As the NCAA recruiting dead period begins, the South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2025 football recruiting class stands at a pivotal juncture. This period, which restricts in-person recruiting activities, offers a moment to assess the current state of commitments, recent developments, and the outlook for the remainder of the cycle.
South Carolina’s 2025 class is currently ranked 22nd nationally by 247Sports, with 16 commitments comprising a mix of four 4-star and twelve 3-star recruits. This balanced class addresses various positional needs and reflects the program’s strategic approach under head coach Shane Beamer .
- Donovan Murph (WR): A 6’2″, 190-pound wide receiver from South Carolina, Murph is ranked as the No. 4 player in the state. He committed to the Gamecocks over Clemson and Colorado during the Under Armour All-American Game, choosing South Carolina for its strong offensive system and potential for early playing time .
- Mike Tyler (TE): A 6’4″, 225-pound tight end from Columbia, South Carolina, Tyler flipped his commitment from LSU to South Carolina on National Signing Day. His decision bolstered the Gamecocks’ tight end depth and added a local talent to the roster .Josh Smith (LB): A linebacker from South Carolina, Smith has shown significant improvement and is expected to contribute to the defense in the upcoming season.
While the Gamecocks have secured several key commitments, there have been some notable decommitments:
- Peyton Dyer (CB): A 4-star cornerback from Atlanta, Dyer decommitted from South Carolina after holding 28 offers. His decommitment opens the door for other programs, including Georgia, to enter the recruitment picture .
- Preston Douglas (TE): The only tight end commit in the class, Douglas flipped his commitment from South Carolina to NC State. This leaves the Gamecocks without a tight end in the 2025 class, highlighting a positional need moving forward .
Despite these losses, the Gamecocks have managed to retain the majority of their commitments, which is crucial as they enter the dead period
The recruiting dead period restricts in-person visits and evaluations, but programs can still communicate with recruits through other means. For South Carolina, this period is an opportunity to solidify relationships with current commitments and continue virtual evaluations of potential targets.
The Gamecocks are focusing on key positions that need reinforcement, including tight end, cornerback, and linebacker. Efforts are being made to address the tight end position, following the decommitment of Preston Douglas. Additionally, the coaching staff is monitoring the recruitment of Peyton Dyer, aiming to keep the door open for a potential recommitment
As the dead period progresses, South Carolina’s recruiting efforts will shift towards maintaining current commitments and identifying new prospects who align with the program’s needs. The coaching staff is expected to leverage virtual platforms to continue evaluations and build relationships with potential recruits.
Key targets for the remainder of the cycle include:
- Tight End: With the loss of Preston Douglas, securing a tight end is a priority. The staff is expected to intensify efforts to find a suitable replacement.
- Cornerback: Despite Peyton Dyer’s decommitment, South Carolina is likely to continue pursuing top cornerback prospects to strengthen the secondary.(Linebacker: Adding depth to the linebacker corps remains a focus, with potential targets being evaluated during the dead period.
Maintaining the current commitments and successfully adding key targets will be crucial for enhancing the overall quality of the 2025 class.(si.com)
- July 1, 2025: The end of the recruiting dead period, allowing for in-person evaluations and visits to resume.
- National Signing Day: The official signing period for recruits, typically in December, where commitments are finalized.
These dates will mark significant milestones in the recruiting cycle and will be pivotal in shaping the final composition of South Carolina’s 2025 football class.
The South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2025 football recruiting class is in a strong position as the recruiting dead period begins. While there have been some decommitments, the majority of commitments remain intact. The coaching staff’s focus during this period will be on maintaining relationships with current commits, addressing positional needs, and preparing for the resumption of in-person evaluations. With strategic planning and continued effort, the Gamecocks aim to complete a well-rounded and competitive recruiting class for the 2025 season.
