South Carolina’s Transfer Portal Push Gains Momentum
South Carolina’s work in the transfer portal continues to come into focus as the Gamecocks add two more defensive reinforcements with SEC experience and upside for further growth. The latest additions strengthen a roster overhaul that has steadily picked up pace throughout the offseason. With head coach Shane Beamer and his staff now having signed or secured commitments from 16 players, the message is clear: this cycle is centered on building depth, increasing internal competition, and laying a more stable foundation for the future.
Two More Defensive Pieces
South Carolina landed a significant double commitment with defensive lineman Kelby Collins and his younger brother, edge defender Drew Collins, both agreeing to join the Gamecocks for the 2026 season.
Kelby Collins checks in at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds and has long been familiar to South Carolina’s staff. He was a major recruiting target out of high school and took an official visit to Columbia before narrowing his choices to five programs, ultimately signing with Florida in the 2022 class. Collins spent two seasons with the Gators before transferring to Alabama ahead of the 2025 campaign. This past season, he appeared in 14 games for the Crimson Tide, recording 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Drew Collins, listed at 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds, began his college career at Arkansas State. After redshirting in 2024, he saw action in 12 games during the 2025 season, posting six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. His production highlights an energetic pass rusher capable of contributing off the edge.
The Collins brothers both made visits to Columbia following stops at Auburn, Kentucky, and Mississippi State, giving South Carolina a valuable opportunity to evaluate them up close before finalizing the additions. Together, they reflect a defensive approach focused on blending proven Power Five experience with long-term developmental potential.
Offensive Line Bolstered
South Carolina also addressed the offensive side of the ball by securing a commitment from Northern Arizona offensive lineman Seth Smith. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound blocker becomes the sixth offensive lineman added through the portal, reinforcing a position group that has been a major emphasis for improvement.
A Chandler, Arizona native, Smith visited Columbia earlier in the week after also considering James Madison and Northwestern. A full-time starter and team captain in 2024, he brings valuable experience and leadership to an offensive line seeking greater consistency and cohesion as the Gamecocks prepare for SEC play.
SEC.
South Carolina football faces big expectations in 2026
South Carolina is managed by head coach Shane Beamer. Beamer is on the hot seat heading into the 2026 season. He’s had two losing seasons in the last three years.
Beamer has been vocal this offseason about his desire to return to a winning culture. The South Carolina team received a boost when it was confirmed that quarterback LaNorris Sellers would return for next season.
“All indications I’ve had from LaNorris are that he wants to be here, and he understands that the job is not finished,” Beamer told the Greenville News. “There’s a lot of buzz around 2026. He and many of our other returning players feel the same way.
Beamer sacked several of his assistant coaches following the 2025 season. Kendal Briles is his new offensive coordinator for the 2026 season. Briles has previously worked at TCU and other schools.
“This job is not for on-the-job training,” Beamer told CBS Sports when he hired his offensive coordinator. “When you speak about someone who has done it at a high level in this league and other leagues, with different talent and quarterback styles, that’s extremely astounding. “Offensively, explosive, eager to run the ball.”
South Carolina fans expect big things from this team in 2026. Next season, the Gamecocks will play non-conference games against Clemson and Kent State.