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Mississippi State

Noah Danza excited for future with Brian O'Connor at Mississippi State

3rupauk8_400x400by:Robbie Faulk•06/16/25•

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Photo courtesy of Noah Danza

For the last two years, Noah Danza has been locked in with Virginia and Brian O’Connor, but a switch by his future coach to Mississippi State changed his stance quickly.

A relationship built with O’Connor, Associate Head Coach Kevin McMullan and Recruiting Coordinator Matt Kirby was too strong of a bond to break. On Father’s Day Sunday, Danza officially made the switch to State and added to the 2026 signing class.

“It’s been a little bit stressful but not too bad. I was just trying to let the time pass and let God take care of it,” Danza said of his decision. “When I first committed to Virginia, it was because of coach O’Connor, coach Kirby and coach Mac. They really made a good impression on me and when they told me they wanted me to follow them, it was a no-brainer.

“Coach Mac is from New Jersey and they all have a relationship with my high school coaches. I know they just want the best for me so that’s where I want to be.”

The Northeast and especially New Jersey have not been hotbed spots for State baseball in the past, but that is likely to change with McMullan and O’Connor’s recruiting ties. The duo were together at Virginia for over 20 years and have built strong bonds with the state of the years.

In the last couple of weeks, they’ve already pulled in two transfers from Jersey with Virginia’s Aidan Teel and James Madison’s Jackson Logar. Danza adds to the list from a state that he believes has a mindset to compete in the SEC.

“New Jersey baseball is extremely competitive. It’s really gritty,” Danza said. “It’s people that put it all on the line and it means a lot to us. People think that since Northeast baseball isn’t year round, it’s not competitive. That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Danza already loving Diamond Dawg culture

The gritty, tough-mindedness of the state feels like it would translate well to the state of Mississippi. Weather differences aside, the culture of State baseball has been filled with toughness.

Danza has never been to Dudy Noble Field or Mississippi for that matter, but the reputation has made its way up north.

“It’s a huge fanbase that is diehard,” Danza said. “I know that it gets rowdy Friday-Sunday on baseball weekends. People are going to show up and watch them play and every game means something. It’s big crowds, meaningful baseball and everything you want in college baseball. Coach Mac was telling me that it’s a lot like North Carolina basketball. It’s the real deal and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

What Danza will be bringing to the table is what State fans are most interested in after the news of his commitment.

He’s a big-bodied middle infielder and outfielder who has shown a lot of power in his swing his first couple of years of high school baseball. The idea from the coaching staff is to get him signed and figure out a position later because he can play outfield, short stop or third base on the next level.

“I just try to use my athleticism to help me,” Danza said. “I think I got a good bat. I try to use my speed to make an impact on the bases and I’m tall so I can play the corners. Wherever they need me, I feel like I’m good. They see the athlete and want me to keep working at every position.”

Danza is O’Connor’s second commitment from the high school ranks. Just Wednesday night, he landed his first 2026 commitment from Pennsylvania C Hunter Strohm. Both Strohm and Danza have grown a friendship and they’ve been talking over the last few days about life in the M over S.

“I talked to him a little bit about it at an East Coast Pro tryout on Friday,” Danza said of Strohm. “It’s nice to see him going there. He’s a great kid and a really good baseball player. We’re really excited to play together.”

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