South Carolina continues to strengthen its offensive line through the transfer portal, landing veteran offensive lineman Emmanuel “Kojo” Poku from East Carolina, according to GamecockCentral. Poku, a four-year ECU standout, brings immediate-impact experience to Shane Beamer’s unit ahead of the 2026 season.
Proven Production in the Trenches
The 6-foot-5, 325-pound right guard earned All-Conference honors in 2025, anchoring the Pirates’ interior line. Known for his consistency, power, and reliability, Poku was one of the top interior offensive linemen in this year’s portal. 247Sports ranks him No. 8 among interior OL prospects, a notable ranking given the premium on experienced linemen in the SEC. With one year of eligibility remaining, Poku is a ready-to-play option rather than a long-term developmental project.
Why This Matters for South Carolina
Poku’s addition provides experience, stability, and leadership, all critical for a Gamecocks offensive line that needed a boost after 2025. His years of starting experience, proven durability, and SEC-ready size make him a valuable immediate contributor.
South Carolina’s strategy in this transfer cycle has been deliberate: targeting battle-tested linemen who can instantly raise the team’s level of play and anchor the line for the upcoming season.
