South Carolina football is feeling the early-January transfer window heat as another defensive piece is on the move.
Jaylen Brown’s Transfer Portal Decision
South Carolina EDGE Jaylen Brown has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, marking his third collegiate stop in three seasons. The 6-foot-4 pass rusher is a former four-star recruit from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama. He spent last season with the Gamecocks but did not see game action due to a knee injury suffered in spring drills which ultimately sidelining him for the entire 2025 campaign.
Brown originally played his freshman year at Missouri, appearing in five games and recording two tackles before transferring to South Carolina last offseason. After his injury and rehabilitation, he will now head back into the portal still with three years of eligibility remaining.
Impact on South Carolina’s Defense
Brown’s departure continues a worrying trend for the Gamecocks’ defensive front. South Carolina has already lost multiple defensive linemen this offseason.
The Gamecocks are coming off a disappointing 4-8 season in 2025 with some defensive struggles, particularly in the pass rush. South Carolina ranked 100th nationally in sacks and 89th in tackles for loss, underscoring why both personnel and schematic changes are expected this offseason.
Portal Context
The NCAA Transfer Portal window opened on Jan. 2 and will continue through Jan. 16. It is the only transfer window permitted this cycle after the elimination of the spring portal. The condensed timeline creates a frantic environment for teams rying to build depth and for players seeking new opportunities to play.
Brown is young, underdeveloped, and has untapped potential due to injury, all of which makes him an intriguing commodity. He could draw interest from programs looking to boost their edge rush rotation immediately, especially those who are in need of youthful pass-rush talent.