Josiah Thompson Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Set to Stay at South Carolina
South Carolina just got a major boost in the trenches.
Josiah Thompson, the Gamecocks’ starting left tackle since 2024, has officially withdrawn from the NCAA Transfer Portal. The former five-star recruit had drawn attention from several top-tier programs after entering the portal earlier this month, with Georgia and Miami both hosting him on visits. But in the end, the Dillon, S.C. native decided to stay home.
That’s big news for South Carolina’s offensive line-and for a team looking to build continuity up front.
Thompson came into the program with high expectations, and he’s lived up to the billing. Since enrolling early in January 2024, he’s been a fixture at left tackle, starting 24 of a possible 25 games over two seasons. The only game he missed came during his freshman year, when an injury sidelined him against Missouri.
Even as a true freshman, Thompson made an immediate impact. He didn’t just crack the starting lineup-he owned it.
He was named to the Freshman All-SEC team by the league’s coaches and earned national recognition as a Freshman All-American from both the FWAA and On3. Notably, he and tight end Michael Smith became the first true freshmen to start a season opener for South Carolina since 2019.
That’s the kind of trust the coaching staff had in his ability from day one.
In his sophomore campaign, Thompson picked up right where he left off, starting all 12 games at left tackle and anchoring a line that leaned heavily on his size, footwork, and football IQ. His consistency and durability have made him one of the most reliable players on the roster.
Recruiting services certainly took notice. According to 247Sports, Thompson was the No. 10-ranked offensive tackle in the 2026 transfer cycle and the No. 111 overall player in the portal, regardless of position. That kind of ranking reflects both his on-field production and his upside at the next level.
Before arriving in Columbia, Thompson had already built a decorated high school resume at Dillon High School. He was named South Carolina’s Mr.
Football in 2023-just the second offensive lineman ever to win the award. He also took home the Bridge Builder Excellence Award from the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame and was named the Class 3A Lower State Defensive Lineman of the Year.
His versatility was on full display: all-state honors, Shrine Bowl and All-American Bowl selections, and even a spot on the MaxPreps All-America list. And yes, he played basketball too.
Thompson’s decision to stay with the Gamecocks is more than just a win for the offensive line-it’s a statement about the program’s ability to retain top-tier talent in an era when the transfer portal can turn rosters upside down overnight. For South Carolina, keeping a cornerstone like Thompson in Columbia is a stabilizing force as they look to take the next step in the SEC.
With two seasons of starting experience already under his belt, Thompson enters 2026 not just as a returning starter, but as a leader. And for a team that’s been building from the line of scrimmage out, that’s exactly the kind of presence you want protecting your quarterback’s blind side.