South Carolina Football Transfer Portal 2026: Complete Breakdown and Analysis of Incoming Class
The NCAA College Football Transfer Portal is now officially closed, and the South Carolina Gamecocks finished the window with a flurry of activity. The Gamecocks were aggressive, adding more than 20 players while losing 19, landing a mix of experienced starters and depth pieces across the roster. By the numbers, the team ranked 17th nationally and 7th in the SEC, signaling a strong offseason showing. With key additions along the offensive line (which was the main focus of the transfer window), skill positions, and defense, Carolina has positioned itself for the next phase. Looking ahead, the focus is now about how these new pieces fit into Shane Beamer’s system and whether they can translate portal momentum into on-field results.
Latest Additions
On Saturday, South Carolina added several new commits to the roster in the eleventh hour. One of those is offensive tackle Armando Nieves from New Mexico State. The 6‑foot‑7, 315‑pound lineman started at right tackle, logging over 600 snaps last season, and now joins a growing offensive line haul. Nieves is the seventh OL to commit to the Gamecocks along with Carter Miller (UCF), Hank Purvis (Purdue), Jacarrius Peak (NC State), Emmanuel Poku (ECU), Dayne Arnett (Ferris State), and Seth Smith (Northern Arizona).
In addition to Nieves, the Gamecocks added Holy Cross transfer wide receiver Charly Mullaly to the roster. Appearing in 18 games across three seasons at Holy Cross, Mullaly totaled 336 yards with the program. During the 2025 season, he totaled 17 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown. Mullaly joins Jayden Gibson (Oklahoma) and Nitro Tuggle (Purdue) in the WR room.
Adding depth under center, South Carolina also landed Bowling Green transfer QB Lucian Anderson III. The 6’3”, 200-pound signal-caller spent three years with the Falcons, throwing for 277 yards on 31 completions with two touchdowns and three interceptions, completing 58.5% of his passes. Anderson also showed his legs, rushing for 256 yards and four touchdowns on 56 carries, giving the Gamecocks another versatile option to compete for reps in the quarterback room.
Portal Hits: What Has South Carolina Actually Done?
Quarterback
- Lucian Anderson III, Bowling Green, 3 yrs, 277 pass yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 256 rush yards, 4 rush TDs
Running Backs
- Christian Clark, Texas, 3⭐️, versatile back
- Jabree Wallace-Coleman, Penn State, 3⭐️, adds depth
- Sam Williams-Dixon, Ohio State, 3⭐️, rotational potential
Wide Receivers
- Nitro Tuggle, Purdue, 3⭐️, SEC-ready option
- Jayden Gibson, Oklahoma, 3⭐️, adds size and experience
- Charly Mullaly, Holy Cross, 336 yards, 1 TD, 18 games
Offensive Line
- Jacarrius Peak, NC State, 5⭐️, elite tackle
- Seth Smith, Northern Arizona, 3⭐️, versatile edge presence
- Emmanuel “Kojo” Poku, 3⭐️, depth and size
- Armando Nieves, New Mexico State, 6’7”, 315 lb, starting RT
- Dayne Arnett, Ferris State, 3⭐️, interior line depth
- Hank Purvis, Purdue, 3⭐️, adds competition
- Carter Miller, UCF, 3⭐️, versatile interior
Defensive Front and Edge
- Caleb Herring, Tennessee, 3⭐️, pass-rush upgrade
- Drew Collins, Arkansas State, 3⭐️, rotational contributor
- Kelby Collins, Alabama, 3⭐️, depth on the front
- Tomiwa Durojaiye, Illinois, 3⭐️, adds rotation and size
- Jordan Thomas, Georgia, 3⭐️, SEC experience
Defensive Backs
- Quay’sheed Scott, Kentucky, 3⭐️, veteran secondary presence
Special Teams
- Upton Bellenfant, Texas Tech, 3⭐️, kicker depth
- Emmet Rhoades, Western Carolina, long snapper, experience
Overall, the Gamecocks have added 22 players and lost 19 via the portal, with quality and quantity both in play. That balance and replenishment at nearly every unit is nothing short of aggressive.
Grade the Class (Reality Check)
Measured against practical expectations and losses for the team, the Gamecocks’ incoming transfer class earns a B+ grade.
The offensive line was obviously a clear area of focus for South Carolina this transfer cycle. The Gamecocks clearly prioritized the trenches, and it shows. Adding Armando Nieves along with multiple interior and tackle options turns a previously thin unit into one with competition and depth. If these linemen adapt quickly to Shane Beamer’s system, the line could go from a liability to a strength in 2026.
When it comes to skill talent on the field, the WR room is functional but not flashy. Charly Mullaly brings experience and savvy, while Nitro Tuggle and Jayden Gibson add size and athleticism. Still, Carolina lacks a true alpha, a receiver who can consistently demand coverage and create explosive plays. This room will need development and chemistry with the QBs before it can contribute at a high SEC level.
The backfield haul gives the Gamecocks flexibility, but it’s a mix of rotational talent rather than a clear lead rusher. Christian Clark offers a physical presence, while Jabree Wallace-Coleman and Sam Williams-Dixon provide depth and change-of-pace options. None are proven SEC feature backs yet, so much will hinge on how quickly they adjust to the speed and physicality of conference play.
And finally, the Caleb Herring and the Collins duo address both pass-rush and interior line needs after a disappointing 2025 season. While the additions don’t instantly transform the unit, they give depth and competition, particularly up front, which is what South Carolina needs.
That All Being Said...
There’s a lot of projection here. Almost all additions are three-star prospects or upper-tier role players. SEC production isn’t guaranteed, and the number of newcomers raises questions about cohesion.
As we know, volume alone doesn’t equal impact. How quickly these players acclimate, both to the system and to each other, will define whether this portal class is a true upgrade or just a roster reset.
Three Biggest Takeaways
1. The trenches got priority
There's no question about that. South Carolina addressed both the offensive and defensive line deficiencies head-on. The OL and DL influx is untested but foundational. Going forward, how the line performs in early-season games will set the tone for the rest of the team.
2. WR and skill positions are built for depth, not stars
Mullaly, Tuggle, and Gibson provide options, but South Carolina still lacks a proven playmaker in the receiving corps. Similarly, the RB room has quantity and rotation potential, but no clear lead rusher. Development, timing, and chemistry with QBs will be critical to unlocking this group’s impact. Especially with new offensive coaching staff.
3. SEC adaptation is the ultimate test
The newcomers now have to learn the system; the returners have to learn the new system. The all have to earn reps and adjust to SEC speed. Fit, buy-in, and coaching will determine whether this portal haul becomes a competitive advantage or just a collection of names.
Let's go!