Still waiting...
South Carolina's backfield remains in limbo as the 2025 quickly approaches, and that uncertainty centers around one name: Rahsul Faison. The Gamecocks are still waiting on the NCAA to approve a waiver that would allow the Utah State transfer to suit up this fall, and the patience is growing thin.
Faison had initially been preparing to go pro, as he had earned multiple invites to postseason all-star games and was on the radar of NFL scouts. But after entering the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately deciding to commit to South Carolina, the NCAA hit the pause button on his football journey, denying his initial eligibility request.
The issue? His non-playing years.
Faison did not play in 2020 at Lackawanna Community College or in 2021 while enrolled at Marshall. He later returned to JUCO at Snow College before transferring to Utah State for two seasons. His appeal is similar to that of Vanderbilt's QB1 Deigo Pavia, who was granted an extra year of eligibility.
Faison recently spoke to On3's Pete Nakos about the emotional toll the uncertainty has taken on him:
“It makes me nervous, just because I’ve worked so hard to get to where I’m at today,” he said. “If I get the waiver, it’s a life-changing opportunity… just being able to play this season could change everything. It’s definitely stressful, especially coming from my background. I have a lot of family depending on me.”
The demands for a decision has been loud and clear across social media from fans and media, alike. Even Faison himself, has posted about his frustration in waiting.
— Rahsul faison🔋 (@__sul3) May 14, 2025
This shii gone get serious when they give me my year back 🫡
— Rahsul faison🔋 (@__sul3) June 25, 2025
— Rahsul faison🔋 (@__sul3) June 28, 2025
@NCAA @NCAAFootball We're not gonna stop until you all give Rahsul Faison his extra year that he clearly has reserved. Not sure why the decision has to even take this long on a clear case such as his. The decision should've been made months ago. Stop playing around and free him.
— Definition40 (@JohnsonJerme) June 25, 2025
Keep Fighting, Rahsul Faison!!! Gamecock Nation's Got U Covered!!!🤙🫡🕑 @__sul3 pic.twitter.com/Ua5c3rn0P9
— Traylor Calwile (@CalwileTraylor) June 25, 2025
“He’s dying to play. He deserves the chance.” 💥
— GarnetAndCocky.com (@GarnetNCocky) June 14, 2025
Gamecock Nation is still waiting—but AD Jeremiah Donati is pushing hard for Rahsul Faison’s NCAA eligibility.
Time’s ticking.https://t.co/chbEDnCXE3
In the meantime, as Faison, the coaching staff, and Gamecock Nation anxiously awaits an answer, Faison is practicing with the team. But he is also preparing for both realities: one where he gets to play in garnet and black, and one where he enters the 2026 NFL Draft without another college snap.
The clock is ticking...and for a South Carolina program is desperate need of depth in the RB room, the decision can't come fast enough.