South Carolina Locks In Five Key Signees on December Signing Day
The early signing period is officially underway, and South Carolina wasted no time making a statement. Five key commits have now put pen to paper, officially joining the Gamecocks' 2026 recruiting class. It’s a group headlined by a blue-chip offensive lineman, and rounded out by a mix of size, versatility, and upside across both sides of the ball.
Here’s a breakdown of who’s officially on board as of Wednesday morning:
Darius Gray, OL (6-3, 285) - Richmond, VA - St. Christopher’s School
247Sports Composite: No. 37 overall, No. 2 IOL, No. 2 in Virginia
Signed at 7:30 AM
Let’s start with the headliner. Darius Gray is the kind of offensive line prospect that programs build around - a high-level athlete with serious power and polish. At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, Gray brings a rare blend of mobility and strength to the interior line, and it’s easy to see why he had offers from some of the biggest names in college football: LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, and more.
But South Carolina won the recruiting battle back in August, and now they’ve sealed the deal. Gray’s athleticism isn’t just limited to the football field - he was named Co-Player of the Year in the Virginia Prep League for basketball as a junior.
That kind of multi-sport background often translates to elite footwork and balance in the trenches. He’s a foundational piece for this class and a potential early contributor.
Keenan Britt, LB (6-1, 220) - Oxford, AL
247Sports Composite: Three-star, No. 21 in Alabama
Signed at 7:30 AM
Britt brings a familiar name with him - he’s the younger brother of former Auburn linebacker K.J. Britt - but he’s carving out his own path in Columbia. A physical, downhill linebacker with a nose for the football, Britt had an offer from Auburn and took an official visit to Florida before choosing South Carolina.
His tape shows a player who plays fast and hits hard, with a frame that’s already college-ready. At 6-1, 220, he’s got the build to play early on special teams and work his way into the linebacker rotation. Britt’s commitment adds depth and SEC pedigree to the defensive side of the ball.
Caden Ramsey, TE (6-5, 210) - Cross High School (SC)
247Sports Composite: Three-star
Signed at 7:30 AM
Ramsey is one of those late-rising seniors who turned heads with a strong final season. He caught 42 passes for 604 yards and eight touchdowns - impressive numbers for a tight end - and showed off the kind of athleticism that can stretch defenses vertically.
At 6-5, 210, he’s a long, lean pass-catcher who can line up in multiple spots. South Carolina offered him in June, and he committed in September after weighing offers from Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech.
Ramsey’s ceiling is high, especially once he adds some weight to his frame. He’s a modern tight end with the potential to become a real mismatch weapon.
Noah Clark, DL (6-4, 345) - North Carolina
**247Sports Composite: Four-star, No.
34 DL nationally, No. 15 in NC**
Signed at 7:30 AM
Clark is a massive addition - literally and figuratively - to the Gamecocks’ defensive front. At 6-foot-4 and 345 pounds, he’s a space-eater with surprising quickness for his size. Clark is ranked among the top 35 defensive linemen in the country and chose South Carolina over a strong list of suitors, including Duke, Virginia, Notre Dame, and NC State.
He committed back in July and never looked back. Clark’s size and power make him a natural fit at nose tackle, but he’s not just a plugger.
He’s got enough burst off the line to be disruptive in the backfield. This is a big-time get for a Gamecocks defense that’s looking to get more physical up front.
Anthony Baxter, OL (6-4, 340) - South Carolina
247Sports Composite: Three-star, No. 29 in-state
Signed at 7:30 AM
Baxter is a homegrown talent who’s been locked in since May. At 6-4, 340, he’s a mauler in the run game and brings serious size to the offensive line room. He had offers from Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Kentucky, but chose to stay in-state and help build something in Columbia.
He’s not as highly ranked as Gray, but he’s got the tools to develop into a key piece down the line. Baxter plays with a mean streak, and his strength at the point of attack stands out on film. With some refinement in pass protection, he could be a valuable depth piece early and a potential starter down the road.
Final Thoughts
This group gives South Carolina a strong foundation to build on as the early signing period continues. Gray is the gem of the class, but there’s balance here - a pair of big-bodied linemen, a versatile tight end, a physical linebacker, and a massive interior defender. It’s a class with upside, toughness, and SEC-level athleticism.
And with more signings likely to come, this is just the beginning of what could be a pivotal recruiting cycle for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks.