Amp Phillips has worked his way all the way to major Division One baseball. He transferred into South Carolina from USC Upstate for the 2026 season.
2025 Season with USC Upstate Spartans
Phillips had an exceptional season with the USC Upstate Spartans in 2025. In 84 innings, he had a 3.64 ERA and 81 strikeouts. He also allowed an opposing batting average of just .212.
In the 2025 Big South Tournament, Phillips pitched a complete-game shutout against the Winthrop Eagles. He also had five strikeouts in that performance.
Phillips brought home some individual hardware as well. He was the 2025 Big South Newcomer of the Year and was first team All-Big South.
Thanks to some big-time pitching all season from the Lancaster, S.C. native, USC Upstate won the Big South Tournament. They also made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.
Phillips and the Impact He Can Have for South Carolina
Phillips also made 12 starts and 20 total appearances on the mound last season. Thus, he brings experience as a starter and reliever to the Gamecocks in 2026.
He will be a valuable pitcher for the Gamecocks next season as a member of a talented incoming transfer portal class.
According to 64 Analytics, South Carolina has the fourth-best incoming transfer portal group.
In a fall exhibition game against the College of Charleston Cougars, Phillips had three strikeouts in what was an 8-1 win for the Gamecocks.
Up Next for South Carolina
The South Carolina Gamecocks will begin the 2026 college baseball season with a weekend series from February 13-15.
They will play against the Northern Kentucky Norse at Founders Park in Columbia.
NCAA News: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: USC Upstate pitcher Amp Phillips (13) throws during an NCAA college baseball game against Stetson, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in DeLand, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
