In a busy opening week of the 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal window, South Carolina added three more impact players to its roster in the last couple of days including Texas Tech transfer kicker Upton Bellenfant, Kentucky transfer cornerback Quay’sheed Scott, and NC State transfer offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak.
Meet the Transfers
Upton Bellenfant, Kicker (Texas Tech / Buffalo)
South Carolina bolstered its special teams by securing Upton Bellenfant, a veteran kicker with a strong track record across multiple programs. His resume includes an efficient stint at Buffalo that earned All-MAC honors. Bellenfant connected on 24-of-27 field goal attempts during his collegiate career and went a perfect 6-for-6 on field goals this past season at Texas Tech.
BREAKING: Texas Tech transfer Kicker Upton Bellenfant has signed with South Carolina, per @PeteNakos of @On3sports
— Walker Gaskins (@WGSports_CFB) January 8, 2026
The 6’1”, 185 lb Kicker spent 1 year at Buffalo, where their HC is former South Carolina Special Teams Coordinator Pete Lembo. He then spent 1 year with the Red… pic.twitter.com/0HnzXAmHYQ
Bellenfant’s experience and leg strength offer immediate upgrades in late-game situations and field position battles.
Quay’sheed Scott, Cornerback (Kentucky)
The Gamecocks also locked in Quay’sheed Scott, a physical cornerback from Kentucky. In 2025, Scott posted 39 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and one interception, showcasing the versatility to line up in multiple coverage roles.
Really interested to see Quay'sheed Scott fit into South Carolina defense.
— Matt O'Brien (@mattobrien31) January 9, 2026
Based on returning talent on roster, would say Scott should be able to best compete at Safety & Nickel.
Here is is in 2-high against FL, showing ability to open hips & cover ground to get a INT. pic.twitter.com/h58DBFbGze
Adding Scott to the roster will strengthen depth and competition in the secondary, thus giving the Gamecocks more options in nickel and boundary coverage against SEC passing attacks. His production this past season suggests an ability to contribute early in Columbia.
Jacarrius Peak, Offensive Tackle (NC State)
The headliner of the three transfers is Jacarrius Peak, a former 4-star recruit from NC State and one of the top offensive linemen in the portal cycle. Ranked as the No. 3 overall player in On3’s portal rankings and listed as one of the premier tackles available, Peak brings size, experience and versatility to a struggling Gamecocks offensive line.
Peak has logged more than 2,200 snaps in his college career, starting primarily at left tackle last season after rotating across the line during his Wolfpack tenure.
South Carolina makes a statement in the transfer portal, landing NC State offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak.#SouthCarolinaFootball #Gamecocks #CollegeFootball #TransferPortal
— 𝐿𝒶𝓊𝓇𝑒𝓃 𝐵𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓁𝑒𝓎 (@LBknowsBall) January 9, 2026
South Carolina lands No. 1 transfer offensive tackle in massive portal win https://t.co/IopVW2ACz6
South Carolina’s offensive line has been a point of emphasis in this transfer cycle due to a limiting factor on both pass protection and the run game. Landing a top-tier tackle like Peak signals a commitment to upgrading upfront talent immediately for the Gamecocks.
What This Means for South Carolina
This trio of transfers reflects a strategic recalibration by head coach Shane Beamer and his coaching staff after a disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2025. South Carolina is clearly going all-in in the Transfer Portal to accelerate the program's competitiveness in the SEC by closing the gaps from last season.
By adding more reliability and leg strength on special teams, depth and playmaking in the secondary, and elite talent to both protect the QB and opening running lanes, South Carolina is checking all the boxes.