South Carolina’s Sterling Lucas Expected to Join LSU: What It Means for the Gamecocks
South Carolina is on the verge of losing one of the key architects of its recent defensive resurgence. Outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas is expected to leave Columbia for a position at LSU, according to multiple reports Friday afternoon.
This is more than just a staff shakeup - Lucas has been a cornerstone of Shane Beamer’s coaching staff since he arrived in January 2022. In just a few short years, Lucas helped elevate South Carolina’s edge play to some of the best in the SEC, while also proving himself as one of the program’s most effective recruiters.
Let’s break down what this move means for the Gamecocks on and off the field.
A Proven Developer of Talent
Lucas came to South Carolina with six years of NFL experience under his belt - five with the Baltimore Ravens and one with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That professional pedigree showed up quickly in Columbia. His ability to develop edge rushers turned heads, and the results were hard to ignore.
Take Kyle Kennard, for example. The Georgia Tech transfer arrived as a solid player with upside after posting six sacks in his senior year in Atlanta.
Under Lucas’ guidance, Kennard exploded in 2023 - racking up 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. That breakout season earned him the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the best defensive player in college football.
When Kennard made the leap to the NFL, it was Bryan Thomas Jr. who stepped up in 2024, leading the team with eight sacks as a senior. That kind of continuity at the position speaks volumes about Lucas’ coaching chops. He didn’t just develop one star - he built a pipeline.
Recruiting Muscle That Paid Off
Lucas’ impact wasn’t limited to game day. On the recruiting trail, he was a force, especially in the Washington, D.C., area. That’s where he landed two of the Gamecocks’ biggest gets in recent years: five-star edge Dylan Stewart and five-star wide receiver Nyck Harbor.
Stewart, in particular, has lived up to the hype. Over his first two seasons, he’s totaled 11 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss - numbers that have already put him on the radar as a potential top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. His trajectory has been closely tied to Lucas, who played a major role in his development and recruitment.
Harbor, while not in the same position group, also shares a strong connection with Lucas. The question now becomes: what does Lucas’ departure mean for their futures in Columbia?
What’s Next for Stewart and Harbor?
With Lucas on his way out, it’s fair to wonder how this might affect Stewart - and to a lesser extent, Harbor - heading into their junior seasons. While neither player has publicly addressed their plans for 2026, the bond between coach and player can be a major factor in today’s transfer-heavy landscape.
Stewart, especially, has the kind of talent that would make him a hot commodity if he were to explore other options. Whether he stays or goes could hinge on who South Carolina brings in to replace Lucas - and how quickly that new relationship takes root.
The Business Side
Lucas was set to be one of South Carolina’s highest-paid assistants in 2026, with a salary of $775,000. If he leaves before the end of the year, his contract stipulates he’ll owe the university $426,250. For LSU, that’s a price they’re clearly willing to pay to bring him aboard.
For South Carolina, it’s now about moving quickly and smartly. Replacing a coach of Lucas’ caliber - someone who can both recruit elite talent and develop it into production on the field - isn’t easy. But it’s the kind of challenge that programs face when they start to build sustained success.
Final Thoughts
Sterling Lucas’ expected move to LSU is a major development for South Carolina. His fingerprints are all over the Gamecocks’ defensive identity, and his departure creates a significant void - both in the locker room and on the recruiting trail.
Now, all eyes turn to Shane Beamer and his staff. How they respond to this loss could shape the trajectory of the program over the next few seasons. One thing’s for sure: Lucas leaves big shoes to fill.