Freshman two-way Rebel Payton Kennedy brings SEC upside, but the early results are still a work in progress
Payton Kennedy entered Ole Miss in 2026 as a highly regarded two-way freshman, earning a Softball America Freshman Watch List nod and arriving with a top-25 national prep reputation. In her 2026 season, she made 3 appearances and logged a 6.00 ERA over 7.0 innings, so the raw college stat line is still developing—but the appeal is the blend: a right-handed pitcher who also brings utility value, size, and a strong high-school résumé. If your team wants upside, versatility, and a long runway, she’s a name worth watching.
