DJ Black Returns to Columbia: South Carolina Adds Former Walk-On, Now UCF Transfer, to WR Room
The South Carolina Gamecocks are dipping back into the transfer portal-and this time, it’s a familiar face. Wide receiver DJ Black is heading back to Columbia, reuniting with the program where his college football journey first began.
Black, who originally walked on at South Carolina in 2022, has officially transferred from UCF after a productive 2025 season that saw him start 11 games for the Golden Knights. He hauled in 22 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns-solid production in a deep receiver room, with only three players on the roster finishing ahead of him in both receptions and receiving yards.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 205 pounds, Black brings size, experience, and a unique path back to the Gamecocks. His football roots run deep in the Palmetto State-he’s an Inman native and Chapman High School product who once broke Deebo Samuel’s single-game state record for receiving yards with a 270-yard performance. That kind of playmaking ability made waves then, and it’s part of what makes his return to Columbia so intriguing now.
Black’s first stint at South Carolina didn’t include any game action, but he did compete on the indoor track team in the spring-showcasing his athleticism and versatility. After that, he transferred to Division II Limestone, where he found his stride as a receiver.
Over two seasons, he racked up nearly 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Notably, Limestone’s head coach at the time was Mike Furrey-now the Gamecocks’ wide receivers coach.
That prior connection likely helped pave the way for Black’s return.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Black becomes the 24th addition to South Carolina’s 2026 transfer portal class and the third UCF transfer to join the Gamecocks this offseason. Offensive lineman Carter Miller was the first to make the move, and tight end Max Drag-another in-state product from Chapin-followed shortly after.
Here’s a look at South Carolina’s full 2026 transfer haul so far:
Quarterback:
- Lucian Anderson III (Bowling Green State)
Running Backs:
- Sam Williams-Dixon (Ohio State)
- Jabree Coleman (Penn State)
- Christian Clark (Texas)
Wide Receivers:
- Jayden Gibson (Oklahoma)
- Nitro Tuggle (Purdue)
- Charly Mullaly (Holy Cross)
- DJ Black (UCF)
Tight End:
- Max Drag (UCF)
Offensive Linemen:
- Dayne Arnett (Ferris State)
- Carter Miller (UCF)
- Jacarrius Peak (NC State)
- Emmanuel Poku (East Carolina)
- Hank Purvis (Purdue)
- Seth Smith (Northern Arizona)
- Armando Nieves (New Mexico State)
Special Teams:
- Kicker: Upton Bellenfant (Texas Tech)
- Long Snapper: Emmet Rhoades (Western Carolina)
Defensive Line:
- Jordan Thomas (Georgia)
- Tomiwa Durojaiye (Illinois)
- Kelby Collins (Alabama)
Edge Rushers:
- Drew Collins (Arkansas State)
- Caleb Herring (Tennessee)
Defensive Backs:
- Quay’Sheed Scott (Kentucky)
With the addition of Black, the Gamecocks continue to build a transfer class that blends SEC-ready talent with under-the-radar upside. For Black, this is more than just a homecoming-it’s a second chance to make an impact where it all started. And for South Carolina, it’s one more piece in what’s shaping up to be a deep and competitive roster heading into the 2026 season.