South Carolina RB Rahsul Faison to learn NCAA eligibility fate this week

Gamecock running back Rahsul Faison has remained in eligibility limbo with the NCAA for months. As the season draws near, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for a decision.
Nov 16, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer directs his team against the Missouri Tigers in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer directs his team against the Missouri Tigers in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel for South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison. The 6-foot, 218-pound RB transferred to Columbia from Utah State after a strong 2023 season. Faison has been at South Carolina since January, suited up for spring practice, and even appeared at the Garnet & Black Spring Game. But Faison, the coaching staff, and fans have been sitting on pins and needles since his arrival, awaiting a final ruling from the NCAA on his eligibility to play. And like all of us, he is just doing what he can in the meantime. “I’m still preparing like I’m going to be playing this season,” Faison told reporters recently.

Well, finally there is an update. The ruling is expected by July 9, and it cannot come soon enough.

Faison's football future, as well as his financial future, has been stuck in purgaotry for months as the NCAA has drawn out and mulled over whether he is entitled to an additional year of eligibility. South Carolina is the fifth program in Faison's football journey, but that path includes seasons cancelled due to the pandemic, JUCO stints, and a grayshirt year as well. All of these things seem to muddy the waters of eligibility for the running back. And the waiting has created a lot of frustration as the team has anxiously awaited to hear the decision. Head coach Shane Beamer has not been quiet about the situation either. He has called the whole process "frustrating" and "disappointing."

Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel for South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison. The 6-foot, 218-pound RB transferred to Columbia from Utah State after a strong 2023 season. Faison has been at South Carolina since January, suited up for spring practice, and even appeared at the Garnet & Black Spring Game. But Faison, the coaching staff, and fans have been sitting on pins and needles since his arrival, awaiting a final ruling from the NCAA on his eligibility to play. And like all of us, he is just doing what he can in the meantime. “I’m still preparing like I’m going to be playing this season,” Faison told reporters recently.

Well, finally there is an update. The ruling is expected by July 9, and it cannot come soon enough.

Faison's football future, as well as his financial future, has been stuck in purgaotry for months as the NCAA has drawn out and mulled over whether he is entitled to an additional year of eligibility. South Carolina is the fifth program in Faison's football journey, but that path includes seasons cancelled due to the pandemic, JUCO stints, and a grayshirt year as well. All of these things seem to muddy the waters of eligibility for the running back. And the waiting has created a lot of frustration as the team has anxiously awaited to hear the decision. Head coach Shane Beamer has not been quiet about the situation either. He has called the whole process "frustrating" and "disappointing."

Faison has never had any disciplinary issues. He has already earned a degree from Utah State. His football career has been delayed for reasons beyond his control, and unfortunately now his future is in someone else's hands. As the July 9 date approaches, Faison will continue to practice and train as if everything is normal at South Carolina. Because that is what faith looks like when you are caught between red tape and a dream.