South Carolina is continuing its aggressive transfer portal strategy on offense, and its latest addition comes from one of college football’s deepest running back rooms. Ohio State transfer running back Sam Williams-Dixon has committed to the Gamecocks, per Hayes Fawcett’s reporting, adding a young, powerful option to the Gamecocks’ backfield with three years of eligibility remaining.
BREAKING: Ohio State transfer RB Sam Williams-Dixon has committed to South Carolina, per @Hayesfawcett3
— Walker Gaskins (@WGSports_CFB) January 9, 2026
The 5’11”, 210 lb RB from Ohio has 3 years of eligibility remaining.
He’s recorded 10 carries for 62 yards and 1 TD, with a long of 31, in his 2 seasons with the Buckeyes.… pic.twitter.com/BnsSiYnrqA
A Young Back with Upside
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Williams-Dixon spent two seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes before entering the Transfer Portal. In limited opportunities over those two years, Williams-Dixon has recorded 10 carries for 62 yards and one touchdown, including a 31-yard burst that showcased his downhill running ability.
He enters South Carolina with three years of eligibility remaining, making him a long-term depth piece with potential for development and increased workload in 2026.
Why This Matters for South Carolina
At South Carolina, Williams-Dixon will arrive with the availability to develop and compete in a backfield that values physicality, vision, and toughness between the tackles. His frame and running style fit the SEC profile, and his remaining eligibility gives the Gamecocks flexibility to develop him over multiple seasons rather than rushing production immediately.
This commitment also reinforces a broader trend under South Carolina's head coach Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks' portal class continues to stack both experience and youth, signaling that the coaching staff isn’t just filling holes they’re reshaping the roster with a multi-year view. Players with upside, physical tools, and something to prove are becoming the backbone of the Gamecocks’ portal strategy.