**South Carolina’s 2025-26 Lineup Will SHOCK You!! See Who’s In And Who’s Out!!!**
As college sports fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming seasons, South Carolina is making waves with the most buzz-worthy lineup change in years. The Gamecocks’ 2025-26 lineup promises to be a thrilling mix of fresh talent, returning stars, and a few surprising departures that will have fans and analysts alike rethinking the team’s potential. But who’s in, and who’s out? In this in-depth breakdown, we’ll cover everything you need to know about South Carolina’s revamped roster, giving you a preview of the season to come.
### A Season of Change: What’s Driving the Shifts?
Before diving into the roster specifics, let’s examine what’s behind South Carolina’s massive changes heading into the 2025-26 season. With a competitive SEC landscape and new talent emerging from every direction, the Gamecocks are feeling the pressure to adapt. The team’s leadership — from head coach Shane Beamer to the recruiting staff — is intent on assembling a squad that’s not only competitive but capable of challenging for the title. The 2025-26 season is poised to be a crossroads for the team, and the stakes have never been higher.
The influx of high-profile recruits, combined with several key transfers and some surprise departures, means that South Carolina’s lineup will look dramatically different. Here’s a closer look at the key changes.
### Who’s In: Fresh Faces, Key Transfers, and Elite Recruits
One of the most exciting aspects of South Carolina’s 2025-26 lineup is the influx of fresh talent. The Gamecocks’ recruiting class has been one of the most talked-about in recent memory, and their efforts to bring in new players from the transfer portal have raised eyebrows across the country. Let’s take a look at the top incoming players.
#### 1. **Jayden Robinson – Quarterback (Freshman)**
The crown jewel of South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class is undoubtedly Jayden Robinson, a five-star quarterback hailing from the state of Georgia. Robinson’s combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ has earned him comparisons to some of the SEC’s greats. With South Carolina in desperate need of a future star under center, Robinson looks poised to take over as the starting quarterback sooner rather than later.
Robinson was one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the nation, and his commitment to the Gamecocks represents a major coup for the program. Fans can expect him to quickly make his mark in spring camp, and he’ll likely push for a starting role by the start of the season.
#### 2. **Xavier Brooks – Wide Receiver (Transfer from Clemson)**
South Carolina has made a significant move by adding Xavier Brooks, a talented wide receiver transferring from in-state rival Clemson. Brooks, who struggled to find consistent playing time with the Tigers, is now looking to step up as the primary target in the Gamecocks’ passing game. With his blazing speed and strong hands, Brooks could become one of the top receivers in the SEC.
The rivalry between South Carolina and Clemson adds a layer of intrigue to this transfer, as Brooks will surely have something to prove when the teams meet later in the season. If Brooks can mesh well with the quarterback position — especially if Robinson steps in as the starter — he could be a difference-maker for the Gamecocks.
#### 3. **Marcus Avery – Defensive Back (Transfer from Alabama)**
South Carolina bolstered its defense with the addition of Marcus Avery, a highly touted defensive back from Alabama. Avery brings with him SEC-caliber experience and is expected to play a critical role in shoring up the Gamecocks’ secondary. Avery’s ball skills, speed, and tackling ability will be crucial in the team’s efforts to slow down some of the high-powered offenses in the SEC.
Avery’s decision to transfer from Alabama is a major statement for South Carolina, signaling that the Gamecocks are serious about competing with the SEC’s elite teams on both sides of the ball.
#### 4. **Tyler Johnson – Running Back (Freshman)**
Another standout addition is Tyler Johnson, a versatile running back who has drawn rave reviews from scouts and analysts alike. Johnson is known for his impressive burst through the hole, vision, and ability to break tackles, making him a potential game-changer for South Carolina’s running game.
While there’s competition at the running back position, Johnson’s ability to make plays in the open field could make him a key asset for the Gamecocks. He might not start immediately, but expect to see him featured heavily in the rotation.
#### 5. **Brandon Mitchell – Offensive Tackle (Transfer from LSU)**
South Carolina’s offensive line has been a question mark in recent years, and the addition of Brandon Mitchell from LSU could be the solution to one of the team’s most pressing issues. Mitchell, a massive 6’7” tackle, brings physicality and experience to a group that has struggled to protect the quarterback.
Mitchell’s size and strength will help create more space for the running game and provide the necessary protection for the Gamecocks’ quarterbacks, especially if Robinson takes the reins.
### Who’s Out: Surprising Departures and Transfers
As exciting as the new additions are, there are a number of key departures that will alter the makeup of South Carolina’s 2025-26 lineup. While some of these departures were expected, others have come as a surprise to fans. Let’s take a look at some of the most impactful departures.
#### 1. **Spencer Rattler – Quarterback (Leaving for the NFL)**
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the offseason was the announcement that Spencer Rattler, the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback for the past two seasons, would be leaving for the NFL draft. After a turbulent first year at South Carolina, Rattler showed significant improvement and helped lead the team to some impressive victories, including the upset over Tennessee in 2022.
However, with the NFL calling, Rattler made the decision to enter the draft. While his departure leaves a void at quarterback, the Gamecocks are optimistic that Jayden Robinson will be able to step up and fill the role in the near future.
#### 2. **Jaheim Bell – Tight End (Transfer to Florida State)**
Another significant departure came in the form of Jaheim Bell, a dynamic tight end who transferred to Florida State. Bell’s athleticism and ability to make plays both in the passing game and as a blocker made him one of South Carolina’s most dangerous weapons.
His departure leaves a hole in the offense, particularly in terms of creating mismatches in the passing game. While South Carolina does have other talented tight ends on the roster, Bell’s loss will undoubtedly be felt.
#### 3. **Zacch Pickens – Defensive Lineman (NFL Draft)**
Defensively, South Carolina will be without Zacch Pickens, a key force on the Gamecocks’ defensive line who has declared for the NFL draft. Pickens was a consistent playmaker for South Carolina over the past few years and was expected to anchor the defense heading into the 2025-26 season.
Pickens’ decision to leave early is a blow for the Gamecocks’ defense, but the team will rely on other defensive standouts, like Marcus Avery and some of their rising stars, to step up and fill the void.
#### 4. **Josh Vann – Wide Receiver (Graduation)**
Josh Vann, one of the team’s most reliable wide receivers in recent years, has graduated and is moving on from the program. Vann’s ability to make key catches in critical moments will be missed, and his departure leaves a hole in the Gamecocks’ receiving corps.
While new talent like Xavier Brooks will be expected to fill the gap, Vann’s leadership and experience will be tough to replace.
#### 5. **Kevin Harris – Running Back (Transfer to Arkansas)**
Kevin Harris, once a promising star in the Gamecocks’ backfield, transferred to Arkansas. Harris showed flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, but he struggled with consistency in 2024. With the rise of Tyler Johnson and other options in the backfield, Harris decided to seek a fresh start.
His departure doesn’t necessarily leave a huge void, but it does shift the dynamics of the running back position heading into 2025-26.
### Final Thoughts: What’s Next for South Carolina?
The 2025-26 season promises to be an exciting one for South Carolina football. The influx of fresh talent, combined with key transfers, has the potential to reshape the team’s identity. While the loss of some key players, like Spencer Rattler and Jaheim Bell, will be felt, the Gamecocks have the pieces in place to remain competitive in the SEC.
As the season draws closer, all eyes will be on the development of young talents like Jayden Robinson and Tyler Johnson, and how they mesh with the returning players who will form the core of the team. South Carolina’s future looks bright, and with the right coaching and leadership, the Gamecocks may just shock the SEC and college football at large in 2025-26.
—
