South Carolina football is facing another roster shakeup, as freshman wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr. has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. This development comes amid a flurry of offseason departures for the Gamecocks, signaling continued uncertainty for head coach Shane Beamer and his staff as they try to stabilize the program.
Rowe, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound receiver from Concord, North Carolina, appeared in 11 games during the 2025 season, contributing both as a pass catcher and a ball carrier. He finished the year with 19 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown, and added three rushing attempts for eight yards. While South Carolina struggled to a 4–8 record, Rowe showed flashes of potential as a developing offensive weapon.
The freshman had several standout performances this season. His most productive game came on November 1 against then-No. 7 Ole Miss, when he hauled in four passes for 45 yards, demonstrating his ability to make plays against top-tier competition. He also recorded three receptions for 50 yards in a narrow loss to Missouri, proving that he can stretch the field and create opportunities in crucial situations.
Rowe arrived in Columbia as one of the top high school prospects from North Carolina. Over three seasons at Jay M. Robinson High School, he totaled 120 receptions for 2,332 yards and 31 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the state’s most productive wideouts. His combination of speed, route-running ability, and field awareness made him a highly sought-after recruit, and South Carolina coaches quickly identified him as a player with the potential to contribute immediately.
The freshman’s season also included a disciplinary setback. Rowe was suspended for South Carolina’s October game against Oklahoma, alongside defensive lineman Davonte Miles and edge rusher Anthony Addison, due to what head coach Shane Beamer described as a violation of team standards. Despite this, Rowe remained an important part of the Gamecocks’ offensive rotation throughout the season.
Rowe becomes the sixth South Carolina player to enter the transfer portal this offseason, joining tight end Michael Smith, offensive linemen Nick Sharpe and Trovon Baugh, defensive lineman Zavion Hardy, and linebacker Jaron Willis. This wave of departures raises questions about the program’s depth and stability heading into 2026, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, where Rowe had been expected to develop into a key receiving threat.
The transfer portal move also highlights the increasingly fluid nature of college football rosters, as players seek opportunities for more playing time, development, or a better fit elsewhere. For South Carolina, retaining remaining talent like quarterback LaNorris Sellers and other offensive contributors will be critical as the coaching staff looks to rebuild and compete in the SEC.
As the offseason continues, South Carolina faces the challenge of replacing not only Rowe’s contributions on the field but also the potential leadership and athleticism lost with multiple departures. The program now enters a pivotal period of recruitment and roster management, with the goal of stabilizing the team and preparing for a competitive 2026 season.
CBS Sports was the first outlet to report Rowe’s entry into the transfer portal, confirming the latest development in what has been a tumultuous offseason for the Gamecocks. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how South Carolina addresses these departures and whether the program can maintain continuity amid growing roster turnover.
