Gamecocks make bold move for in-state WR star in 2026 class

As the Gamecocks start to build their 2026 receiver class, a fast wideout from Cresent High School has caught the attention of South Carolina, with impressive numbers both in track and football.
Crescent High sophomore Amiri Acker (14) scores near Pendleton junior Jemarai Johnson (10) during the second quarter at Cunningham Stadium in Pendleton, S.C. Friday, October 13, 2023.
Crescent High sophomore Amiri Acker (14) scores near Pendleton junior Jemarai Johnson (10) during the second quarter at Cunningham Stadium in Pendleton, S.C. Friday, October 13, 2023. | Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

The South Carolina Gamecocks leaned heavily on in-state talent at wide receiver for the 2025 recruiting class, bringing in four pass-catchers for the season. But looking further ahead into the 2026 class, Shane Beamer is eyeing Cresent High School standout Amiri Acker.

Acker is a rising senior from Iva, South Carolina, and is expected to visit the campus this weekend. He will be participating in a camp workout as part of his visit, and while South Carolina has not officially offered him yet, the hype surrounding the young star has definitely picked up.

Acker has already received several offers from schools like Boston College, Michigan State, Kentucky, NC State, Georgia Tech, and Cincinnati. And schools such as Liberty, USF, and South Carolina have shown growing interest. Acker has already made one visit to Columbia, and he has upcoming official visits to Kentucky and Liberty.

At 6-foot-2, Acker has the size to accompany his elite track speed. He is a multi-sport athlete, posting 100-meter dash times in the 10.5-second range. Not to mention, he also competes in hurdles, as well. That explosive speed carries over to the football field too, where he has been a big threat on deep routes. But Acker isn't just a sprinter. He possesses the ability to line up at defensive back as well, making him a versatile weapon on the field.

Amiri Acker Track and Football Breakdown:

100-meter dash:

• Personal Best: 10.65 seconds
• Finished 3rd place at South Carolina AAA State Meet (10th grade)

200-meter dash:

• Personal Best: 21.83 seconds
• Qualified for state as a 9th grader

400-meter dash:

• Personal Best: 51.55 seconds
• Qualified for state as a 9th grader

Football Stats:

2024 (Junior Season):

• 28 receptions
• 604 receiving yards
• 21.6 yards per catch (YPC)
• 6 touchdowns

2023 (Sophomore Season):

• 19 receptions
• 294 receiving yards
• 15.5 YPC
• 4 touchdowns

South Carolina's receiver class may be small for the 2026 cycle, but keep an eye on this one. Amiri Acker's name is becoming hard to ignore.