South Carolina Football Rebuilds Roster Through Transfer Portal

Shane Beamer adds 25 players from the transfer portal to reshape the Gamecocks' lineup for 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer heavily utilized the transfer portal to rebuild his roster for the 2026 season. The Gamecocks added 25 players via the portal, with the class ranking No. 22 nationally and No. 10 in the SEC. Beamer brought in players to address needs across almost every position, including running back, offensive line, defensive line, and wide receiver.

Why it matters

After a disappointing 4-8 season in 2025, Beamer needed to quickly retool the Gamecocks' roster to get the program back on track. The heavy reliance on the transfer portal reflects the increasing importance of that mechanism for teams looking to quickly upgrade their talent and experience levels.

The details

Some of the key transfer additions include running back Christian Clark from Texas, offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak from NC State, defensive end Caleb Herring from Tennessee, and wide receivers Jayden Gibson from Oklahoma and NiTareon "Nitro" Tuggle from Purdue. Beamer also brought in several specialists, including kicker Upton Bellenfant from Texas Tech and long snapper Emmet Rhoades.

  • South Carolina went 4-8 in the 2025 season, the worst record in Beamer's five seasons as head coach.
  • Beamer announced the Gamecocks' 2026 transfer class on February 19, 2026.

The players

Shane Beamer

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks football team, who has heavily utilized the transfer portal to rebuild the roster for the 2026 season.

LaNorris Sellers

South Carolina's starting quarterback, who returns as part of the Gamecocks' star trio along with wide receiver Nyck Harbor and edge rusher Dylan Stewart.

Christian Clark

A running back transfer from Texas who had 236 yards and 2 touchdowns on 55 carries in 2025, and is expected to compete for the starting job at South Carolina.

Jacarrius Peak

An offensive lineman transfer from NC State who has played 2,202 total snaps in his career with only 7 sacks allowed, and is expected to start at left tackle for South Carolina.

Dylan Stewart

South Carolina's star edge rusher who had 4.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2025, and will be a key part of the Gamecocks' defense in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.