The South Carolina football program is currently in a crucial part of the recruiting calendar. However, the first two weeks of this three-week stretch have yielded just one commitment—4-star safety Kendall Daniels, Jr. Other sought-after recruits, including Lagonza Hayward (Tennessee Volunteers), Cortez Smith (Georgia Bulldogs), Giyahni Kontosis (Cincinnati Bearcats), Spike Sowells (NC State Wolfpack), Bryce Davis (Clemson Tigers), and Malik Clark (Florida State Seminoles), chose other teams. Additionally, 3-star linebacker/EDGE Jaiden Braker decommitted and switched to the LSU Tigers.
Despite the commitment from Daniels on Friday, the Gamecocks faced another setback when 4-star offensive tackle Juan Gaston from Atlanta, Georgia, announced his decision. As anticipated, Gaston chose the Georgia Bulldogs over the South Carolina Gamecocks, Oregon Ducks, and Tennessee Volunteers. This decision followed a pattern similar to Cortez Smith’s, with USC being a finalist but Georgia being the long-time favorite.
Looking ahead to the class of 2025, South Carolina has already secured a commitment from 4-star offensive lineman Shed Sarratt. Sarratt, from Gaffney, South Carolina, is the top high school offensive lineman in the state for the ’25 cycle and has experience playing both tackle and guard.
The Gamecocks still have opportunities to secure more recruits. On Saturday, another major target, 4-star offensive lineman Jaylen Gilchrist, will announce his decision. Gilchrist is choosing between South Carolina, Maryland, and Georgia. While he has been leaning towards South Carolina for most of his recruitment, Maryland has become a strong contender.
Additionally, on Saturday, 5-star EDGE Jared Smith will decide between South Carolina, Auburn, Georgia, and Ole Miss. Auburn is currently favored to land Smith, but South Carolina, once the clear leader, remains in contention.
