South Carolina football faces another roster setback as redshirt freshman linebacker Taeshawn Alston has announced he will enter the NCAA transfer portal. The move marks the ninth scholarship player to depart the Gamecocks ahead of the 2026 season and adds to a growing list of offseason challenges for head coach Shane Beamer and his staff.
Alston, a 6-foot linebacker from Vance County High School in North Carolina, was a three-star recruit in the 2025 class and ranked No. 728 nationally. He signed with South Carolina with high expectations, but he did not appear in any games during his freshman season. Despite limited playing time, Alston was viewed as a developmental piece who could contribute significantly in future seasons. With four years of eligibility remaining, he will have the opportunity to make an impact at his next program.
This departure comes amid a busy transfer season for the Gamecocks. Other scholarship players who have entered the portal include tight end Michael Smith, wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr., defensive lineman Zavion Hardy, linebacker Jaron Willis, and offensive linemen Nick Sharpe, Trovon Baugh, Cason Henry, and Tree Babalade. Collectively, these exits underscore the need for South Carolina to actively manage roster depth and ensure the team remains competitive.
While Alston’s transfer may not have an immediate on-field effect, it highlights the increasing role of the transfer portal in college football, even for young players who have yet to play a snap. Head coach Shane Beamer and his staff will need to recruit effectively, both in the high school ranks and potentially via incoming transfers, to fill the gaps left by departing players.
South Carolina’s linebacker room, in particular, faces a potential depth challenge with Alston’s exit. Returning players will likely need to step up during spring practices, and the coaching staff may look to bring in additional talent to maintain competitiveness. The Gamecocks’ success in recruiting and retaining players in the coming months will play a crucial role in shaping the 2026 roster.
Fans of the program will be closely watching how the staff responds to this turnover. Alston’s transfer serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college football, where even young, developing players seek opportunities elsewhere, and coaching staffs must remain proactive in securing and nurturing talent.
With spring practices and recruiting cycles approaching, South Carolina will need to balance player development, recruitment, and roster management to minimize the impact of offseason departures like Alston’s. The 2026 season will test the Gamecocks’ ability to adapt, integrate new players, and maintain stability across the roster.
