South Carolina Gamecocks secure top talent in 2025 recruiting class, what you need to know

Four-star wide receiver Donovan Murph has officially signed with South Carolina football, joining head coach Shane Beamer's 2025 recruiting class. The Irmo native announced his commitment to the Gamecocks on January 2, just before the 2024 Under Armour All-America Game. On National Signing Day, Murph put pen to paper in his high school auditorium.

Murph chose South Carolina over offers from Clemson, Ole Miss, Colorado, and Tennessee. He attended the Palmetto Bowl on November 30, where the Gamecocks defeated Clemson 17-14.

Beamer had already signed 25 high school players on December 4, the opening day of the early signing period. By the end of the day, he added three flipped recruits and one late addition. Murph joins December signees Malik Clark, Jordon Gidron, Jayden Sellers, Brian Rowe, and Lex Cyrus as part of the 2025 wide receiver class.

Here is the full list of South Carolina's 2025 recruiting class:

#6 Donovan Murph, WR

A 6'2", 190-pound wide receiver from Irmo High School in South Carolina, reclassified from the class of 2026 to 2025 and committed to the University of South Carolina. In his junior year, he led his team to a 13-2 record and a berth in the state's 5A Division II state championship, recording 96 receptions for 1,328 yards and 12 touchdowns. The previous season, he had 57 catches for 1,084 yards and 17 touchdowns, contributing to a 13-1 record and the school's first appearance in the South Carolina 4A semifinals. A multi-sport athlete, Murph also participated in basketball and track & field. He is the cousin of former Gamecock standout wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.

#79 Damola Ajidahun, OL

An offensive line prospect from Duluth High School in Georgia, enrolled at South Carolina in January. A four-year letterwinner, he anchored the Wildcats' offensive line under Coach Cam Jones. Originally born in England, he moved to the U.S. in fifth grade and began playing football as a high school freshman. Ajidahun was born on June 21, 2007.

Mike Tyler, TE

A tight end prospect from Hammond School in Columbia, will join South Carolina in the summer after graduation. He helped lead the SkyHawks to their fourth consecutive SCISA state championship in 2024, recording 38 catches for 618 yards and six touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the title game. As a junior, he tallied 33 catches for 543 yards and seven touchdowns. Tyler is also a multi-sport athlete who plays basketball.

#5 Kendall Daniels Jr., DB

Four-star defensive back prospect from Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia, joined the University of South Carolina football team in January 2025. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Daniels played safety under Coach Dyrri McCain. He earned first-team all-state honors and contributed to the Commodores' perfect 16-0 season, culminating in the 5A state championship in 2024. In his junior year, he helped lead Maury to a 15-0 record and the Virginia Class 5 state championship, with the team outscoring opponents 864-152. Daniels was born on April 6, 2006.

Christian Ingram, DL

A defensive line prospect from Newton High School in Conyers, Ga., this player joined South Carolina in the summer. Coached by Camiel Grant, he helped lead the Rams to a 7-5 record, including a runner-up finish in the 6A Region 4 conference. In his senior season, he recorded 38 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks.

#42 Josh Smith, LB

A linebacker prospect from Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, S.C., joined South Carolina in January. He helped lead the Silver Foxes to a perfect 13-0 record and the 2024 5A Division I state title, recording a team-high 96 tackles, 16 for loss, nine sacks, and six quarterback hurries. Smith was named Midlands Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-State honors. He also played a key role in the team’s 2023 South Carolina 5A title run, with 63 tackles, 20 for loss, seven sacks, and 15 quarterback hurries. He was born on October 16, 2006.

#7 Jordon Gidron, WR

A wide receiver from Ridge View High School in Columbia, S.C., reclassified to the class of 2025 and enrolled at South Carolina in January. Despite suffering a knee injury in 2024, he showcased his playmaking ability with 17 catches for 121 yards, four carries for 27 yards and a touchdown, plus a kickoff return score in three games. In 2023, he recorded 45 receptions for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns. A standout track athlete, he won the South Carolina 4A state titles in the 100m (10.68) and 200m (21.56) and helped Ridge View secure a team championship. He was named The State’s Co-Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year. Gidron will not turn 18 until October 30.

#94 Zavion Hardy, DL

A JUCO recruit in South Carolina's December 2024 signing class, enrolled in January 2025 and is expected to contribute in the fall. A defensive line prospect, Hardy played his sophomore season at East Mississippi C.C., earning first-team All-MACCC honors after helping the team to a 5-4 record. As a freshman, he recorded 24 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, for a 10-3 squad that won the MACCC title and reached the NJCAA Division I Championship. Hardy graduated from Howard High School in Macon, Ga., and played both defensive line and tight end during his junior year at Tattnall Square Academy, earning All-Region honors with 56 tackles and seven sacks. He was born on November 29, 2004.

