Josiah Thompson Returns to South Carolina After Brief Portal Stint - Beamer Weighs In
In a move that underscores just how fluid the college football landscape has become, South Carolina offensive lineman Josiah Thompson is back with the Gamecocks after an 11-day stint in the NCAA transfer portal.
Thompson, a former five-star recruit and the starting left tackle for the past two seasons, entered the portal on January 3 - a decision that caught head coach Shane Beamer completely off guard. But by January 14, Thompson had withdrawn his name and returned to Columbia, a rare reversal in an era where portal entries often signal a permanent goodbye.
Beamer Caught Off Guard, But Leaves the Door Open
Speaking at a press conference on February 4, Beamer didn’t mince words about how the situation unfolded.
“I’ll be honest - I was completely blindsided and shocked when he called me to tell me he was going to enter the portal,” Beamer said.
Despite the surprise, Beamer emphasized that he and Thompson had open conversations even before the holidays, and while they didn’t necessarily see eye to eye on everything, the communication lines remained intact. That mutual respect ultimately paved the way for Thompson’s return.
“I typically don’t allow players back after entering the portal,” Beamer said. “But every situation is different.”
And this one clearly was.
Why Thompson Was Welcomed Back - And Others Weren’t
Beamer made it clear that Thompson’s case was the exception, not the rule. South Carolina has had other players try to return after entering the portal - and Beamer said no.
“That happened on more than one occasion,” he admitted. “Because of how they left, maybe why they left. Josiah, I wouldn’t put in that boat.”
The difference? According to Beamer, Thompson handled things the right way.
Even after entering the portal, the two remained on good terms. Beamer said he was upfront with Thompson about needing to find his replacement and wished him well.
When other programs came calling during those 11 days, Beamer didn’t hold back praise.
“To his credit, he reached out to me on his own,” Beamer said. “We had a great conversation about the possibility of coming back. Things had changed - we brought in more offensive linemen - but I know what kind of young man Josiah is.”
South Carolina added six offensive linemen via the portal this offseason, so the room looks different than when Thompson left. Still, Beamer believes Thompson makes the team better - and that’s what mattered most.
A Local Star With Big-Time Expectations
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 300 pounds, Thompson isn’t just another name on the depth chart. He’s a homegrown talent from Dillon, South Carolina, and was the No. 1 recruit in the state in the 2024 cycle. Nationally, he ranked No. 35 overall and was the No. 3 offensive tackle in the country, per the 247Sports Composite.
That kind of pedigree doesn’t come around often - and it’s not easy to replace. Beamer knows that, and while the Gamecocks are building depth up front, having Thompson back in the fold is a major boost heading into spring.
Spring Game in Flux Amid Stadium Renovations
Speaking of spring, South Carolina’s annual spring game may look a little different this year - or may not happen at all in its traditional form.
With major renovations underway at Williams-Brice Stadium, Beamer said it’s unlikely the Gamecocks will be able to hold the spring game there in April.
“I would not anticipate a spring game taking place in Williams-Brice Stadium,” he said. “That said, we’ve got the greatest fans in America. I always want to make sure we do right by our fans.”
The stadium construction began almost immediately after the 2025 season ended and is part of a multi-phase overhaul that will stretch through the 2028 season. The first phase is targeted for completion by September 5, 2026 - just in time for the home opener.
While Beamer didn’t offer specifics on alternative plans for the spring game, he emphasized that more details will be coming. For now, the focus remains on integrating a wave of new talent - including 25 transfers - and preparing for a 2026 season that’s shaping up to be one of transition and opportunity.
Final Word
In today’s college football climate, where roster turnover is constant and loyalty can feel like a relic, Josiah Thompson’s return to South Carolina is a reminder that relationships still matter. Beamer’s decision to welcome him back wasn’t based solely on talent - though Thompson has plenty of that - but on trust, communication, and mutual respect.
And for a Gamecocks team looking to turn the corner, having a cornerstone like Thompson back on the offensive line could be a game-changer.