The South Carolina Gamecocks just made a statement in the college baseball world, adding a high-upside pitcher to their rotation with the transfer of right-handed pitcher Josh Gunther from Wake Forest. It’s a move that could bolster South Carolina’s bullpen and give the Gamecocks a much-needed boost in their quest to return to national prominence. Gunther, who entered the portal with considerable buzz, chose South Carolina over a host of other programs, citing the coaching staff, player development, and the SEC’s elite competition as major factors in his decision.
Gunther’s arrival is more than just another addition from the transfer portal—it’s a sign that South Carolina is serious about contending. Known for his sharp command and electric stuff, Gunther brings both potential and proven talent to Columbia. At Wake Forest, he was part of a program that gained national attention for its pitching development and high-level competition. Despite battling through a crowded rotation and limited appearances, Gunther flashed moments of brilliance that caught the eye of scouts and opposing coaches alike. His fastball sits in the low to mid-90s, complemented by a deceptive changeup and a breaking ball that has developed into a true out pitch.
While his numbers may not jump off the page due to limited innings, the upside is obvious. Gunther was a prized recruit coming out of high school and chose Wake Forest because of its reputation as a pitching factory. In a program loaded with arms, breaking into the rotation was always going to be a challenge. But his development behind the scenes, coupled with flashes of dominance in relief stints, showcase just how dangerous he can be when given the opportunity. Now at South Carolina, he’ll get that chance.
For the Gamecocks, pitching has been a rollercoaster in recent years. While they’ve produced some solid arms, consistency has been hard to find. Injuries and depth issues plagued their staff in previous seasons, often putting immense pressure on the offense to carry the load. By bringing in someone like Gunther—who has been trained in a pitching-first environment and has multiple years of eligibility remaining—South Carolina is investing not just in talent, but in long-term stability. He fits into a growing trend of programs raiding the portal for arms with untapped upside, and if Gunther fulfills his potential, this could be one of the steals of the offseason.
Gunther’s decision to transfer didn’t come lightly. Sources close to the pitcher say he was weighing the pros and cons of staying in the ACC versus testing himself in the SEC. In the end, the appeal of pitching in college baseball’s toughest conference won out. The opportunity to face lineups like LSU, Arkansas, and Florida while developing under South Carolina’s experienced staff helped seal the deal. The Gamecocks’ tradition, fan support, and state-of-the-art facilities didn’t hurt either. Gunther visited Columbia earlier this summer and was reportedly blown away by the atmosphere, culture, and vision of the program.
From a technical standpoint, Gunther has the tools to step in right away and contribute. His delivery is smooth and repeatable, giving him excellent control over the strike zone. He doesn’t walk many hitters, and when he’s on, he can make even the best batters look uncomfortable. His fastball, which touches 94 mph, comes out of his hand with late life and is often complemented by a deceptive changeup that mirrors his arm speed. His slider has continued to improve and may be his ticket to a starting role. With the right development and game experience, it’s easy to see him blossoming into one of the SEC’s most dependable arms.
South Carolina head coach Mark Kingston has emphasized the importance of winning the portal during the offseason, and this move shows the program is delivering on that mission. In today’s college baseball landscape, roster construction is more fluid than ever. With players transferring at higher rates, programs need to be both aggressive and strategic in building their teams. Gunther fits that mold perfectly—talented, motivated, and ready for a new chapter. His addition brings not only skill, but also depth to a South Carolina staff looking to make a deep postseason run in 2026.
The Gamecocks’ 2025 campaign showed flashes of promise but also revealed the need for greater consistency on the mound. There were moments of dominance, including series wins over ranked teams, but also disappointing losses that pointed to issues in pitching depth. Gunther, with his pedigree and hunger to prove himself, could be a major part of the solution. Whether he slots into the rotation or starts out in a bullpen role, he will have a chance to make an immediate impact.
Teammates and coaches from Wake Forest have praised Gunther’s work ethic and team-first mentality. While he may not have been a headliner in Winston-Salem, he was a beloved member of the clubhouse and someone the coaching staff believed in. With a fresh start and a new opportunity in Columbia, there’s a sense that his breakout is imminent. South Carolina fans will certainly hope that’s the case. With Gunther on board, expectations for next season are already rising.
Adding a player like Gunther also helps set the tone in recruiting. When other transfer prospects or high school recruits see a respected pitcher choosing South Carolina, it elevates the perception of the program. It signals that Columbia is a destination for serious players who want to compete at the highest level. For Kingston and his staff, Gunther’s commitment could serve as a domino, encouraging others to follow suit. It’s a key pickup not just for what he brings individually, but for the message it sends about the direction of the team.
Off the field, Gunther is described as mature beyond his years. Coaches have noted his attention to detail, strong academics, and leadership qualities. While he’s generally soft-spoken, he leads by example and is known for putting in extra work when no one’s watching. That kind of mentality will serve him well in the SEC, where every game is a battle and preparation often separates winners from losers. In an environment as demanding as South Carolina baseball, Gunther’s discipline could make him a fan favorite quickly.
There’s also a degree of excitement within the fanbase that can’t be ignored. South Carolina has a rich baseball tradition, and anytime the Gamecocks secure a high-level transfer—especially one from another Power Five program—excitement follows. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans pointing to Gunther’s upside and fit within the team’s needs. It’s clear this is a move that energizes the faithful and gives the coaching staff another weapon in its arsenal.
In terms of development, South Carolina has shown the ability to maximize talent, especially when it comes to pitchers. Several Gamecocks arms have taken significant steps forward under the current regime, and there’s reason to believe Gunther will do the same. With access to elite facilities, analytics, and coaching, he’s walking into a perfect situation to refine his game. If everything clicks, the SEC could be looking at one of the biggest breakout pitchers in the league.
Ultimately, Gunther’s transfer to South Carolina is a win-win. The Gamecocks add a talented, hungry pitcher who fits their system, and Gunther gets a fresh opportunity in an environment designed to help him flourish. It’s a marriage of need and opportunity, and both sides seem thrilled about what lies ahead. With a strong offseason, a rejuvenated pitching staff, and renewed energy in the program, South Carolina is positioning itself to climb the SEC standings and make noise nationally.
For Josh Gunther, the road from Wake Forest to Columbia represents more than just a change in scenery. It’s a chance to prove what he can do when given a spotlight. And for the Gamecocks, it’s the beginning of what they hope is a new era of dominance on the mound. If Gunther lives up to the hype—and all signs suggest he might—South Carolina fans are going to be in for a thrilling ride.
