes from the 2027 class, with Kaleb Murphy (2027) and Connor Nunley (2027) both names to know as they continue to develop and push for expanded roles. Their progression will be important as the Braves look to build depth across a long schedule.

The next wave of talent is already beginning to surface. Along with Walker, Spencer Kirk adds to the underclass group, bringing athleticism and future upside that should continue to strengthen the program moving forward.

With a lineup built around experienced upperclassmen, a pitching staff that returns meaningful innings, and young contributors gaining varsity reps, Tishomingo County enters 2026 positioned to be competitive night in and night out. If the Braves can maintain offensive consistency and get dependable performances on the mound, they have the pieces in place to challenge in District 1-4A and push beyond the second round in the Class 4A postseason.

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

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

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