News Summary
Landon Duckworth, a quarterback from the Class of 2026, has shortlisted South Carolina among his final college options after initially committing and decommitting. The Gamecocks are competing with Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida State, and North Carolina for his commitment. Recently named an Elite 11 finalist, Duckworth’s impressive performance has generated significant interest from college scouts. Scheduled visits include South Carolina, Ole Miss, and others, as he solidifies his decision for the next chapter of his football career.
Columbia, South Carolina – Class of 2026 quarterback prospect Landon Duckworth remains a strong consideration for the Gamecocks as he narrows down his college choices. Duckworth, who initially committed to South Carolina in August 2023, later decommitted but has now placed the school among his final five options for his future education and athletic career.
The schools competing for Duckworth’s commitment alongside South Carolina include Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida State, and North Carolina. Recent reports indicate that South Carolina and Ole Miss are emerging as the frontrunners in Duckworth’s recruitment process, heightening anticipation for college football fans and analysts alike.
Recently, Duckworth earned the title of Elite 11 finalist, which signifies his ranking among the top high school quarterbacks in the nation. Being an Elite 11 finalist allows Duckworth to participate in specialized drills and training sessions with other elite prospects as well as experienced former NFL and college players. This prestigious recognition further amplifies his profile as a dual-threat quarterback, adept in both running and passing the football.
Achievements and Skills
This past season at Jackson High School, Duckworth showcased his skills by leading his team to a state championship. Both his athletic capabilities and statistics have drawn considerable attention from college scouts, with Duckworth currently ranked as the No. 72 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class by On3, placing him as the No. 7 quarterback nationally and No. 4 in Alabama.
Upcoming Visits
As part of his recruitment process, Duckworth has scheduled four official visits to explore his options further. His upcoming itinerary includes visits to Auburn on May 30, South Carolina on June 6, Florida State on June 13, and Ole Miss on June 20. These visits will be crucial in helping Duckworth determine his future school.
Relationship with South Carolina
Duckworth has maintained a valuable relationship with the South Carolina coaching staff, especially with offensive coordinator Mike Shula, which has contributed to his continued interest in the Gamecocks. The team views Duckworth as a vital recruit for their 2026 class, as they have not yet secured a quarterback commitment for that year, making him a priority target.
Previous Engagement
Duckworth has already unofficially visited Columbia to observe a scrimmage during the spring, which allowed him to get a better sense of the program and its culture. His performance at various football camps has also increased his visibility and appeal to several college programs, bolstering his recruitment prospects.
Broader Recruitment Context
While focusing on Duckworth, the South Carolina football program is also actively pursuing multiple prospects across different recruiting classes, including those from the classes of 2027 and 2028. This comprehensive strategy underlines the Gamecocks’ commitment to building a strong roster for the future.
As Landon Duckworth moves closer to making a decision, college football fans will be following his recruitment closely. With South Carolina still firmly in the hunt, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining where this promising quarterback will play next.
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Additional Resources
- On3: Landon Duckworth Elite 11 Finalist
- 247Sports: Landon Duckworth Elite 11 Finals
- SI: Landon Duckworth Announces Final Five
- Post and Courier: USC Football Recruiting Landon Duckworth
- SI: Mike Shula Visits Landon Duckworth
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google Search: Landon Duckworth
- Google Scholar: Landon Duckworth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Landon Duckworth
- Google News: Landon Duckworth
