South Carolina is set to lose another piece from its offensive line room, as rising junior Tree Babalade is heading to the NCAA Transfer Portal. The 6-foot-6 lineman, whose given name is Oluwatosin but goes by Tree, has decided to continue his college football career elsewhere after three seasons with the Gamecocks.
Babalade’s journey in Columbia has been anything but linear, but it’s one that’s added up to meaningful on-field experience. He broke into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 2023, holding down the left tackle spot for much of the season. That year, he played in 11 games and started nine-a rare feat for a first-year offensive lineman in the SEC.
After redshirting in 2024, a season in which he made just one start (against Vanderbilt), Babalade returned in 2025 with a new role and a new spot on the line. He began the season as a backup but was thrust into action midway through the year after an injury to fellow lineman Cason Henry.
From there, Babalade started five straight games at right tackle, facing off against some of the toughest defensive fronts in the country-Kentucky, LSU, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Ole Miss. In total, he appeared in seven consecutive games from Week 3 through Week 9.
Babalade’s versatility has been a key asset throughout his time at South Carolina. With 22 career appearances and 15 starts under his belt, he’s shown he can hold his own on both sides of the line. That kind of flexibility doesn’t come easy, and it’s part of what makes him such an intriguing addition for any program looking to shore up its offensive front.
His departure continues a trend for the Gamecocks this offseason. Babalade is now the fifth offensive lineman from South Carolina to enter the portal, joining Trovon Baugh, Cason Henry, Nick Sharpe, and reserve walk-on Mac Walters. All but Walters saw significant playing time, with each of the others earning starts at various points during their careers.
In total, 12 South Carolina players are reportedly planning to enter the transfer portal once it officially opens on January 2. Nine of those are on the offensive side of the ball-a clear signal that the Gamecocks’ staff will be working overtime to reload and restructure that unit heading into 2026.
For Babalade, the move represents a new chapter. After three seasons of development, position shifts, and battles in the trenches against elite SEC competition, he’ll be one of the more experienced and battle-tested linemen available in the portal. And for a program in need of a plug-and-play tackle with SEC reps under his belt, Tree Babalade could be a very valuable pickup.