Five-star OL Darius Gray sets commitment date
One of the biggest names in the 2026 recruiting class is finally closing in on a decision on where he wants to play college football, and South Carolina is still in the fight. Richmond, Virginia St. Christopher School standout Darius Gray, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the nation, has locked in his college commitment date for August 22. The 6-foot-2, 285-pound five-star recruit will choose between five powerhouse programs: LSU, Tennessee, Ohio State, Clemson, and South Carolina.
The Final Five:
Gray took to social media to announce the timeline for his decision and also sat down with Tennessee Vols on SI to discuss where things stand with each of the five finalist programs.
LSU Tigers
LSU seems to be the frontrunner, thanks to offensive line coach Brad Davis. “Coach Davis is one of the greatest humans that I’ve ever talked to,” Gray said. “He gives off a father figure… [LSU] checks all the boxes.”
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State's blend of development and tradition within the program, combined with a head coach that emphasizes mental health stood out to Gray. “It’s great to have a head coach that understands these are still kids… that’s huge,” Gray said.
Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols impressed with the chemistry and brotherhood in the offensive line room. The vision that head coach Josh Heupel also was a plus for Gray. “They’re only scratching the surface… I can see them continuing the uptrend,” he stated.
Clemson Tigers
Gray praised Dabo Swinney's longevity at the helm of the Clemson program, as well as the addition of the offensive line coach Matt Luke. “Coach Sweeney does everything the right way," he said, "and Coach Luke is a fantastic human being.”
South Carolina Gamecocks
But don't count out Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, who have built the longest-standing relationship with Gray. That consistency and loyalty could give South Carolina a serious edge heading into decision day. “They have been the longest relationship possible… even when they were a five- or six-win team, they never changed their culture,” Gray said. “Coach Beamer is amazing—someone you’d want to play for.”
Despite pressure from major programs like LSU and Ohio State, the Gamecocks have been in the race for Gray's commitment from the start. South Carolina's culture and relationship with Gray could pay off in a big way come August 22. He would be a program-defining addition to Shane Beamer's 2026 class and a major win for the offensive line.