South Carolina’s efforts to strengthen its roster through the transfer portal have hit a setback as Brady Hunt, the only tight end the Gamecocks signed this offseason from the portal, has flipped his commitment to Texas A&M.
Hunt, a former Ball State transfer, originally committed to South Carolina in mid-December and was expected to contribute to the team’s tight end position under head coach Shane Beamer. However, according to reports from Gamecock Central and The Big Spur, Hunt has now chosen the Aggies instead.
Unlike traditional National Letters of Intent (NLI), transfer commitments involve only a financial aid agreement rather than a binding contract. This means that Hunt’s switch to Texas A&M is allowed without any formal repercussions, leaving South Carolina scrambling for other options.
The departure leaves the Gamecocks without their most anticipated addition at tight end this offseason and could prompt a renewed search in the transfer portal.
Hunt, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 249 pounds, was expected to make an immediate impact for the Gamecocks, although his 2023 season was derailed by an ankle injury. In 2022, Hunt demonstrated his talent by catching 46 passes for nearly 500 yards and five touchdowns.
Beamer and the coaching staff had identified Hunt’s potential back in 2022 while preparing for a game against Tennessee, which included scouting Ball State’s matchup against the Volunteers.
Coach Shane Beamer described the initial intrigue in Hunt’s performance during that Tennessee-Ball State game, noting how his talents caught the coaching staff’s attention well before his eventual decision to enter the transfer portal.
“We didn’t know it at the time, but almost two years later, he decided to go into the portal,” Beamer said. Hunt’s size, experience, and versatility would have bolstered a Gamecocks tight end group expected to feature heavily in their offensive plans moving forward.
With Hunt now headed to Texas A&M, South Carolina must quickly adjust its strategy. The Gamecocks could soon return to the transfer portal to find another tight end to fill the void left by Hunt’s decision.
This latest development adds another layer of urgency for the coaching staff as they attempt to maintain momentum in recruiting and secure depth ahead of next season.
