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'I'm ready to go': Jake McCoy confident in abilities ahead first full season at South Carolina

by:Peyton Butt•01/30/25
Jake McCoy
By Jackson Randell

The 2025 season will be the first true opportunity for sophomore Jake McCoy to put his talents on display. Although, it’s not his first season at South Carolina.

Joining the Gamecocks in 2024, the Fort Mill, S.C. native and left-handed pitcher missed his first fall and half of his freshman season. He didn’t make his college debut until March 17 against Ole Miss — the first weekend of SEC play.

“The dial got turned up pretty quick,” McCoy told GamecockCentral. “I mean, loud and like, I went on Sunday, I’m pretty sure. And the loudest environment I’ve ever been in my life, pitching in front of the biggest crowd ever. The biggest crowd ever, I mean, to men’s league, so no room for little boys.”

McCoy finished his season with a 7.88 ERA and 20 strikeouts to 15 walks in 12 appearances. Now going through his first full year, he’s eager for more. His focus in the fall preparing for this season was simple. Be intentional.

“Just focusing in being more intentional with each and every pitch,” McCoy said. “It was good to have actual fall; last year I didn’t have one. So I feel like I learned a lot this fall. I’m ready to go. Keep going for the spring.”

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As he prepares for a new season, McCoy has also been preparing for his role to increase on the pitching staff. Head coach Paul Mainieri considers McCoy to be one of the early frontrunners vying for a spot in the weekend rotation.

“Working out a little bit more, kind of trying to get my body ready to go. Billy’s (Anderson) been great with conditioning coach. (Terry) Rooney’s been on me, so it’s been good. I feel like I’m ready,” McCoy said. “My body feels great right now.”

Prior to the 2025 season, the Gamecocks brought in pitching coach Terry Rooney. Rooney has added a new mentality and drive amongst his pitchers.

“He’s awesome, like he stays on me all the time, which I need. Super intense, wants to win really, really bad, which kind of feeds off on us. But yeah, I love him,” McCoy said.

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In addition to a fastball and slider, McCoy has added a changeup to his pitch mix, which is something he and Rooney worked on.

“Change up feels really good,” he said. “It’s a new pitch kind of developing. It’s nasty on trackman. So I like that one a lot. And then kind of fastball, slider, like you said. So I feel good. I’m confident.”

As Rooney and Mainieri develop a firmer pitching rotation for the season, McCoy remains confident in his arm.

“Having complete and full confidence in myself and being composed and having the poise in every single pitch,” he said.

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