South Carolina Gamecocks football are determined to do a better job protecting quarterback La’Norris Sellers in 2026 after a difficult 2025 season in pass protection. Sellers endured constant pressure last year, getting sacked 42 times and hurried 163 times. He was pressured on 42.4 percent of his dropbacks, numbers that ranked third, eighth, and eleventh worst in the FBS, according to PFF.
To address those issues, South Carolina secured a major transfer addition in former NC State Wolfpack football standout left tackle Jacarrius Peak. Peak entered the portal as one of the most coveted linemen available, rated the No. 2 offensive lineman and No. 8 overall transfer. During his redshirt junior season, he allowed only 12 pressures and three sacks while earning All-ACC honorable mention recognition, making him a key piece in the Gamecocks’ rebuilding effort up front.
South Carolina Gamecocks Starting LT Suffers Injury Setback
However, that plan hit an early obstacle. Peak sustained a lower-body injury last week, creating uncertainty along the offensive line. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the injury is believed to be significant and could potentially sideline him for part of the 2026 season. Even a brief absence would deal a serious blow to both the offensive line unit and Sellers’ protection.
The Gamecocks Provide a Major Update on the Prized Transfer
Tony Morrell of 247Sports reported that Peak injured his patellar tendon early last week during a mandatory 3-on-3 basketball tournament tied to South Carolina’s winter workouts. Team doctors are evaluating whether the injury involves a complete tear, which would require a longer recovery than a minor issue.
Head coach Shane Beamer addressed the situation Sunday through David Cloninger of The Post and Courier, stating, “Jacarrius Peak suffered a lower-body injury earlier this week and will miss spring practice. We expect that he will be available this season.”