Fall baseball is underway in Gainesville. It’s our first look at Florida’s 41 player roster, 19 of which are newcomers. The Gators added 10 transfers this offseason including Ole Miss infielder Ethan Surowiec, who’s been a standout player through four scrimmages.
Surowiec’s path to UF was unique. The 6’1, 220-pound Mississippi native only logged 16 at bats throughout his freshman campaign with the Rebels. Despite limited opportunities, Surowiec was productive, recording six hits and eight RBI including two home runs.
“I wanted a fresh start, a chance to play infield again, play on the left side of the field, that was really big for me to play a premium position because I felt like I could do it because I proved I could do it in summer,” Surowiec said on entering the transfer portal.
Given the small sample size, Florida’s staff didn’t have a ton of tape on Surowiec at the collegiate level. They based their evaluation on a summer recruiting circuit he attended going into his senior year at Gulfport High School.
Surowiec had countless phone calls with head coach Kevin O’Sullivan and the Gators’ staff after entering the portal.
“It was eye opening,” Surowiec said on the conversations with Florida’s staff. “I’m just so happy and blessed that I’m able to be here.”
Surowiec only had one offer to play summer baseball, which is almost unbelievable in retrospect. While playing for the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League, Surowiec hit .387 with 17 home runs and 68 RBI, earning Northwoods League MVP for his efforts. Over 50% of Surowiec’s hits went for extra bases.
“We were just ready to get to summer ball and prove that we should be on the field and prove that I can do this,” Surowiec said.
“It was a great experience,” Surowiec added on playing with Duluth. “Coaches there were great, I loved them to death, giving me the opportunity because they were my only offer to go play summer ball pretty much. I’m just truly blessed. I was able to be on the field every single day, and that gave me some good reps I just didn’t have my freshman year.”
Surowiec always believed in his abilities on the diamond, but the summer gave the rising sophomore an extra boost of confidence heading into the 2026 season.
“I think the mental game is so big, all sports but baseball in particular because you’re going to fail so much. I think I’m in a great place, I think this summer certainly helped,” Surowiec told Gator Country. “I’ve got good people in my corner, I’m just thankful for that. I think you have to kind of play with a competitive edge to be good in this game.”
Surowiec began gaining national recognition; D1Baseball named Surowiec their 2025 summer breakout prospect while Jacob Rudner of Baseball America praised Surowiec’s skillset and improved approach at the plate, claiming he’s one of the ‘most dangerous hitters in the country this summer’.
“Surowiec brings plus raw power, fast hands, and an increasingly refined approach to the plate,” Rudner wrote. “His improved feel for the strike zone has been a steady trend from the fall through the summer…Surowiec’s arrival gives the Gators another impact slugger with legitimate middle of the order upside.”
We’re only four scrimmages into fall ball, but Surowiec is gaining the attention of his teammates with thunderous power at the plate.
Outfielder Kyles Jones stated he’s been the most impressed with Surowiec out of all the newcomers.
“Unbelievable from what I’ve seen in four games. He’s going to be our guy.” Jones said.
While RHP Liam Peterson hasn’t faced Surowiec yet this fall, he’s noticing the production.
“He’s been smashing the baseball. Super high exit velos,” Peterson said on Surowiec.
Surowiec went from hardly playing at Ole Miss to a monstrous summer, positioning himself for a major role in Florida’s offense in 2026.
“I just want us to be mentally tough,” Surowiec said. “Go through the ups and downs of the fall and just be ready to put on a show this spring.