December 5, 2025
South Carolina has officially signed its 2026 recruiting class, adding 15 talented newcomers during the December signing period. Head coach Shane Beamer confirmed the class will not expand further, and it already ranks 20th nationally, with an average player rating of 91.59, placing ninth in the country.
The Crown Jewel
The standout of the class is four-star offensive lineman Darius Gray from St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia. Gray is the No. 2 player in Virginia, the No. 2 interior offensive lineman nationally, and No. 37 overall. He’s the highest-ranked prospect USC has signed since Dylan Stewart and Josiah Thompson in 2024. Gray is expected to immediately strengthen a Gamecock line that struggled last season, allowing 42 sacks on QB LaNorris Sellers.
Also turning heads is four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth from Jackson, Alabama. A Navy All-American and Elite 11 finalist, Duckworth is the No. 10 QB in the class of 2026. USC reportedly fended off LSU, coached by Lane Kiffin, to secure his commitment. Duckworth’s recruitment was full of twists—initially committed under offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains in 2023, decommitted the following summer, then recommitted before Mike Shula’s tenure as QB coach, staying loyal even after Shula’s midseason departure.
Versatile Athletes
Two versatile players, Sequel Patterson and Triston Lewis, are listed as “athletes” due to their ability to play multiple positions. Patterson, the No. 12 athlete nationally and No. 5 in South Carolina, played QB, WR, and CB at Indian Land High while also excelling in track and basketball. He signed as a wide receiver, projected to play in the slot. Lewis, signed as a defensive back, played both free safety and QB at Greenwood High and even pitched at 93 mph in baseball.
Homegrown Talent
USC also capitalized on in-state talent, signing four of South Carolina’s top five players. Edge rusher Julian Walker, previously committed to Michigan, flipped to USC after multiple visits and consideration of Ann Arbor. Defensive back J’Zavien Currence, the No. 1 player in South Carolina and No. 82 nationally, became the highest-ranked defensive signee. Zyon Guiles, a four-star interior offensive lineman, joins Gray to give USC a pair of top-five OLs in the class.
Complete 2026 Class Overview
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Anthony Baxter, 3-star OL (January 2026)
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Kosci Barnes, 4-star DB (January 2026)
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Keenan Britt, 3-star DL (January 2026)
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Noah Clark, 4-star DL (January 2026)
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J’Zavien Currence, 4-star DB (January 2026)
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Landon Duckworth, 4-star QB (January 2026)
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Darius Gray, 4-star OL (Summer 2026)
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Zyon Guiles, 4-star OL (January 2026)
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Aiden Harris, 4-star DL (January 2026)
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Andrew Harris, 4-star LB (January 2026)
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KJ Johnson, 3-star DB (Summer 2026)
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Triston Lewis, 3-star DB (January 2026)
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Sequel Patterson, 3-star WR (January 2026)
USC’s 2026 recruiting haul blends high-ranked in-state talent, elite athletes, and immediate-impact offensive and defensive players, setting the stage for the next chapter of Gamecock football dominance.
