South Carolina continues to lean heavily into the free agent market as it works to reshape and strengthen its roster ahead of the upcoming season. With roster construction becoming increasingly aggressive across college football, the Gamecocks have made it clear they are intent on addressing immediate needs with experienced, game-tested additions. Late on Jan. 9, that strategy paid off again, as the program finalized agreements with two more incoming players, pushing an already productive day of acquisitions even further.
South Carolina reached contract agreements with wide receiver Nitro Tuggle, formerly of Purdue, and offensive lineman Dayne Arnett from Division II national champion Ferris State. According to releases from their agents distributed to media outlets, both players are expected to join the Gamecocks, bringing the total number of free agent additions for the day to four. Overall, South Carolina has now secured commitments from 11 free agents, with the offense accounting for eight of those newcomers as the staff continues to prioritize depth and versatility on that side of the ball.
Tuggle, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 195 pounds, hails from Goshen, Indiana, and arrives with experience at both the Power Four and Big Ten levels. He originally began his collegiate career at Georgia, where he appeared in three games as a freshman in 2024 and recorded eight receptions. After transferring to Purdue, Tuggle emerged as a consistent contributor in the Boilermakers’ offense. This past season, he started 11 of 12 games, hauling in 35 passes for 500 yards and four touchdowns while averaging an impressive 14.7 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field and provide reliability on the perimeter made him a sought-after portal prospect, with Vanderbilt also showing interest before South Carolina secured his commitment.
Arnett brings a different but equally valuable skill set to Columbia. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound native of Grand Haven, Michigan, spent his collegiate career at Ferris State, where he appeared in 33 games and played in all 15 contests during the Bulldogs’ most recent championship season. Originally recruited as a defensive end, Arnett transitioned to the offensive side of the ball and developed into a dependable interior lineman known for his physicality and technique. In 2024, he helped protect quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who went on to complete a standout season at Ole Miss, further highlighting Arnett’s effectiveness in the trenches.
With Arnett’s addition, South Carolina has now landed five offensive linemen in this free agent class, including three over the past two days alone. Earlier on Friday, the Gamecocks also added Ohio State transfer running back Sam Williams-Dixon and East Carolina offensive lineman Emmanuel “Kojo” Poku, underscoring a busy and productive stretch for the program as it continues to build momentum through the free agent market.
