Gamecocks hold firm as four-star pledge QB Landon Duckworth visits LSU

South Carolina’s 2026 four-star QB commit Landon Duckworth is heading to LSU for a visit, but the Gamecocks remain confident.
Aug 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer on the sidelines against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Aug 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer on the sidelines against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

South Carolina quarterback commit Landon Duckworth will be in Baton Rouge this weekend. According to Rivals, the Top-10 2026 signal-caller will be on campus Saturday when LSU hosts Louisiana Tech for its home opener. Shane Beamer and South Carolina recruited Duckworth throught thick and thin. He originally committed back in 2023, reopened his recruitment in 2024, and finally came home in July 2025 when he pledged between South Carolina and Auburn, ultimately choosing Columbia.

Duckworth remains one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation. The four-star has already built a résumé that turns heads. At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Duckworth sits at No. 51 overall and the No. 6 quarterback nationally, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings. The Alabama native has compiled more than 6,400 yards and 80 touchdowns in three seasons at Jackson High School. His junior campaign alone featured 3,109 passing yards, 34 touchdown passes, and another 12 scores on the ground. His production easily earned him a spot at the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles this past June.

Despite his commitment to Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks, it appears that Brian Kelly and the Tigers haven't slowed thier pursuit of the pledge. LSU is still working the 2026 QB board aggressively, and Duckworth has emerged as one of their top priorities still.

For South Carolina, Duckworth's commitment is a cornerstone in the 2026 recruiting cycle. LSU may be making its pitch again, but the Gamecocks are firmly in the driver's seat for one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the country.