South Carolina has secured junior college quarterback Malachi Marshall for its 2026 roster following a visit to Columbia that finalized his decision. With LaNorris Sellers firmly established as the starter and most top high school quarterbacks already signed, the Gamecocks turned to the junior college ranks. Marshall, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound South Pointe High alum, just completed an All-American season at Iowa Western, helping lead the team to the junior college national championship and earning National Offensive Player of the Year honors after passing for 2,750 yards with 33 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Marshall had prior exposure to South Carolina coach Shane Beamer through Beamer’s seven-on-seven program. During his visit, he met with Beamer and new quarterbacks coach Kendal Briles, toured the facilities, and introduced himself to the full staff. “It was great getting to see the place again, meeting new staff members, and getting down to the lower-level personnel to build relationships,” Marshall said. “It was a great visit, in my opinion.”
He also discussed the Gamecocks’ offensive system with Briles and left confident he fits the scheme. “He feels like my arm speaks for itself. I can make any throw on the field, and everything I put on tape will translate to the offense he runs,” Marshall said. While he knows meaningful playing time wouldn’t come until 2027, Marshall sees the opportunity as a chance to step onto the SEC stage, elevate the quarterback room, and push his teammates. The staff outlined a plan for him to redshirt his first year, leaving him two seasons of eligibility to contribute.
Following the visit, Malachi Marshall officially committed to South Carolina. He will complete his junior college coursework online, graduate in late spring, and enroll for the summer session, preparing to integrate into the team. His addition gives the Gamecocks an experienced and talented quarterback ready to learn from an established SEC starter while contributing to the future of the program.
