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Gamecocks add Buckeye talent to the backfield with Ohio State transfer

South Carolina lands Ohio State transfer running back Sam Williams-Dixon. The 5’11”, 210-pound RB brings SEC-ready size and three years of eligibility to the Gamecocks’ backfield.
ByLauren Beasley
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 07 Western Michigan at Ohio State
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 07 Western Michigan at Ohio State | Icon Sportswire/GettyImages

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.

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.

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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.

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