Four-star DT Noah Clark commits to South Carolina, strengthens Gamecocks' defensive future

Class of 2026 four-star defensive tackle Noah Clark commits to South Carolina over several ACC teams. Clark is the 10th pledge in a loaded Gamecocks class.
South Carolina v Kentucky
South Carolina v Kentucky | Michael Hickey/GettyImages

Finally, we landed one! Noah Clark is officially a Gamecock! On Wednesday, the four-star defensive tackle out of C.E. Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina, announced his commitment to South Carolina. Clark chose the Gamecocks over other programs like NC State, Virginia, and Virginia Tech after taking official visits to all four programs. He also held offers from national powerhouses from Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, Texas, and Michigan, among others. But it was his visit to Columbia last month that sealed the deal.

Rated as the No. 275 overall player in the country by the On3 Industry Ranking, Clark is considered the 28th-best defensive tackle and the No. 15 prospect in North Carolina. He is the 10th commitment in South Carolina's 2026 recruiting class. He also joins fellow four-star DT Aiden Harris as a key piece of the Gamecocks roster.

“South Carolina really showed that they have a home environment,” Clark told GamecockCentral after his official visit. “Just a great staff and great people — that’s what they’ve done. That’s why I was able to get on this visit and have a great time with my family.”

Clark bonded with defensive line coach Travian Robertson and head coach Shane Beamer during the trip, even connecting with Beamer's wife over shared family stories.

“Obviously, got to talk ball with him,” Clark said of spending time with Robertson on the official visit. “Also, like with Coach Beamer, talk to him as a human, as a person. Got to talk with his wife. My mom and his wife and some similar stories, especially having three boys around the house. So it was really good, really fun. Thankful talking to him and thankful to be on this great visit.”

With Clark helping to anchor the interior, the Gamecocks are quietly building one of the most physical defensive fronts in the class.