South Carolina continues to reshape its offensive line through the transfer portal. Former East Carolina offensive lineman Emmanuel “Kojo” Poku has committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks, according to GamecockCentral, giving Shane Beamer and his staff yet another experienced interior piece heading into the 2026 season. Poku spent four seasons with ECU before entering the NCAA Transfer Portal and will arrive in Columbia with immediate-impact credentials.
BREAKING: ECU transfer OL Emmanuel “Kojo” Poku has committed to South Carolina, per @GamecockCentral
— Walker Gaskins (@WGSports_CFB) January 9, 2026
Poku spent 4 years with the Pirates before entering the Transfer Portal.
In 2025 he earned All-Conference honors at the RG spot.
He was the 8th best IOL in the portal, per… pic.twitter.com/PekkPnhO9i
Proven Production in the Trenches
Poku is a 6-foot-five, 325-pound right guard who earned All-Conference honors for the 2025 season. He anchored the Pirates' interior offensive line during his final season with East Carolina. Poku's consistency and power at the point of attack made him one of the most reliable interior blockers available this transfer cycle.
According to 247Sports, Poku is ranked as the No. 8 interior offensive linemen (IOL) in the portal, which is a notable evaluation given the premium placed on veteran offensive line play across the SEC in particular. He will have one year of eligibility remaining, positioning Poku as a plug-and-play option rather than a long-term developmental project for the Gamecocks'' coaching staff.
Why This Matters for South Carolina
Poku's commitment is about experience, leverage, and stability; three things that South Carolina desperately needed after the 2025 season.
Poku brings multiple years of starting experience, proven durability, power and size suited for SEC interior play, and leadership from a veteran who has seen a full college career.
The Gamecocks have been deliberate and aggressive this transfer cycle, aiming to rebuild its offensive line by prioritizing older, battle-tested linemen who can raise the floor immediately.