Columbia, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina’s football team has secured a significant commitment from five-star interior offensive lineman Darius Gray, boosting their 2026 recruiting class ranking from No. 22 to No. 19. Gray was highly sought after by several top programs, showcasing his potential in zone blocking and strong athletic background. In addition, the Gamecocks are actively pursuing notable prospects, including five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson and four-star EDGE Jaiden Bryant, as they aim to enhance their roster for future seasons.
Columbia, South Carolina — The University of South Carolina’s football program has made significant strides in securing talent for its future, as evidenced by the recent commitment of five-star interior offensive lineman Darius Gray for the class of 2026. Gray’s decision to join the Gamecocks has propelled their 2026 recruiting class ranking from No. 22 to No. 19, adding a key player who was previously the highest-rated uncommitted recruit in the nation.
Gray’s commitment is particularly notable, as he was pursued by prominent football programs such as Clemson, Tennessee, Ohio State, and LSU. His potential for development at the SEC level, particularly in zone blocking, has been highlighted, alongside a robust athletic background that includes a history in basketball. With Gray’s addition, South Carolina now boasts two blue-chip offensive line recruits, the other being four-star offensive tackle Zyon Guiles.
In addition to Gray’s commitment, the Gamecocks are actively pursuing several top recruits for the upcoming classes. Fort Mill (S.C.) Catawba Ridge class of 2027 five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson stands out as the No. 3 overall prospect and the top cornerback nationwide. Dobson has released a Top 12 list of potential schools, prominently featuring the Gamecocks among other elite programs like Alabama, Clemson, and Notre Dame. Dobson’s speed, reactive quickness, and ability to match up against shifty wide receivers have made him a highly valued target.
Another key prospect for South Carolina is Irmo (S.C.) four-star EDGE Jaiden Bryant, ranked as the No. 11 overall prospect and the top EDGE by Rivals. Bryant’s impressive performance this season, which includes 46 tackles and six sacks in just eight games, solidifies his status as another prime target for the Gamecocks.
Meanwhile, Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe defensive lineman Seth Tillman is also on South Carolina’s radar, coming in as the No. 101 overall prospect and No. 11 interior defensive lineman in the class of 2027. Additionally, four-star offensive tackle Nate Carson from Irmo is recognized as the No. 179 overall prospect and the No. 9 offensive tackle in the 2027 class.
The Gamecocks are not limited to in-state prospects, as they are keeping an eye on out-of-state targets, including Coatesville (Penn.) four-star IOL Maxwell Hiller, who is ranked No. 24 overall, and Douglasville (Ga.) Douglas County four-star OT Joshua Sam-Epelle, ranked No. 156 overall. Furthermore, four linebacker recruits linked to South Carolina made the Rivals300, including Jalaythan Mayfield (No. 56 OVR), Ja’Bios Smith (No. 115 OVR), Mikahi Allen (No. 227 OVR), and Quinton Cypher (No. 259 OVR).
The program is also heavily involved with four-star EDGE KJ Green and four-star safety Kennedy Green, who plans to visit for the Alabama game this weekend. With a well-rounded approach to recruitment, South Carolina is positioning itself effectively to build a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons.
As of now, all 121 of the highest-ranked prospects for 2026 have announced their school destinations, adding urgency for programs like South Carolina to secure their desired recruits in upcoming months.
FAQ
Who committed to South Carolina from the class of 2026?
Five-star interior offensive lineman Darius Gray committed to South Carolina, lifting their 2026 recruiting class ranking from No. 22 to No. 19.
What are Darius Gray’s statistics or attributes?
Gray is noted for his potential in zone blocking at the SEC level and has a basketball background that contributes to his athleticism.
What notable prospects are considering South Carolina for 2027?
Fort Mill (S.C.) Catawba Ridge five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson, Irmo (S.C.) four-star EDGE Jaiden Bryant, Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe four-star defensive lineman Seth Tillman, and Irmo (S.C.) four-star offensive tackle Nate Carson are all notable prospects considering South Carolina.
Who are South Carolina’s competitors for Joshua Dobson?
Other notable schools in Joshua Dobson’s Top 12 list include Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.
Key Features of South Carolina Football’s Recent Commitments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Commitment | Darius Gray, five-star interior offensive lineman, class of 2026 |
| Impact on Ranking | Ranking improved from No. 22 to No. 19 |
| In-state Prospects | Joshua Dobson, Jaiden Bryant, Seth Tillman, Nate Carson |
| Out-of-state Targets | Maxwell Hiller, Joshua Sam-Epelle |
| Linebacker Recruits | Jalaythan Mayfield, Ja’Bios Smith, Mikahi Allen, Quinton Cypher |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: South Carolina Lands Five-Star IOL Darius Gray
- 247 Sports: Recruiting News and Notes from Williams-Brice Stadium
- On3: Expected Visitors for South Carolina Football’s Game against Oklahoma
- Garnet and Cocky: Massive Recruiting Weekend for Gamecocks
- Zoombangla: South Carolina Gamecocks Recruiting
- Google Search: South Carolina Football Recruits
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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