South Carolina football faces a major setback as the program prepares to lose offensive lineman, the latest Gamecock to enter the NCAA transfer portal just as 2026 begins. Stanley, who joined the team in 2025 from Troy University, was expected to help anchor the offensive line but now will seek a new opportunity elsewhere.
Boaz Stanley
Stanley, a redshirt junior from Bogart, Georgia, has experience playing multiple interior line positions. After transferring from Georgia Military College and Troy, he was viewed as one of the most prepared newcomers on the South Carolina roster. Head coach Shane Beamer had projected him as the starting center, and Stanley opened the 2025 season in that role, starting the first three games.
However, injuries and lineup adjustments saw Stanley lose his starting spot to Nolan Hay and then Rodney Newsom Jr. He briefly reclaimed the starting role against Oklahoma, but ultimately the return of Hay before the Clemson matchup shifted Stanley out of the lineup. Despite his challenges, Stanley remained a key contributor on the line, providing depth and experience throughout the season.
Stanley’s departure marks the latest in a string of offensive line losses for South Carolina, following a 2025 season in which the Gamecocks allowed 43 sacks, ranking 132nd out of 134 FBS programs. New offensive line coach Randy Clements now faces the critical task of finding immediate-impact transfers and recruits to stabilize the line for the 2026 season.
Why Stanley’s Exit Matters:
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He was expected to be a foundational piece in the interior offensive line.
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His versatility at center and other interior positions made him a valuable depth player.
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With several other offensive linemen already in the portal, his departure intensifies the team’s rebuilding challenge.
As the latest Gamecock to enter the transfer portal, Stanley will have multiple programs likely interested in a player with starting experience, youth, and three years of eligibility remaining. His decision underscores the challenges South Carolina faces in retaining talent while trying to rebuild a competitive roster for next season.
