Mississippi State adds second former South Carolina RHP from portal

The Bulldogs now have two former Gamecock pitchers coming to Starkville, including their leader in saves last season.

Mississippi State Head Coach Brian O'Connor, Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon and Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum during the Brian O’Connor Welcome Event at Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, MS. | Mississippi State Athletics

Mississippi State new coach Brian O’Connor continues to build his first-ever transfer portal class in Starkville that’s ranked as the best in the nation.

On Thursday, former South Carolina right-handed pitcher Brendan Sweeney has reportedly signed with Mississippi State. He’s the second former South Carolina RHP to come to Mississippi State, joining Tyler Pitzer.

BREAKING: South Carolina transfer RHP Brendan Sweeney has signed with Mississippi State, @PeteNakos_ reports🐶

Sweeney totaled a 8.53 ERA in 25.1 IP this season.https://t.co/ZUj2Gpi1ya pic.twitter.com/VrPArJhJbY

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) June 26, 2025

In his lone season with the Gamecocks, Sweeney made 23 appearances mostly out of the bullpen, but he did start one game. In 25.1 innings pitched, Sweeney recorded an 8.53 ERA with a team-high six saves, 34 strikeouts, 13 walks and 24 earned runs allowed.

His lone start last season was a March game against North Carolina that saw him pitch just one inning without allowing a run.

Former South Carolina LHP Brendan Sweeney has transferred to Mississippi State. Had some success against the Bulldogs this season, and now will join them. pic.twitter.com/SJAxNRaR8L

— My Dawgs Are Barking Podcast (@MyDawgsPod) June 26, 2025

Mississippi State Baseball Roster Tracker

Outgoing Transfers

RHP Will Passeau (Auburn University at Montgomery)
RHP Eli Walker
RHP Gavin Black
INF Dylan Cupp (Dallas Baptist)
INF Lukas Buckner (Coastal Carolina)
LHP Wes Pritchard
RHP Mikhai Grant
OF Landis Davila
OF Michael O'Brien (Arkansas-Little Rock)
OF Nolan Stevens (Oklahoma)
C Jackson Owen (Return to Mississippi State)
C Steven Spalitta (Louisiana Lafayette)
RHP Kevin Mannell (Nebraska)
RHP Cade O'Leary
LHP Robert Fortenberry (Kansas State)
LHP Luke Dotson (Texas)
LHP Bradley Loftin
RHP Duke Stone

Incoming Transfers

LHP Tomas Valincius (Virginia)
OF James Nunnallee (Virginia)
C/INF Chone James (Virginia)
INF Vytas Valincius (Illinois)
OF Aidan Teel (Virginia)
INF Ryder Woodson (NC State)
RHP Maddox Webb (The Citadel)
RHP Jackson Logar (James Madison)
UTL Blake Bevis (Ball State)
RHP Tyler Pitzer (South Carolina)
C Kevin Milewski (Seton Hall)
LHP William Kirk (Virginia)
RHP Brendan Sweeney (South Carolina)