South Carolina Gamecocks news from the last week, including updates from football, recruiting, basketball, baseball

The latest South Carolina Gamecocks news from the last week, starting with an update from the world of South Carolina football recruiting

The Gamecocks hired a new director of player development and recruiting. After firing Taylor Edwards for undisclosed NCAA violations, Shane Beamer brought in USC alum and former Oregon Ducks recruiting staffer Darren Uscher to fill the void.

4-star wide receiver Lex Cyrus announced his commitment to the South Carolina football program. The Gamecocks landed the speedy wideout from Pennsylvania over the home-state Penn State Nittany Lions.

Carolina commitment Jaquel Holman received a bump up to 4-star status in On3's latest ratings update. Rated as a running back, linebacker, and athlete by the four major recruiting services, Holman is expected to get his first opportunity at linebacker with the Gamecocks.

5-star EDGE Jared Smith announced his top-6, and the Gamecocks made the cut. He also revealed that he will make his college choice public on August 3rd. The Gamecocks have been the favorite in his recruitment, but the Auburn Tigers have made a strong push of late.

4-star offensive lineman Jaylen Gilchrist officially named the Gamecocks in his top-3 and set a commitment date of August 3rd. 3-star offensive lineman Spike Sowells named a top-3 that included South Carolina football and set a commitment date for July 18th.

4-star targets Bryce Davis and Cortez Smith are each planning to announce their commitments on July 20th. Both players are believed to be favoring other schools, but the Gamecocks are still in the picture.

4-star class of 2026 EDGE Keenan Britt put the Gamecocks in his top-8.

Class of 2026 in-state target and 4-star wide receiver Jordon Gidron was named an Under Armour All-American.

A handful of Gamecocks found themselves on Phil Steele's preseason All-SEC team.

Safety Nick Emmanwori (2nd team), linebacker Debo Williams (2nd team), defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway (2nd team), running back Rocket Sanders (3rd team), punter Kai Kroeger (4th team), and offensive lineman Vershon Lee (4th team) were the six Gamecocks who cracked Steele's list.

SEC Media Days begin this week, and the Gamecocks have selected their player representatives.

Defensive tackle Boogie Huntley, linebacker Debo Williams, and wide receiver/quarterback Luke Doty will join head coach Shane Beamer in Dallas, Texas for the event.

The State Fair officially announced its theme and dates this week.

In news that will excite many and let down others, South Carolina football will not play a home game during the State Fair in 2024.

Lamont Paris' South Carolina basketball team had some new details come to light concerning their appearance in the Fort Myers Tip-Off.

The Gamecocks will play against the Xavier Musketeers on November 25th. They will play either the Virginia Tech Hokies or Michigan Wolverines on November 27th.

The South Carolina basketball program was well-represented at the 2024 ESPYs.

Head coach Dawn Staley was honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, the 2023-2024 undefeated National Champions were selected as the Best Team, and Gamecock legend A'ja Wilson was picked as the winner for Best WNBA Player and the Best Athlete, Women's Sports..

Speaking of A'ja Wilson, the Gamecock great had an incredible week.

Wilson became the all-time leading scorer in Las Vegas Aces history, was named the WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week (again), broke multiple WNBA records, and was named a cover athlete for NBA2K25.

Alass of 2025 catcher/outfielder committed to the Gamecocks.

Palmetto State native Noah Franklin, a former Duke Blue Devils pledge, announced his commitment to the South Carolina baseball program.

South Carolina baseball coach Paul Mainieri's team will face off against a former Gamecock coach in a fall scrimmage.

The Gamecocks will travel down I-26 East in November to play a road scrimmage against the College of Charleston Cougars and former USC head coach Chad Holbrook.

Top Gamecock baseball signee PJ Morlando was an early pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

The Miami Marlins selected Morlando in the 1st round, swiping him with the 16th pick.

A former Gamecock is the biggest snub from the MLB All-Star Game.

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker was an easy pick for the Midsummer's Classic but, inexplicably, was not selected.