As the dust settles on the 2025 college football season, South Carolina finds itself in the same boat as just about every other program in the country-waiting, watching, and working behind the scenes as players weigh their options. Between the NFL Draft, the NCAA Transfer Portal, and the ever-evolving world of NIL deals, this is the new reality of roster management in college football. And for the Gamecocks, the next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping what Shane Beamer’s team looks like heading into 2026.
Let’s break down where things stand: who’s gone, who’s staying, and who still has a major decision to make.
No Decisions Left to Make
For a number of Gamecocks, the college chapter has officially closed. These players have exhausted their eligibility and will either take their shot at the professional level or move on from football altogether.
This group includes key contributors and role players alike-names like Oscar Adaway III, Nick Barrett, Jared Brown, Demon Clowney, DQ Smith, and Bryan Thomas Jr. Others, like Luke Doty and Jordan Dingle, brought versatility and leadership during their time in Columbia. Whether it’s the NFL or life beyond the game, their next steps will happen away from Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Transfer Portal Picture
The NCAA Transfer Portal opens on January 2, 2026, and runs through January 16-a tighter, more defined window than in years past. Unlike last year, there won’t be a second window in April, and graduate transfers are now subject to the same timing rules as everyone else.
Translation: the clock is ticking, and decisions are coming fast.
While the portal hasn’t officially opened yet, several Gamecocks have already announced they’ll be entering once it does. Here’s a quick rundown of who’s on the move:
- Trovon Baugh (OL): A reliable presence on the interior line, Baugh logged over 1,300 snaps across three seasons. A two-year starter, he’ll bring experience and toughness to his next stop.
- Zavion Hardy (DL): The talented but seldom-used lineman played just four snaps in Columbia. He’s looking for a fresh start.
- Cason Henry (OL): Injuries plagued his time with the Gamecocks, and he rarely saw the field. He’ll try to reboot elsewhere.
- Brian Rowe Jr. (WR): A freshman with promise, Rowe saw the field often but didn’t rack up many targets. He’ll look for a bigger role.
- Nick Sharpe (OL): Sharpe couldn’t crack the rotation early but played significant snaps late in the season. Now, he’s seeking a different opportunity for his final year.
- Michael Smith (TE): Arguably the most athletic tight end on the roster, Smith left the team early in the season. He’ll be one of the more intriguing names in the portal.
- Jaron Willis (LB): After transferring in from Ole Miss, Willis served as a reserve for three seasons. He’s hoping to find more consistent playing time elsewhere.
NFL-Bound
Two players have already made the leap to the next level, declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Brandon Cisse (DB): After transferring from NC State, Cisse quickly became a standout in the Gamecocks’ secondary. He was arguably the team’s top defensive back in 2025, and now he’ll take that talent to the pros.
- Jalon Kilgore (DB): A three-year starter at nickel, Kilgore logged over 2,200 snaps in his career. He entered the season with first-round buzz, and while draft projections can fluctuate, his résumé speaks for itself.
Still on the Clock: Key Decisions Looming
Now to the big question marks-the players who haven’t made their next move official just yet but are at the center of South Carolina’s offseason storyline.
LaNorris Sellers (QB)
If there’s one decision that could define the Gamecocks’ 2026 season, it’s this one. While nothing is signed, sealed, or delivered, all signs point to LaNorris Sellers returning to Columbia. Reports surfaced earlier this month that a deal is being finalized, and Sellers himself told The State that returning is “the plan.”
That’s a big deal-literally and figuratively. Sellers had moments this season where he looked like the future of the program, but there were also whispers throughout the year about a potential NFL jump or a move to the portal.
For now, it looks like South Carolina is holding onto its QB1. But until the ink dries, nothing’s guaranteed.
Nyck Harbor (WR)
One of the most gifted athletes in college football, Nyck Harbor has been quiet since the season ended. He said he’d take time with his family to evaluate his future, and all options appear to be on the table-returning to South Carolina, entering the NFL Draft, or even reigniting his track career.
Harbor’s potential remains sky-high, and while he didn’t put up eye-popping numbers in 2025, his physical tools are undeniable. Internally, there’s optimism that he’ll be back in Garnet and Black, but like with Sellers, this is a wait-and-see situation.
Dylan Stewart (DE)
A former Freshman All-American, Dylan Stewart had a solid sophomore campaign, though injuries limited his impact down the stretch. He’s still considered one of the most talented edge rushers in the country, and with coaching changes looming-defensive line coach Sterling Lucas is expected to take a job at LSU-Stewart has some thinking to do.
Whether he stays, follows Lucas to Baton Rouge, or explores another opportunity, Stewart’s decision will have ripple effects on South Carolina’s defense in 2026. He’s a cornerstone-type player, and keeping him in Columbia would be a major win for the program.
The Bottom Line
The transfer portal hasn’t opened yet, and the NFL Draft deadline hasn’t passed. That means the next few weeks will be full of announcements, surprises, and program-defining moments.
For South Carolina, the early losses-both to the portal and the draft-are manageable. But the real story lies with the players still deciding. If the Gamecocks can retain Sellers, Harbor, and Stewart, they’ll have a strong foundation to build around heading into spring ball.
This is the new era of college football. Roster turnover is constant.
Decisions are layered with football, finances, and future potential. But one thing’s for sure: South Carolina’s offseason is just getting started.