South Carolina Gamecocks: 2026 Season Preview
Monte Lee has the Gamecocks back in the conversation. A pitching staff with real depth, a lineup that is improving, and the kind of culture that produces competitive teams year after year. Founders Park is not an easy place to play in March.
The Program
2025 Season Results
Season Highlights
Reached the Regional behind a pitching staff that ranked fifth in SEC ERA
Will Sanders: 9-4, 2.85 ERA — emerged as a legitimate Friday starter
Ethan Petry hit .298 with 11 HR as the lineup anchor at first base
75 stolen bases showed the speed that Lee has been building in the program
Carson Hornung (.285, 8 HR) provided veteran offensive production from the outfield
2026 Roster Breakdown
Key returnees and transfer portal additions
Key Returnees
Ethan Petry
1B · Jr.The lineup anchor. Consistent production from first base with a mature plate approach. Drives the ball to all fields and provides run production.
Will Sanders
RHP · Jr.The ace. Emerged as one of the SEC's best Friday starters. Commands four pitches, competes in every at-bat, and thrives under pressure.
Carson Hornung
OF · Sr.Veteran corner outfielder with consistent production. Provides lineup depth and veteran leadership in the clubhouse.
Michael Braswell
SS · Jr.Athletic shortstop with developing power. His speed and defense impact the game beyond the stat line.
James Hicks
LHP · So.Young left-hander with improving command. Has the stuff to be a Saturday starter — needs to limit free passes.
Transfer Portal Additions
Tyler Casner
RHP · Jr.ACC-tested right-hander. Adds immediate rotation depth behind Sanders.
Jack Thompson
OF · R-Sr.Power outfielder from an ACC program. Adds middle-of-the-order production and defensive range.
Cole Barr
3B · R-Sr.Veteran corner infielder. Adds a reliable bat and defensive stability at third base.
Pitching Staff Analysis
The Headline
Will Sanders (9-4, 2.85 ERA, 108 K) is the real deal. He commands four pitches, competes in every at-bat, and thrives under pressure. The SEC's most improved pitcher from 2025 returns as one of the conference's best Friday arms.
The Rotation
James Hicks (3.58 ERA) takes the Saturday ball with improving left-handed stuff. Tyler Casner (from NC State, 3.22 ERA) fills the Sunday spot with ACC-proven depth. The rotation has three arms that can compete in weekend series — that is the baseline in the SEC.
The Depth
The bullpen is where South Carolina surprises teams. Lee develops relievers through the program, and the returning arms pitched big innings during the Regional run. The staff collectively pitches to contact and lets the defense work. It is not flashy, but it is effective.
Lineup Analysis
The Engine
Ethan Petry (.298, 11 HR) is the steady hand. He does not chase, drives the ball to all fields, and provides the kind of consistent run production that lets the pitching staff play with a lead. He is the player South Carolina builds the order around.
The Middle
Carson Hornung (.285, 8 HR) and Jack Thompson (from Georgia Tech, .298, 9 HR) give the Gamecocks two veteran outfield bats with pop. Cole Barr (from Indiana, .284, 8 HR) adds production at the hot corner. The middle of the order has improved — and it needed to.
The Supporting Cast
Michael Braswell (.262, 14 SB) provides speed and defense from the shortstop spot. The bottom of the order is lean but disciplined. South Carolina will not outscore anyone — but they will manufacture enough runs behind quality pitching to stay in every game.
2026 Schedule Highlights
Scouting Verdict
20–80 scouting scale
BSI Projection
South Carolina has the pitching to stay in games and the lineup improvement to steal a few series they should not win. Sanders is a legitimate ace. Petry anchors the offense. The portal addressed the biggest needs. Lee has built something — it is just not quite at the level of the SEC's elite. But Founders Park is difficult to play in, the schedule provides opportunities, and this is a program with two national titles. Write off the Gamecocks at your own risk.