South Carolina just landed a major piece for its defensive front - and it came from within the SEC.
Caleb Herring, a former top recruit and edge rusher at Tennessee, has committed to the Gamecocks. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Georgia native brings both size and experience to Columbia, and his decision gives South Carolina a significant boost as it continues to reshape its defensive line through the transfer portal.
Herring was the No. 1 recruit out of Tennessee in the 2022 class and spent three seasons in Knoxville. This past season was his most productive to date, posting 14 tackles - six of them for loss - and registering four sacks.
Over the course of his career, he’s appeared in 36 games, totaling 25 tackles (eight for loss) and five sacks. That kind of production, especially in a rotational role, shows a player who’s steadily developed and is ready for a bigger stage.
South Carolina beat out Texas and several other suitors for Herring’s commitment. What makes the timing even more interesting is that he committed just a day before he was reportedly set to visit the Gamecocks - a sign that the coaching staff made a strong enough impression to seal the deal early.
Herring becomes the second defensive end and fifth defensive lineman overall to join South Carolina through the portal in recent weeks. It’s clear the Gamecocks are making the trenches a priority, and Herring fits the mold of what they’re looking for: long, athletic, and battle-tested in SEC play.
With his frame and skill set, Herring has the tools to be an immediate contributor on the edge. He’s shown he can disrupt in the backfield and hold up against the run - two things South Carolina needs more of as it looks to make a leap in the conference standings.
The Gamecocks' transfer class is shaping up to be one of the more aggressive and targeted in recent memory. And with Herring now in the fold, the defensive line is starting to look deeper, more versatile, and a whole lot more dangerous heading into 2026.