South Carolina Baseball: Another Gamecock pitcher is entering the transfer portal

As the South Carolina baseball season presses on into the NCAA Tournament, the harsh reality of the modern state of college athletics and the ridiculousness of the transfer portal calendar are rearing their heads.

Despite the Gamecocks actively playing as 1 of 64 teams vying for the National Championship, several players have elected to enter their names into the transfer portal to get a head start on their search for new places to play.

Last week, left-handed pitcher Jackson Phipps announced his intention to leave Columbia. On Thursday, right-handed hurler Austin Williamson joined him. On Friday, a high-upside freshman pitcher also revealed his plans to transfer out of the South Carolina baseball program as big Jevarra Martin posted on social media that he was entering his name into the portal, as well.

Martin was an elite prospect coming out of high school (top-250 nationally according to several recruiting services), but he didn't carve out an early role with the Gamecocks as he had hoped. In fact, Martin received just one opportunity during the 2024 season, and he posted an infinite ERA as he allowed 2 runs without earning an out on the mound.

Martin, at 6'7" and 225 pounds, has a ton of potential as a power arm from the left side. He will have the chance to carve out a very good career at his next stop, and his loss could come back to hurt the Gamecocks.

Phipps, Williamson, and Martin likely will not be the only Gamecocks to defect. With players constantly searching for new situations and with the potential coaching uncertainty in Columbia with head coach Mark Kingston, there will be other players and/or recruits who decide to back away from the South Carolina baseball program.

For now, though, Carolina plays the James Madison Dukes at 2:00 PM ET in the Raleigh Regional of the NCAA Tournament. The game can be watched on ESPN+.