South Carolina’s defensive back room received a reassuring update as clarity emerged surrounding the future of one of its most highly regarded young players.
Contrary to earlier speculation, the defensive back is not planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Gamecock Central reported that Jalewis Solomon will remain with the South Carolina program, pushing back against an earlier report from On3’s Hayes Fawcett that suggested the former blue-chip cornerback was preparing to explore his options elsewhere. That initial report surfaced a few hours earlier but was later removed, adding to the confusion before the situation was clarified.
If Solomon ultimately stays in Columbia, he will head into the 2026 season as a redshirt sophomore, still very early in his collegiate career and with significant eligibility remaining. His potential return would preserve a high-upside piece of the Gamecocks’ secondary as the coaching staff continues to build depth and competition on the defensive side of the ball.
Solomon arrived at South Carolina with considerable expectations. A four-star cornerback prospect out of Georgia, he committed to the Gamecocks in October 2023 and was viewed as a major recruiting win for head coach Shane Beamer and his staff. According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Solomon was rated as the No. 7 cornerback in the nation in his class and stood as the sixth-highest-rated recruit to sign with South Carolina in the 2024 cycle.
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 187 pounds, Solomon enrolled in the summer of 2024. His first year in the program was largely developmental, as he saw limited action and preserved his redshirt. Although injuries in the secondary opened the door for early opportunities, Solomon appeared in just four games during the season. His statistical impact was minimal, recording two tackles, but the experience provided valuable reps and a foundation for growth.
With the transfer rumors now quelled, Solomon remains a long-term developmental piece whose physical tools and recruiting pedigree continue to make him a player to watch in the Gamecocks’ defensive backfield moving forward.