Aaron Downs’ resilience pays off as he shines in Mississippi State’s season opener

In a sports climate where quitting or moving on seems to be encouraged, Mississippi State senior Aaron Downs hasn’t subscribed to that mindset.

The transfer portal has made it easy for players to seek a fresh start in their college sports journey, and for many, it’s the right move. No one would have criticized Downs if he had taken that path, but the talented outfielder had different plans for himself.

Injuries have plagued Downs at the most inopportune times, slowing his development compared to his teammates. However, last season, things started to fall into place, and a healthy offseason has given him his clearest path yet to a successful 2025 campaign.

“That’s been a big piece—playing the game, maturity, and older-player confidence,” head coach Chris Lemonis said of Downs. “There have been guys here who were good players early on and finished with a great year. I’m hoping that’s what he’s about to do.”

Availability bringing the best out of Downs’ game

Downs enters his fourth year in Starkville still seeking a complete season with the Diamond Dawgs. As a freshman in 2022, he played in 18 games with seven starts. The following season, injuries limited him to just two starts and 19 total appearances.

In both seasons, setbacks prevented him from finding a rhythm. He managed just 13 combined hits and struck out in nearly half of his at-bats.

By the middle of last season, Downs was finally healthy, and consistent at-bats revealed a player beginning to find his groove. He started 24 of the 30 games he played, posting a .305 batting average with 29 hits, four doubles, and nine RBIs.

A strong summer gave him even more at-bats, and a productive spring training further prepared him for the season. All of that hard work paid off on Friday as Mississippi State opened the season against Manhattan.

Downs came off the bench in game one and immediately made an impact, launching his first career home run—a three-run shot to left field—in State’s 17-3 blowout victory. He recalled the ball barely clearing the fence. Regardless of how it happened, the moment was special.

“I think it hit off the top of the wall and bounced out,” Downs joked. “Hunter Hines’ dad was giving me crap, but it felt good to finally hit one out.”

The home run earned him a starting spot in game two, and he delivered again. He came to the plate twice with two outs and produced RBI base hits that brought in four runs. By the end of the day, Downs had an incredible seven RBIs in just four at-bats, helping his team secure two wins.

His relentless effort is making it difficult for Lemonis to keep him off the field. Downs has shown his ability to make plays in the outfield, and his hitting is coming together. In a crowded position group, he is proving that he belongs in the lineup.

“Lem said after the game that the hardest part right now is that so many guys are playing well, and he can’t play them all at once,” Downs said. “It seems like top to bottom, everybody can hit, and that’s a good problem to have. You can’t ask for anything more.”

Few people would be more excited to see Downs earn a regular spot in the outfield than Lemonis. The coach recruited him as an underclassman when he was one of the top prospects in the country.

A native of Iowa, Downs was originally committed to Louisville before reopening his recruitment. He eventually moved to Columbus to play for Heritage Academy. Since his arrival on campus, Lemonis has recognized his talent. Setbacks have delayed his breakout moment, but Downs has remained committed and persevered.

Now, he has a chance to finish his college career on a high note with his best season yet.

“His past couple of weeks have been really good,” Lemonis said. “He’s probably the most loved kid in our program, from his teammates to the people in the community. He’s had a good career in some ways, but he hasn’t had that big year yet. Sometimes seniors do. No better guy to have it happen to because he’s super talented. He’s fought through injuries and adversity, so I’m super proud of him.”