In a dramatic turn of events, the South Carolina Gamecocks have landed a major recruit as part of their 2025 class—an elite quarterback prospect who has taken fans on a rollercoaster ride throughout his recruitment. After de-committing from the Gamecocks last June, the quarterback has now officially signed on, marking a major victory for South Carolina’s future under head coach Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Mike Shula.
The decision comes after a series of program changes and personnel shifts, most notably the hiring of Mike Shula, a former NFL coach with a proven track record of working with some of the best quarterbacks in the game, including Cam Newton. His arrival as the Gamecocks’ new offensive coordinator played a significant role in reigniting the quarterback’s interest in returning to South Carolina. Along with Coach Beamer’s continued leadership and a renewed vision for the program, the Gamecocks’ staff made it clear they were determined to bring this young talent back into the fold.
It wasn’t an easy decision for the talented quarterback, who also had offers from some of the biggest programs in college football, including Florida State, Missouri, North Carolina, and Georgia. Despite the high level of interest from these schools, the connection with Coach Shula and Coach Beamer made the Gamecocks feel like the perfect place to continue his career.
“I had a lot of options, but coming back to South Carolina felt like the right move,” the quarterback said. “Coach Beamer and Coach Shula really made me feel at home, and after all the changes, I believe in what they’re building here.”
The quarterback in question, Landon Duckworth, is known for his impressive arm strength, athleticism, and ability to make plays on the move. His dual-threat ability is exactly what South Carolina needs to revamp their offense and compete at a high level in the SEC. With Duckworth now back in the fold, the Gamecocks have a future star who could potentially lead the program to new heights.
As the 2025 season draws nearer, the Gamecocks’ quarterback room looks stronger than ever with Duckworth at the helm. Fans are excited about what’s to come as the Gamecocks look to make a splash in the SEC with their new leader under center.