Christopher Hatfield, DB

A defensive back prospect from Long County High School in Ludowici, Ga., Hatfield will join South Carolina in the summer. A double threat, he played both cornerback and wide receiver under Coach Michael Pfiester. In his senior season, he helped lead the Blue Tide to a 7-4 record, recording 49 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and eight of his 10 career interceptions. As a junior, he totaled 27 tackles and three interceptions on defense while also catching nine passes for 195 yards and five touchdowns, earning All-Region 3-AAA honors. He is also a basketball player.

#33 Kyler Farrow, LS

A long snapper from Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wisc., joined South Carolina in January. He will compete to fill the role vacated by multi-year starter Hunter Rogers. Farrow helped lead the Warhawks to a 9-3 record and a Classic Eight Conference title in 2024. At a Kohl’s Kicking specialist showcase, he posted an average snap time of 0.67 seconds, ranking fifth in the country. Farrow also played tight end and was born on December 25, 2006.

Max Kelley, K

A kicking specialist from Gallatin High School in Tennessee, this player joined South Carolina in the summer. Coached by Michael Stroup, he made 57-of-65 career PATs and 16-of-23 field goals, including a career-long 51-yard field goal in 2024. He also averaged 38.1 yards per punt in 2023. In 2024, he was 24-of-27 on PATs and 7-of-11 in field goals. As a junior, he went 33-of-38 on PATs and 9-of-12 in field goals with a long of 45 yards. His father, Jay Kelley, was a former All-American honorable mention placekicker at Liberty. He also played baseball.

#32 AJ Holloway, LB

A linebacker from Buford High School in Georgia, enrolled at South Carolina in January. In his senior season, he helped lead the Wolves to a 12-1 record and a spot in the 6A Georgia State playoff semifinals, recording 71 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and nine quarterback hurries. He also caused and recovered a fumble. As a junior, Holloway totaled 45 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and one interception. He was born on August 9, 2007.

#0 Lex Cyrus, WR

Lex Cyrus, a speedy wide receiver from Susquehanna Township High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, enrolled at the University of South Carolina in January 2025. Throughout his high school career, he amassed 130 receptions for 2,054 yards and 22 touchdowns. In his senior year, he contributed to an 8-3 record with 59 catches for 898 yards and nine touchdowns. As a junior, he recorded 67 receptions for 1,115 yards and 13 touchdowns, plus a return touchdown. Coached by Joe Headen, Cyrus also excelled in track and field, winning gold in the 100-meter dash at the PIAA 3A state championship as a sophomore and bronze as a junior, with personal bests of 10.41 seconds in the 100 meters, 21.64 seconds in the 200 meters, and a 6-foot-2 high jump. He was born on January 22, 2007.

#13 Malik Clark, WR

A highly recruited wide receiver from Rock Hill High School, enrolled at South Carolina in January. A finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football Award and an all-state selection, he recorded 68 catches for 976 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. In 2023, he tallied 46 receptions for 800 yards and nine touchdowns, helping his team reach the state playoffs. Also a track standout, he placed third in the 100-meter dash at the South Carolina 5A state meet with a 10.62 and won the 5A Upper State title with a 10.55. Clark also saw limited action at cornerback on defense.

#15 Cutter Woods, QB

The sole quarterback in South Carolina's 2025 signing class, enrolled in January. A standout at Westside High School in Anderson, S.C., he passed for 11,225 yards and 120 touchdowns over his four-year career. Woods was a finalist for South Carolina's Mr. Football Award and was named the 2024 MaxPreps South Carolina High School Player of the Year for the second consecutive year after throwing for 3,469 yards and 43 touchdowns. He also led the Rams to a 13-1 record and a runner-up finish in the Class AAAA state playoffs in 2024. Woods previously led Westside to a 14-1 record and the 2023 Class AAAA state title, throwing for 3,915 yards, 42 touchdowns, and running for 345 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was born on October 10, 2006.

#17 Jayden Sellers, WR

Also known as "Puppy," Sellers is a wide receiver from South Florence High School in Florence, S.C., enrolled at South Carolina in January, reuniting with his brother, quarterback LaNorris Sellers. In his senior season, he helped lead the Bruins to a state championship with 59 receptions for 1,016 yards and 14 touchdowns, plus 58 carries for 485 yards and 10 scores. He caught seven passes for 121 yards and three touchdowns in the state title game. Sellers was named to the South Carolina Football Coaches Association 4A All-State team and selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. As a junior, he had 27 catches for 295 yards and six touchdowns before suffering a torn ACL. Sellers was part of the South Florence squad that won the AAAA state title in 2022, catching 39 passes for 827 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was born on March 20, 2007.

