Rahsul Faison, a running back for South Carolina, makes public remarks prior to the NCAA announcing his eligibility.

Here’s a comprehensive and engaging overview of Rahsul Faison’s public comments leading up to the NCAA’s eligibility decision—covering his personal statements, views of teammates and coaches, and the broader context around his case.

Rahsul Faison is a 6′0″, 218 lb running back originally from Pottstown, PA. After grayshirting at Marshall in 2019 and spending seasons at Lackawanna and Snow College (JUCO) in 2020–2022, he played two impressive seasons at Utah State, rushing for a total of 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns at the FBS level. He joined South Carolina as a graduate transfer, hoping for one final year of NCAA eligibility

Faison has pursued a waiver based on legal “juvenile college precedent”—namely court rulings in favor of Diego Pavia and Jett Elad—that allow athletes who spent time at junior colleges to reset eligibility clocks. The NCAA’s delay in granting his waiver has caused frustration across the South Carolina program (on3.com).

Head coach Shane Beamer has been vocal:

• May 5, 2025
• He emphasized that the team needs clarity to plan for 2025 roster and depth. South Carolina even passed on portal RB options because they expected Faison’s presence (on3.com).
• In late May, Beamer revealed a team chant at summer workouts: “Free ‘Sul” (a reference to Rahsul) (Essentially Sports).

Emotional Toll & Hopes

In mid-May, Faison shared the weight of the uncertainty:

This candid admission highlights that, for him, the waiver isn’t just about football—it’s a pivotal moment for his family’s future.

Social Media Advocacy

Faison has taken to X to express hope and advocacy:

• May 14: posted about his stress and frustration June 25: asserted, “This shii gone get serious when they give me my year back 🫡” and “#FREESUL”Fans rallied too, amplifying #FREESUL and calling out the NCAA for delay .

Public Prayer and Expectation

Just ahead of the NCAA’s Wednesday decision, Faison tweeted:

This heartfelt request shows the depth of his hope and that he’s appealing to a broad community for support.

Faison officially retained Darren Heitner, a leading NIL lawyer, and made it public in early May:

While Heitner didn’t rule out taking legal action, the focus is on urging swifter NCAA compliance, mirroring prior successful cases like Myles Stute, Diego Pavia, and Jett Elad (on3.com).

• Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt): Courts granted him an extra eligibility year despite two JUCO seasons
• Jett Elad (Rutgers): Received a temporary injunction in New Jersey, enabling play in 2025
• Team chant & support: “Free ‘Sul” became a rallying cry among South Carolina teammates and fans

This climate makes Faison’s case stronger—especially since the NCAA has followed court trends in similar rulings

NCAA hasn’t provided a clear rationale for the delay:

1. Beamer noted they provided all necessary documents since January, even obtaining information from every prior school (on3.com).
2. In late May, it was revealed that NCAA requested only a few additional details weeks earlier, which were supplied immediately .
3. Still, no final decision—no feedback, no rejection. Just silenceFamily support: He’s deeply aware of his family’s reliance on him, making this more personal .

• Career crossroads: Without the waiver, he faces declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft without adding another collegiate season (Team depth: With departing starter Raheim Sanders (NFL-bound), the RB room depends heavily on him (on3.com).

1. Emotional transparency – Faison’s vulnerability shows this isn’t just about sport, but identity and family.
2. Leadership by example – He publicly advocated for himself, inspiring teammates to rally behind him.
3. Highlighting NCAA opacity – His story brings awareness to how the NCAA handles eligibility requests amid evolving rule shifts.
4. A case study in athlete agency – Faison’s proactive strategies—legal counsel, social media pressure—signal a new era in how student-athletes navigate bureaucracy.

• Decision Day: The NCAA’s announcement on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) will be pivotal. If approved, he resumes his football path; if not, he pivots to pro opportunities.
• Legal Recourse?: Faison retains legal leverage. Heitner has confirmed willingness to escalate if needed, though they currently focus on internal resolution Team Adjustments: Whether he’s in or out, South Carolina’s RB depth chart (Oscar Adaway, Jawarn Howell, Matthew Fuller) will be finely balanced“Life‑changing opportunity” – acknowledges the gravity of the waiver.
• “Prayer” – expresses optimism intertwined with vulnerability.
• “This shii gone get serious…” – confident determination; he won’t back down.
• Fans, teammates chanting “Free ‘Sul” – symbolic of unity around his drive for justice.

This isn’t just a college football sideline story—it’s a microcosm of a shifting world where:

• Court rulings challenge NCAA norms.
• Student-athletes demand transparency and fairness.
• Coaches and communities unite behind one player’s fight.
• Social and legal advocacy redefine athletic agency.

Faison’s remarks reflect more than his eligibility—they echo a broader call for clarity, fairness, and athlete empowerment in college sports.

Rahsul Faison’s public stance has been clear, consistent, and powerful: he’s fought hard on and off the field, backed it with legal expertise, brought attention to the fairness of his case, and rallied his community for justice. The upcoming NCAA decision doesn’t just decide his playing status—it will signal how the NCAA responds to changing norms around eligibility, equity, and athlete rights.

Let me know if you’d like me to break down the legal aspects in more detail, or track the NCAA’s final ruling once it’s announced!