South Carolina Players Who Could Cause Problems for Clemson in the Palmetto Series

Clemson brings an 8-0 start into the Palmetto Series, but rival South Carolina has the talent to make this weekend in-state clash must-watch.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Clemson Baseball has been off to a hot start in 2026, entering the annual Palmetto Series with an 8-0 record, one of just 11 remaining undefeated teams in the country. South Carolina, meanwhile, has been one of the most disappointing teams to start the year — at least in the SEC — with a 6-3 record, including head-scratching losses to Army, Northern Kentucky and, most recently, Queens. Nevertheless, a rivalry is a rivalry. When the Tigers and Gamecocks share the same field, records get thrown out the window. And despite their struggles, South Carolina has the personnel to make this weekend interesting.

Why it matters

The Palmetto Series is a highly anticipated annual matchup between in-state rivals Clemson and South Carolina. Despite Clemson's strong start to the season, South Carolina has several key players who could cause problems for the Tigers and make this weekend's series a must-watch event.

The details

Three South Carolina players in particular could give Clemson trouble this weekend: catcher Talmadge LeCroy, pitcher Amp Phillips, and infielder Will Craddock. LeCroy is one of South Carolina's most consistent hitters and also an elite defensive catcher. Phillips has shown the ability to shut down opposing lineups, while the freshman Craddock has been the Gamecocks' hottest hitter so far this season.

  • The Palmetto Series between Clemson and South Carolina is an annual in-state rivalry matchup.
  • The 2026 Palmetto Series is scheduled for this weekend.

The players

Talmadge LeCroy

A fifth-year catcher for South Carolina who is one of the team's most consistent hitters and elite defensive players behind the plate.

Amp Phillips

A junior right-handed pitcher for South Carolina who has shown the ability to shut down opposing lineups, including a recent shutout performance against Army.

Will Craddock

A true freshman infielder for South Carolina who has been the team's hottest hitter so far this season, leading the team in batting average and slugging percentage.

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What they’re saying

“Talmadge LeCroy hit .500 (5-for-10) with 6 RBI and a home run against Clemson. That's why he's our Terminix Pest Player of the Week.”

— South Carolina Gamecocks (@GamecocksOnline)

The takeaway

This Palmetto Series matchup between Clemson and South Carolina has the potential to be a must-watch event, as the Gamecocks have several key players who could cause problems for the undefeated Tigers. Despite South Carolina's early-season struggles, their rivalry with Clemson means records will be thrown out the window, setting the stage for an intense in-state clash.