June has been a huge recruiting month for the South Carolina football program each year that head coach Shane Beamer has been in town, and that theme has been present again in 2024.
The Gamecocks have received seven public commitments (and at least one silent one) in June, and they've had a ton of big-time visitors on campus.
One of the most impressive visitors who has been on campus is 5-star recruit Isaiah Gibson. Gibson, a 5-star EDGE prospect who committed to the Southern Cal Trojans back in March, visited earlier in June, and on Tuesday evening, he did something that many who follow recruiting thought he might do: Gibson decommitted from the "other USC."
The 6'4", 260-pound defender is the top-rated EDGE prospect in the country according to 247Sports, and On3 and ESPN also have him ranked in the top-3 at the position. He has played some defensive tackle during his high school career, so if he adds weight in college, a position change isn't out of the question.
Gibson's decommitment from the Trojans opens the door for Carolina defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas and the Gamecocks. However, the Gamecocks are not alone in the push for Gibson. The Georgia Bulldogs, Florida Gators, and Tennessee Volunteers are in hot pursuit, as well, and other programs are hoping to get back involved for the elite prospect.
The Gamecocks already have 4-star EDGE Anthony Addison and intriguing 3-star EDGE Kobby Sakyi-Prah in the boat in the class of 2025, are believed to be among the leaders for 5-star Jared Smith, and are among the leaders for several other high school pass rushers. Still, if a team has a chance with a talent like Gibson, they have to take it.
Gibson is a native of Warner Robbins, Georgia and has been high on the South Carolina football program for some time. He had a good visit to Columbia recently, so fans of the garnet and black are hopeful that Beamer, Lucas, and company can give him something to think about as his recruitment shifts eastward.
You can watch some of his film here.