South Carolina has landed a major transfer portal commitment at a critical position, securing offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak from NC State, sources confirm. Peak, a seasoned ACC starter, announced his commitment to the Gamecocks after entering the NCAA transfer portal. He was one of the most sought-after linemen in the cycle and fills an immediate need for South Carolina’s offensive front.
BREAKING: NC State standout transfer OT Jacarrius Peak has Committed to South Carolina, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 9, 2026
He’s the No. 3 Player (No. 1 OT) in the On3 Portal Rankingshttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/vaUzI8o082
Proven Power Five Experience
Peak started 32 consecutive games over the last three seasons at NC State. He also put in work on both the right and left tackle spots, giving him broad experience against top competitors. According to On3, he allowed only 13 pressures and three sacks while protecting the blindside last season. The Valdosta, Ga., native signed with NC State as a three-star prospect out of high school and quickly developed into one of the Wolfpack’s most consistent linemen.
One of the Best in the Portal
Multiple outlets have ranked Peak among the top offensive tackles and portal players in the country. On3’s portal rankings listed him as the No. 1 offensive tackle and among the elite transfer prospects nationally, obviously driving intense interest from Power Five programs before his commitment.
Why This Matters for South Carolina
South Carolina entered the offseason with a desperate need for experienced linemen after a challenging 2025 campaign. Adding a battle-tested tackle like Peak, who has logged significant Power Five snaps and handled top ACC rush threats, gives head coach Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles an immediate upgrade in both pass protection and run game cohesion.
Peak’s commitment to the Gamecocks also reflects a deliberate recruiting strategy. Beamer and his staff are not just adding bodies but targeting high-impact transfers who can start right away in an SEC-level offense. With linemen capable of anchoring both edges hard to find in the portal, this commitment stands out as a signature get in transfer cycle.