One of the biggest recruiting battles of 2026 is about to reach the finish line. Five-star offensive lineman Darius Gray will announce his college decision on Friday, August 22, at 6 p.m. CT. His commitment will be streamed live on his Instagram account.
The Finalists
Gray's list of finalists include South Carolina, LSU, Clemson, Tennessee, and Ohio State. While all five programs remain in the mix, the race has come down to a showdown between South Carolna and their conference foe LSU.
According to the Rivals Prediction Machine, the Gamecocks currently hold the inside track with an 86.4% chance to land the coveted lineman. LSU has long been considered the top challenger, but South Carolina surged after hosting Gray on his most recent official visit earlier this summer.
A Nationally Elite Prospect
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, Gray is widely regarded as one of the best players in the 2026 recruiting cycle. According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, he is the No. 1 ranked interior offensive lineman of the Class of 2026. 247Sports ranks him as high as No. 16 overall nationally, while composite rankings place him as the 30th-best player in the country, the No. 2 interior lineman, and the No. 2 recruit in the state of Virginia.
What's at Stake for South Carolina
For the Gamecocks, landing Gray would mark a huge victory on the recruiting trail. South Carolina already has two offensive line commits in the 2026 class. Adding Gray would give Beamer and his coaching staff a cornerstone piece in the roster for years to come.
Gray's announcement will be a must-watch for Gamecock Nation, as South Carolina has the chance to land a program-changing talent in the trenches.