The South Carolina Gamecocks and head coach Shane Beamer are wrapping up their spring football practices this week.
Looking to move on from last season's disastrous 4-8 campaign, the Gamecocks are eager to start the 2026 season on a high note. Beamer will have several newcomers to his South Carolina team, including transfer portal players and true freshmen.
On Thursday, ESPN's Billy Tucker broke down the top newcomers for every SEC team. For the Gamecocks, Tucker chose someone who actually hasn't gone through spring practices, in offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak.
The redshirt senior transferred from NC State this offseason after four seasons with the Wolfpack. He arrived at Columbia in January but suffered a significant knee injury during a three-on-three basketball tournament that has made him unavailable for spring.
"Peak brings a wealth of experience and versatility with 32 career starts at both tackle positions, including a move to left tackle in 2025 where he earned honorable mention All-ACC," Tucker writes. "South Carolina's offensive line struggled mightily in 2025, surrendering 43 sacks and facing a likely overhaul with five new starters under new offensive line coach Randy Clements. Peak's immediate impact offers a potential game-changing solution at left tackle.
"When healthy, Peak is expected to anchor the left tackle position, replacing Josiah Thompson, and instantly upgrade pass protection," Tucker continues. His outstanding NC State performance included allowing just three sacks in 850 snaps and leading the team with 50 pancake blocks."
Tucker adds that Peak has the ability to "seal edges, unleash explosive power, and recover quickly despite some inconsistent footwork," which could be huge for Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers. The rising junior had a regression from his solid true freshman season, causing Beamer to fire offensive coordinator Mike Shula mid-season.
Despite the Gamecocks losing several starters along the offensive line from last season, South Carolina's offense ranks second overall nationally in ESPN's S&P returning production, and Sellers and Peak are a big reason for that.
Under new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, Beamer is hoping his offense can have one of its best seasons yet. If Peak pans out as expected, this very well could come to fruition.