South Carolina’s Transfer Portal Haul: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What’s Still Missing
As the clock struck midnight on Jan. 16, the NCAA transfer portal officially closed its doors - at least for players looking to land at their new schools in time for spring ball. That cutoff matters.
If a player wants to be on campus, in the playbook, and on the field for spring practice, they needed to be enrolled for the spring semester. That window is now shut.
For South Carolina, this portal cycle was always going to be a pivotal one. The Gamecocks entered with clear needs and a long to-do list. Now, with most of the moves made and workouts already underway, it’s time to assess where things stand - what’s been addressed, what’s still missing, and how this roster is shaping up heading into 2026.
Let’s break it down by position group.
Offensive Line: The Top Priority
Additions:
- Dayne Arnett (Ferris State)
- Carter Miller (UCF)
- Armando Nieves (New Mexico State)
- Jacarrius Peak (NC State)
- Emmanuel Poku (East Carolina)
- Hank Purvis (Purdue)
- Seth Smith (Northern Arizona)
Departures:
- Tree Babalade (Nebraska)
- Trovon Baugh (Texas A&M)
- Ryan Brubaker (Virginia)
- Cason Henry (Louisville)
- Nick Sharpe (Michigan State)
- Jatavius Shivers (Purdue)
- Boaz Stanley (Purdue)
- Campbell Vandiver
- Mac Walters (Appalachian State)
Let’s start with the most glaring issue from last season: the offensive line. South Carolina’s front five struggled mightily in 2025, and that’s putting it lightly.
So when nine linemen hit the exit - six of whom started at least one game - it wasn’t quite the disaster it might seem on paper. In fact, it was more of a reset.
The Gamecocks responded by bringing in seven new linemen from across the country, including players from both Power Five and Group of Five programs. The goal?
Rebuild the trenches with a mix of experience and upside. With 17 linemen now in the room (including three freshmen), South Carolina is slightly over the target number, but after last season’s struggles, that’s not a bad problem to have.
One name worth noting: Josiah Thompson. The left tackle briefly entered the portal, didn’t find a new home, and is now back in Columbia. That’s a win for the Gamecocks, even if it came unexpectedly.
Defensive Line: Reloading with SEC Talent
Additions:
- Drew Collins (Arkansas State - Edge)
- Kelby Collins (Alabama - DL)
- Tomiwa Durojaiye (Illinois - DL)
- Caleb Herring (Tennessee - Edge)
- Jordan Thomas (Georgia - DL)
Departures:
- Jaylen Brown (LSU - Edge)
- Zavion Hardy (Baylor - DL)
- Chase Kibble (DT)
- Desmond Umeozulu (Edge)
This group saw some late-cycle turbulence, with Desmond Umeozulu’s departure leaving a sting. But South Carolina made a strong push to replenish the unit, bringing in five defensive linemen - including three from SEC programs.
Kelby Collins, once a blue-chip recruit, comes over from Alabama. Jordan Thomas arrives from Georgia.
These aren’t just bodies; they’re high-level talents who’ve been in elite defensive systems. Add in Durojaiye from Illinois - a team known for its defensive front - and the Gamecocks are betting on experience and pedigree to raise the floor and ceiling of this group.
Jaylen Brown’s story is a reminder of the portal era’s volatility. He transferred in with hype, never saw the field due to injury, and is now gone without taking a snap. It’s the kind of roster churn that’s become normal in this new landscape.
Running Back: Bolstering the Depth Chart
Returning:
- Matthew Fuller
- Jawarn Howell
- Isaiah Augustave
Additions:
- Three new scholarship backs (names not specified)
Beamer made it clear: going into the season with just three scholarship running backs wasn’t going to cut it. So the Gamecocks went out and added three more to the room. While only one or two will likely see significant touches, the added depth gives new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and running backs coach Stan Drayton options - and competition.
With a new offensive scheme coming to Columbia, every back will get a fresh start. Expect this group to be one of the most closely watched in spring practice.
Defensive Back: Quiet Moves, But Key Addition
Addition:
- One transfer DB (Scott)
Departure:
- Myles Norwood (CB)
The defensive backfield didn’t see a ton of turnover, but the Gamecocks did lose a senior and two juniors headed for the draft. To counter, they landed a plug-and-play transfer who brings experience and production.
Scott played in all 12 games last season for the Wildcats, racking up 39 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception. He’s expected to step in immediately and stabilize a group that’s young but promising.
Tight End: Still Looking for a Difference-Maker
Departure:
- Michael Smith (Syracuse)
This is the one area where South Carolina came up empty - and it’s a concern. The Gamecocks need a tight end who can be a reliable safety valve for quarterback LaNorris Sellers, especially as the offense transitions under Briles.
Right now, the talent in the room is serviceable, but it’s not the kind of group that scares defenses or gives Sellers a consistent outlet. Think back to the impact Josh Simon had two years ago - that’s the kind of presence USC is still hunting for. The portal door may be closed for now, but players can still exit at any time, and South Carolina will be watching closely.
Quarterback, Special Teams, and Receivers: Under-the-Radar Moves
Quarterback:
- Lucian Anderson (Bowling Green)
USC didn’t need a quarterback, but they added one anyway in Anderson, who’ll provide depth behind Sellers, Cutter Woods, and Landon Duckworth. It’s a low-risk move that adds experience to the QB room.
Special Teams:
- Upton Bellanfant (Texas Tech - K)
- Emmet Rhoades (Western Carolina - LS)
With William Joyce gone, the Gamecocks were looking at Mason Love and Max Kelley to handle kicking duties. Enter Bellanfant, who’ll compete with both. Rhoades joins as a long snapper to round out the unit.
Wide Receiver:
- Jayden Gibson
- Charly Mullaly
- Nitro Tuggle
The Gamecocks didn’t overhaul the receiver room - and they didn’t need to. They like the young talent already on the roster and added three more to deepen the group. Tuggle, in particular, brings some buzz.
Final Thoughts
South Carolina went into the portal with clear needs - offensive line, defensive line, running back, and tight end. They hit on most of them, especially in the trenches, where they completely retooled both lines. The running back room is deeper, the secondary got a proven piece, and the special teams unit has new competition.
The one glaring hole? Tight end. That remains a priority, and the Gamecocks will keep looking.
But overall, this was a productive portal cycle for Shane Beamer and his staff. The roster’s not perfect, but it’s in a much better place than it was a month ago. And with spring ball right around the corner, the pieces are starting to fall into place.