A Strategic Reinforcement for the Rotation
Jordan Stephens, a 6‑foot‑4 right‑handed pitcher from Rochelle, Georgia, is set to join the South Carolina Gamecocks pitching staff next season after a standout year with the Bulldogs.
In 2025 he made 18 appearances, posting a 3.92 ERA and a 4‑0 record, and he led his team with 113 strikeouts in 82.1 innings, underscoring his ability to dominate opposing lineups.
His freshman campaign in 2024 saw a 5.03 ERA and a 4‑6 record across 14 starts, but the experience proved valuable as he accumulated 113 strikeouts, a figure that topped the staff.
Stephens will retain two years of eligibility plus a redshirt, giving the Gamecocks a reliable arm for the coming campaigns.
Returning Position Players
The roster also welcomes back outfielder Tyler Bak, who appeared in 56 games last season and tied for fourth on the team with a .247 batting average while stealing nine bases.
Pitcher Cooper Parks returns for his third year, having posted a 2.36 ERA and a 4‑1 record last season, and he is expected to anchor the bullpen.
New Coaching Faces
New additions to the coaching staff include Chad Oxendine, Tyler Shewmaker, Bill Cilento and Matt Williams; Williams, the new pitching coach, brings familiar ties to the program, while Cilento, the hitting coach, arrives with a proven track record of success.
Coach Kevin Schnall expressed confidence that the blend of experienced transfers and returning talent positions the Gamecocks to contend for postseason berths.