UGA commit visits South Carolina ahead of 2026 recruiting push

South Carolina may have lost the recruiting battle months ago, but the Gamecocks aren’t done swinging. Four-star defensive tackle PJ Dean, who committed to Georgia this summer, is in Columbia this weekend and in attendance for the South Carolina vs. Clemson at Williams-Brice Stadium. The visit was first noted by Rivals recruiting analyst Chad Simmons, who reported that Dean made the trip to Columbia despite being firmly pledged to the Bulldogs.

Dean, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound standout from West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, North Carolina, was one of South Carolina’s highest-priority targets in the 2026 class. Shane Beamer and the coaching staff originally pursued him as an offensive lineman before shifting course when Dean made it clear he wanted to play defense. That pivot allowed defensive line coach Travian Robertson to take over the recruitment, and the two built a strong relationship throughout the spring and early summer.

Before his commitment, Dean spoke highly of the culture at South Carolina, noting the program’s authenticity, transparency, and the comfort he felt during his visits. At one point, the Gamecocks believed they were firmly in the mix. Georgia’s defensive-line pedigree ultimately won out, and Dean announced his commitment to the Bulldogs during the summer.

Even so, his presence in Columbia today is noteworthy. For South Carolina, the 2026 defensive line board remains a major priority. And while Dean's visit doesn't necessarily signal a flip is coming, showing up always means something. For a coaching staff that has built their reputation on relationship-builiding recruiting, getting a committed prospect on campus is never insignificant.