South Carolina lineman plans to transfer again after 1 year with the Gamecocks

Another Gamecock has entered the portal. South Carolina offensive lineman Nick Sharpe plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal when it officially opens on Jan. 2. Sharpe, a 6-foot-2, 330-pound guard, announced his decision on December 3 via social media. The graduate transfer will have one year of eligibility remaining.

“I want to thank the University of South Carolina for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play here,” Sharpe wrote. “After talking with my family and a lot of prayer, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal. I will be doing so as a graduate transfer with one year remaining.”

Sharpe is a Gastonia, North Carolina native, and spent four seasons with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons before making the move to Columbia for his final year. He spent a single season with the Gamecocks after transferring, making five starts on the offensive line this season and appearing in a total of 17 games over his collegiate career.

Sharpe is not the only South Carolina player expected to explore other opportunities. Linebacker Jaron Willis has also announced he will enter the portal.

Wilis, a former four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, originally signed with Ole Miss before transferring to South Carolina following his reshirt freshman season. He spent three seasons with the Gamecocks, appearing in 20 career games and recording nine total tackles along with two fumble recoveries.

With South Carolina's season now complete, and no bowl game on the horizon, the program has shifted its focus to the offseason and roster reconstruction for the 2026 campaign. Normal for this time of year, personnel movement has begun, and Sharpe becomes one of the first few Gamecocks to make his intentions known ahead of the winter transfer window.

The Transfer Portal will officially open in early January, although players across the nation have already begun announcing their plans. South Carolina is expected to be active in the portal once again this offseason. The arrival of new offensive coaches is also expected to influence personnel decisions moving forward.

Here’s a look at the latest South Carolina transfer portal departures so far:

• TE Michael Smith (Oct. 7)
• OL Nick Sharpe (Dec. 3)
• DL Zavion Hardy (Dec. 4)
• WR Emazon Littlejohn (Dec. 4)
• LB Jaron Willis (Dec. 7)