The South Carolina Gamecocks could be on the verge of landing one of the crown jewels of the 2026 recruiting cycle. Five-star offensive lineman Darius Gray, one of the nation's top prospects, is set to make his commitment date announcement today. And South Carolina is right in the thick of the fight for his pledge. Gray received over 40 offers and narrowed his list of schools down to five: South Carolina, LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Clemson. Most experts believe that this has since become a two-horse race between two SEC powerhouse programs: the LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Thank you Lord!! #whereishome 🏡 https://t.co/EtmQSgLcAv
— DG (@dariusgrayy_) July 13, 2025
Gray is a dominant two-way lineman from St. Christopher School in Richmond, Virginia. He is listed at 6-foot-3, 285 pounds and is one of the top-ranked interior OL in the 2026 recruiting cycle. His agility and speed are rare traits for a lineman, but through his experience as a defensive lineman as well as a standout basketball player, Gray has refined his skills. That versatility also earned him Prep League co-Player of the Year honors last season.
Barnes has the skillset and the mentality to be an instant impact player for the Gamecocks. Though he played mostly at tackle in high school, he projects as a high-level interior lineman with elite footwork and explosive speed in the run game. If Gray commits to South Carolina, it will mark a major recruiting win for Shane Beamer and his 2026 recruiting class, adding a cornerstone piece to the future of the Gamecocks' offensive line.