The South Carolina Gamecocks knew they had a critical need to address on the defensive front heading into 2026, and they wasted no time filling that gap through the transfer portal. With key contributors Nick Barrett and Monkell Goodwine moving on after anchoring the interior in 2025, the Gamecocks reloaded with three intriguing additions: Tomiwa Durojaiye, Jordan Thomas, and Kelby Collins.
Let’s break this down, because each of these newcomers brings something unique to Travian Robertson’s defensive line room - and together, they could reshape the identity of South Carolina’s front seven.
Tomiwa Durojaiye: Athleticism Meets Experience
Tomiwa Durojaiye comes in from Illinois as one of the top defensive line transfers in the country - ranked No. 7 by 247Sports - and it’s easy to see why South Carolina had him circled on their board from the start.
At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Durojaiye isn’t just a space-eater. He’s a mover.
He brings a level of athleticism that allows for more flexibility in how the Gamecocks want to attack up front. Think twists, stunts, and a more aggressive, disruptive approach - the kind of stuff that opens things up for edge rushers like Dylan Stewart, Caleb Herring, and Julian Walker to feast.
What really sets Durojaiye apart is his blend of size and mobility. He’s not your traditional nose tackle who just plugs gaps.
He’s more in the mold of what South Carolina had in 2024 with TJ Sanders and Tonka Hemingway - both now in the NFL. That’s not to say Durojaiye is a finished product at that level, but the staff clearly believes he has the tools to get there.
Last season at Illinois, he posted 16 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and two sacks - good enough to earn All-Big Ten honorable mention. That production, combined with his physical traits, makes him a potential game-changer on the interior.
Kelby Collins: Versatility Across the Line
Then there’s Kelby Collins, a former Florida Gator who spent last season at Alabama. He’s logged 39 tackles and 3.5 sacks over three seasons, and now he brings that SEC experience to Columbia.
Collins is the kind of player who doesn’t fit neatly into one box - and that’s exactly what the Gamecocks like about him. At 6-foot-5, he has the frame to play inside, but the athleticism to kick outside when needed. That versatility gives South Carolina options based on matchups, down and distance, and offensive personnel.
What makes Collins especially valuable is his ability to stay on the field regardless of the situation. He’s a plug-and-play piece who can slide into multiple roles without needing to come off the field - a luxury for any defensive coordinator. Add in his leadership and experience in the SEC, and you’ve got a guy who could quickly become a foundational piece of this defense.
Jordan Thomas: The Prototype with Untapped Potential
Rounding out the group is Jordan Thomas, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound former top-100 recruit who spent the last two seasons at Georgia. He played in eight games during that stretch, and while the production hasn’t jumped off the page yet, the upside is undeniable.
When you talk about building an SEC-caliber defensive line, Thomas looks the part. He’s got the size, the pedigree, and now he’s stepping into a system that has a track record of unlocking potential. Just look at what South Carolina did with Gabe Brownlow-Dindy last year or Monkell Goodwine the year before - both players who didn’t see a ton of snaps at their previous schools but blossomed once they got into this program.
That’s the hope with Thomas - that under Robertson’s guidance, he can tap into that ceiling and become a dominant force in the trenches.
Building a Balanced, Disruptive Front
What stands out most about this trio is the intentionality behind their recruitment. South Carolina didn’t just go after big names - they went after specific body types and skill sets to round out their defensive line.
Durojaiye brings the athletic interior presence. Collins gives you flexibility and SEC experience.
Thomas offers raw potential and prototypical size. It’s a mix of power, speed, and versatility that should allow the Gamecocks to be more aggressive up front in 2026.
Replacing Barrett and Goodwine won’t be easy - those were two battle-tested veterans who made a real impact. But with this new group, South Carolina isn’t just filling holes.
They’re building something potentially more dynamic. And if these transfers hit the way the staff believes they can, this defensive line could be the engine that drives the Gamecocks’ defense next season.