Okoronkwo announced on Friday that he will remain in the SEC. After one season at Alabama, the former 3-star recruit is making the move to South Carolina, with the Gamecocks confirming his signing shortly after his announcement.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Okoronkwo originally committed to Nick Saban before Kalen DeBoer took over as head coach. He was ranked as the No. 1 recruit from Germany in the 2024 class and the No. 47 linebacker according to the 247 Composite.
Despite the coaching change, Okoronkwo remained with Alabama and saw immediate action as a special teams player and backup linebacker. In his freshman year, he recorded 14 tackles while appearing in all 13 games.
At South Carolina, Okoronkwo will have four years to play three and is expected to compete for immediate playing time. The Gamecocks are looking to fill the void left by their 2024 starting linebackers, Debo Williams and Demetrius Knight, with the potential need for a replacement for Bam Martin-Scott, depending on his eligibility appeal.
If Martin-Scott’s appeal is unsuccessful, Okoronkwo will vie for a starting role alongside rising freshman Fred Johnson and Florida State transfer Shawn Murphy. South Carolina has also added two linebackers in the 2025 recruiting class: Donovan Darden from Havelock (N.C.) High and AJ Holloway from Buford (Ga.) High.
Meanwhile, Alabama’s linebacker corps is set for 2025, with Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson returning, and Nikhai Hill-Green transferring in from Colorado.
Okoronkwo will have the opportunity to face his former team on October 25 when Alabama visits Williams-Brice Stadium.
