In-state RB target includes South Carolina in top five

Aiden Gibson, a top-ranked 2027 running back, has the Gamecocks in his final five schools.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:19pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of color representing the different schools vying for his commitment.A cubist rendering of a top recruit's decision-making process as he evaluates his top college football options.Columbia Today

South Carolina has landed a spot in Aiden Gibson's top five, the 6-foot-2, 203-pound running back from Woodruff High School announced on Tuesday morning. Gibson, the No. 12 prospect at his position and the No. 227 overall recruit in the 2027 class, also included Rutgers, Penn State, Louisville, and North Carolina in his final five.

Why it matters

Landing top in-state talent is a priority for the South Carolina football program as they look to build for the future. Gibson is considered one of the top running back prospects in the country, and securing his commitment would be a major recruiting victory for the Gamecocks.

The details

Gibson has visited South Carolina twice this spring, including a trip to Columbia for the Gamecocks' final spring practice on Saturday. He was impressed by the intensity of practice, the coaching staff, and the overall environment. The four-star running back has continued to build a strong connection with South Carolina running backs coach Stan Drayton. Gibson will make an official visit to South Carolina the weekend of June 5, while also planning trips to Rutgers and Penn State.

  • Gibson announced his top five schools on Tuesday morning.
  • Gibson visited South Carolina twice this spring, including on April 8.
  • Gibson will take an official visit to South Carolina the weekend of June 5.
  • Gibson will take official visits to Rutgers the weekend of May 29 and Penn State the weekend of June 12.

The players

Aiden Gibson

A 6-foot-2, 203-pound four-star running back from Woodruff High School, ranked as the No. 12 prospect at his position and the No. 227 overall recruit in the 2027 class.

Stan Drayton

The running backs coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks football team.

Shane Beamer

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks football team.

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What they’re saying

“The intensity of practice and the way that coach (Stan) Drayton coached and coach (Shane) Beamer just running around and having fun with the kids. That's what really set everything apart for me. Just seeing how they did everything, and just the way they treated me as a staff.”

— Aiden Gibson, Recruit

“The connection between us is, we're getting a little closer. I'm getting to know him a lot more and a lot deeper. He's getting to know me a lot deeper on a more than just a football level, but more on a personal level, just overall. I'm just getting to know his deeper and he's getting to know my family.”

— Aiden Gibson, Recruit

What’s next

Gibson will make his way to South Carolina for an official visit the weekend of June 5. Rutgers will host the four-star running back the weekend of May 29 while Gibson is also set to take an official visit to Penn State the weekend of June 12.

The takeaway

South Carolina's efforts to land top in-state talent like Aiden Gibson are crucial as they look to build a strong recruiting class for the future. The Gamecocks have made a strong impression on Gibson, and securing his commitment would be a major boost for the program.