Andrew Harris, the four-star linebacker, has ended his recruitment, pledging his allegiance to South Carolina.

Andrew Harris, hailing from Weddington High School in Matthews, North Carolina, soared into the national spotlight as a dynamic four‑star EDGE/linebacker. Standing around 6‑1 to 6‑2 and weighing approximately 220–235 lbs by recruiting rankings, Harris is a highly versatile defender able to play across the front seven His athleticism, sideline‑to‑sideline speed, strength, and powerful closing burst quickly caught the attention of top‑tier college programs.

Through 2024 and early 2025, Andrew earned scholarship offers from powerhouse schools including Ohio State, Auburn, Penn State, Miami, NC State, and others . Despite wide interest, it became clear mid‑spring that South Carolina was a leading contender—especially during his official visit to Columbia at the start of June. He spent time training side‑by‑side with Gamecock defensive coaches, including Clayton White (inside linebackers coach and DC) and EDGE/line coach Travian Robertson. The campus visit left Andrew with a strong sense of connection—both to the staff and to people he’d soon call teammates

On June 7, 2025, Andrew and his twin brother Aiden—who is ranked as a four‐star defensive lineman—formally announced their commitment to South Carolina during that visit, proclaiming the move as a joint journey that felt right for both of them ). That day, Andrew made public: “Four‑star twin defenders Andrew and Aiden Harris lock in with South Carolina” . It was a seismic moment in recruiting.

Yet, even after committing, national recruiting chatter continued. Many wondered whether Andrew—or his brother—could reopen discussions. But that speculation ended decisively on Friday night when he took to social media to declare his recruitment officially shut down and his pledge sealed In his announcement, Andrew signaled full confidence: “recruitment is shut down,” echoing his twin brother who earlier said his process was “100 % locked in.” That phrase marked a full closure both for external observers and for his own recruiting journey

What does his commitment mean for South Carolina?

For the Gamecocks, adding Andrew brings elite athleticism into the linebacker corps and versatility in front‑seven configurations. Defensive coordinator Clayton White favors mobile, edge‑pressure linebackers—perfect for Andrew’s skill set. As an off‑ball linebacker with pass‑rush experience, he can plug into schemes requiring both coverage and blitzing from the second level

He’s one of two linebackers so far in the ’26 class—alongside Alabama native Keenan Britt—who share his path from EDGE to linebacker. That pattern suggests a broader strategy by USC to build its defense around agile, position‑fluid athletes capable of demanding roles in coverage, run‑defense, and rush schemes

Individually, Andrew is ranked No. 36 nationally among EDGE by Rivals, No. 18 in North Carolina, and projects as approximately a top 25 linebacker within his class if re‑ranked specifically for that position He brings much‑needed athletic playmaking ability—the kind that can transition the Gamecocks’ defense from sturdy to dynamic.

But it’s more than just numbers. Andrew’s chemistry with teammates and alignment with coach philosophies factored heavily into his decision. He emphasized that interpersonal relationships—particularly with players he’d hit the field with day to day—were a major reason behind his commitment. “What made me actually make my commitment was the players I’ve been around,” he said. That level of connection bodes well for team cohesion and locker room harmony.

From a national recruiting perspective, the Harris twins were marquee targets. Aiden is rated as a top‑75 national player and top‑5 defensive lineman in his class  With both siblings locked in, the Gamecocks sharply reduce leakage risk and potentially pave the way to reel in additional targets swayed by the momentum of a double‑commit.

Indeed, South Carolina’s class has surged in national rankings—with each recent commitment—thanks to both quantity and quality. They’ve climbed into the top 20 in several national rankings—Southeastern Conference programs with fewer commitments but higher averages in star rating—and currently sit around No. 17 nationally per Rivals, No. 12 in average player rating

That strategic rise is propelled not only by high‑profile pledges like Andrew’s but also victories in competitive recruiting battles. Andrew’s choice represents a clear win over programs like Ohio State, Auburn, Penn State, Miami—the heavyweights that had him on high on their boards

For Andrew himself, this is the end of recruitment and the beginning of a transformation. At 6‑1/+ and 235 lbs, he enters South Carolina needing to bulk up and adjust his frame to fit college linebacker functional demands. That means increased strength work, growth in lateral agility, and tweak in position fundamentals—from pass‑rushing instincts to coverage responsibilities and run‑defense reads

But early reports paint Andrew as exactly the kind of athlete who can handle that shift—his sideline‑speed, closing burst, and demonstrated coverage ability from the EDGE position suggest a smooth transition to off‑ball linebacker roles once he’s in a collegiate strength program and schema.

Scott Fitzgerald, Georgia recruiting analyst, told On3: “He moves well, and he has demonstrated impressive closing speed on outside run plays. That sideline‑to‑sideline potential will be needed at his new spot.” (On3)

South Carolina’s defense under Shane Beamer has emphasized bringing pressure from multiple angles. Having athletic linebackers who can blitz, cover tight ends or backs, and fight through blocks will be key to creating defensive schemes that include disguised looks and unpredictable pressure—exactly where Andrew fits best.

Although we can’t predict exact depth chart placement, Andrew is likely to provide developmental depth in year one with potential for situational play—special teams, sub‑packages, blitz credits—before potentially contributing more broadly. With linebackers often peaking in years two or three, he may arrive ready for rotational snaps earlier.

An obvious x‑factor is the sibling synergy with Aiden. Having a twin in the trenches could strengthen their comfort, reduce homesickness, and foster competitiveness in similar yet separate positional rooms. Aiden will be working under DT coach Travian Robertson, who’s lauded both twins’ physicality and versatility to play inside and outside the box

For South Carolina fans—who have watched recruiting classes like 2023 and 2024 come together carefully but often overshadowed by bigger programs—Andrew’s decision signals growing momentum. It’s a step toward accumulating elite‑level talent, especially in the SEC, where speed and versatility across defense are paramount.

His pledge could also help tip the scales on other pending targets: When defensive recruits finally decide, knowing they’ll join a class steeped in SEC competitiveness and with momentum from players like Andrew might sway their decision.

It’s important to note the timing: in July 2025, Andrew choosing to close his process means he forgoes any summer regrouping. His decision is final—no flip, no second guessing. That dedication indicates confidence, driving a clear recruiting message to others: South Carolina is a place recruits trust to follow through.

From Andrew’s perspective, expectations will be high. But with proper development, he could become an impactful player in the Gamecocks’ defense. His early signing period likely comes in December 2025, followed by spring practices and fall camp 2026. If he earns rotational snaps early, his upward trajectory could align with South Carolina’s team-building curve, potentially earning meaningful contributions by Year Two.

In summary, Andrew Harris’s closing of his recruitment and commitment to South Carolina is far more than a one‑line story—it’s a significant piece in a layered narrative about a program on the rise, the promise of two athletic brothers, and the strategic push to build a versatile, pressure‑driven SEC defense. For Andrew, it’s the culmination of years of hard work and the launch into a new stage of growth and opportunity; for the Gamecocks, it’s another strong catch in a changing tide of SEC momentum