It's been well over six months since South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison transferred from Utah State to South Carolina. He has been working out and practicing with the team, learning the offense, and preparing every day to suit up for the 2025 season.
But the NCAA still has not said if he can.
How much longer is the @NCAA going to make the #Gamecocks wait on a Rahsul Faison ruling? Fall camp starts in a couple days.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) July 28, 2025
With less than five weeks left until the Gamecocks open their season in Atlanta, Faison remains in eligibility limbo, awaiting word from the NCAA on whether or not he will be granted a seventh year of eligibility under what has become known as the "Pavia Rule" and JUCO waiver guidance.
Speaking on Monday at his annual Birdies with Beamer media golf tournament, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer admitted that there is still no update on Faison. “I wish I had a different answer for you,” Beamer said. “I was on the phone with some people yesterday, trying to get some things done. I’ve got a lot of respect for [NCAA President] Charlie Baker, and I’m confident they’ll do the right thing when that time is.”
Rahsul Faison transferred to South Carolina in January
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) July 29, 2025
The Gamecocks are STILL waiting for the NCAA to declare Faison’s eligibility status
Shane Beamer with the latest update:
“I’m confident they will do the right thing.” pic.twitter.com/i2c9GfJ2K9
Faison's Complicated Journey
Faison began his career at Marshall in 2019, where he grayshirted and did not participate in any football activities. His time at Marshall, combined with multiple program changes and a stint at JUCO-level Snow College, has all added levels of complexity to his eligibility. Faison later played at Utah State, where he rushed for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
His performances made Faison a highly sought-after transfer, as well as a mid-round NFL Draft prospect. But now, as the preseason camp is set to begin on July 31, there is no decision from the NCAA. “He asked me the same question today,” Beamer said. “And I told him, yeah [he’s practicing]. Until somebody tells me otherwise — he’s practicing.”
What are Faison's Options?
If the NCAA does not grant him eligibility, Faison could:
- Seek an injunction to play while his legal team, including attorney Darren Heitner, continues to fight his case.
- Attempt to go to the next level and join an NFL team, although camps are already underway.
- Remain in limbo, training and waiting for the opportunity to play.
“If I have to be on an NFL roster in a month, then I’m going to be ready,” Faison told On3. “If I’m playing college football, I’ll be ready. Just trying to stay in shape.”
What's the Holdup?
The NCAA has communicated with South Carolina and Faison's representation for months. Faison and his team have submitted all of the necessary documentation. And yet, despite the communication and doing everything right, there's been no ruling either way. It is an ongoing saga of frustration for a player who has followed all protocol and simply asked for clarity.