#18 Brian Rowe Jr., WR

A wide receiver from Jay M. Robinson High School in Concord, N.C., enrolled at South Carolina in January. Over the last three years of his high school career, he recorded 120 catches for 2,332 yards and 31 touchdowns. As a senior in 2024, Rowe caught 46 passes for 935 yards and 11 touchdowns, helping his team to a 12-1 record and a third-round appearance in the state 3A playoffs. He was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Rowe also had a standout junior season with 50 catches for 1,063 yards and 15 touchdowns, along with three punt return touchdowns. In addition to football, he plays basketball and competes in track & field. Rowe was born on February 20, 2007.

#19 Damarcus Leach, Safety

A defensive back from Abbeville High School in South Carolina, enrolled in South Carolina in January. As a senior in 2024, he helped lead the Panthers to a 13-1 record and a state championship. Leach was named to the South Carolina Football Coaches Association all-class all-state team and selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. A two-way player, he primarily played safety but also stepped in as a quarterback in 2023 to help his team reach the AA playoffs semifinals. Leach is also a multi-sport athlete, excelling in basketball and track and field, with top performances in high jump, triple jump, and long jump. He was born on December 5, 2006.

#18 Jaquel Holman, DB

A defensive back in his first season at South Carolina, joined the team in January. He graduated from Blackville-Hilda High School, where he helped the Fighting Hawks achieve a 9-3 record in 2024. Holman was an all-state all-purpose performer, rushing for 1,528 yards and 16 touchdowns while also recording 38 tackles as a senior. As a junior in 2023, he earned South Carolina Region 4-A Player of the Year honors, rushing for 1,610 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also contributing on defense with 76 tackles and an interception. Holman is a multi-sport athlete, excelling in track and field as a state champion in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, and also played basketball. He was born on September 5, 2006.

#27 Donovan Darden, LB

Linebacker prospect who graduated early and enrolled at South Carolina in January. From Havelock (N.C.) High School, he recorded 85 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and 29 hurries in 2024, helping the Rams to a 12-2 record. He played both defensive end and quarterback, and was selected for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. In 2023, he had 46 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two interceptions, and 283 yards of total offense (143 rushing, 140 passing) with three touchdowns. He also competed in track and field with notable performances in the long jump, shot put, and hurdles.

#29 Taeshawn Alston, LB

Linebacker prospect who joined South Carolina in January. Graduated from Vance County High School in Henderson, N.C., where he was selected for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. He helped the Vipers achieve an 8-3 record and a spot in the 3A state playoffs as a senior, with 38 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. As a junior in 2023, he had 27 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. He also had a strong career with 67 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore. A multi-sport athlete, he also played basketball, baseball, and ran track.

#88 Caleb Williams, DL

Defensive line prospect who enrolled at South Carolina in January. Graduated from Matoaca High School in Chesterfield, Va., where he played four years of varsity football. As a senior, he had 58 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in 8 games, helping the Warriors achieve a 10-2 record and reach the Region semifinals. In 2023, he logged 95 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks. As a sophomore, he posted 50 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and multiple forced fumbles. He also made an impact as a freshman with 20 tackles and 5 sacks.

#72 Shedrick Sarratt, OL

Offensive lineman prospect who enrolled at South Carolina in January. Graduated from Gaffney (S.C.) High School, where he was a three-year starter and the anchor of the offensive line. Named one of five finalists for South Carolina's Mr. Football Award and to the South Carolina Football Coaches Association all-state team. Averaged three knockdown blocks and five pancake blocks per game, grading out at 88% over his last three seasons. Helped the Indians achieve a 10-2 record in 2024, reaching the state AAAAA Division II semifinals. He also averaged 6.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in basketball.

Anthony Addison, Edge

Edge rusher who enrolled at South Carolina in January. Graduated from Sumter (S.C.) High School, where he helped lead the team to a 12-1 record and a spot in the State 5A semifinals in 2024. Accumulated 112 tackles, including 21.5 tackles for loss, and led the team with 10 sacks and 14 quarterback hurries. Caused and recovered four fumbles. Named to the South Carolina Football Coaches Association 5A All-State team and selected for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. As a junior, he totaled 96 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and six sacks, helping Sumter reach the 2023 5A quarterfinals.

#22 Jaquavious Dodd, Edge

Edge rusher who enrolled at South Carolina in January. Graduated from Eastside High School in Taylors, S.C., where he played for head coach Andre Woolcock. Named to the 2024 5A All-State team by the South Carolina Football Coaches Association and selected to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. As a senior, he recorded 92 tackles, including 61 solo tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and 20 quarterback hurries. In his junior season, he posted 48 tackles and 12 sacks.

Kobby Sakyi-Prah, Edge

Edge rusher who joined the squad in the summer. Attended Roswell (Ga.) High School, where he recorded 51 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries as a senior. Helped Roswell to a 9-3 record and a second-round appearance in the Georgia AAAAA state playoffs. As a sophomore in 2022, he primarily played as an interior pass rusher, contributing to the Hornets’ semifinal run in the AAAAAAA playoffs. He finished with 89 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and six hurries.