South Carolina lost top running back Marshawn Lloyd to Southern Cal last year as a transfer. Could the Gamecocks gain a quarterback transfer from the Trojans? It’s way too early to know where things might lead, but Southern Cal freshman quarterback Malachi Nelson (6-3 190) told us today he does have interest in the Gamecocks. ”Of course, there is an interest in SC, love what they do with qbs,” Nelson responded in a direct message. Nelson’s name hit the Transfer Portal Monday, and he should have his pick of programs looking for a transfer quarterback this month. He was one of the top quarterbacks nationally in the 2023 class and enrolled at Southern Cal in March. He appeared in one game this season completing one of three passes for no yards. Pete Nakos of On3 later reported Nelson’s “camp” has had contact from Tulane, TCU, South Carolina, Houston and Cal. Nelson is a native of Los Alamitos, CA In his three year high school career Nelson passed for 5086 yards with 70 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
The Gamecocks are in the market for a transfer quarterback after losing Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann Monday to LSU. Swann apparently committed to Beamer Sunday afternoon, initiating a commitment alert by Beamer, only to publicly announce Monday afternoon for the Tigers. He never announced a commitment to the Gamecocks.
Texas transfer Maalik Murphy visited on Saturday in between stops at Duke and Oregon State. He was the backup to Quinn Ewers this season and started two games. There is also former Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson in the Portal. Jefferson certainly knows USC offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains and receivers coach Justin Stepp. Both were at Arkansas with him. However, Brad Crawford of 247Sports reported Tuesday afternoon the Gamecocks won’t be involved with Jefferson with Miami, UCF and TCU more likeily possibilities.
USC offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains may also have some interest in recent Portal entrant Robbie Ashford of Auburn.
Monday night, a source said Gamecock commitment Vanderbilt transfer WR Jayden McGowan could end up at Boston College. The source said the NIL deal would be the difference maker. McGowan did not respond to a request for comment. He did post on X a response to a comment from an apparent Gamecock fan: “No decisions I make are because of money. I am perfectly fine with my financial situation now. God is involved in every decision I make, and your comment isn’t going to convince me otherwise.”
The Gamecocks apparently will not sign WR/DB Zy’Marion Lang of Sarasota, FL according to TheBigSpur. Lang publicly committed to the Gamecocks July 30th over Pittsburgh, Kansas State and USF.
USC commitment Braydon Lee of Springdale, MD, who has been getting a late push from Maryland, has set 12:00 PM Wednesday for his signing. He plans to stream the announcement live on his Instagram page.
TCU QB Chandler Morris, the son of former Clemson OC and QB coach and current analyst Chad Morris, is in the Transfer Portal.
Former Clemson DE David Ojiegbe has committed to Pitt.
Former Clemson DT Etinosa Reuben and former Tiger OL Paul Tchio, who were at Georgia Tech, are in the Transfer Portal again.
USC target WR Debron Gattling of Alpharetta, GA plans to announce his decision at 9:00 AM Wednesday. He will stream his announcement live on his Instagram. Gatling, whose Milton High team won the 7A State Championship in Georgia last weekend, decommitted from Texas A&M December 11th. He made an official visit to USC the weekend of the Kentucky game.
USC target Texas Tech transfer OT Monroe Mills committed to Louisville. He visited USC last weekend.
USC target Texas A&J DT LT Overton committed to Alabama.
Clemson offered 2025 OT Ata Matau (6-5 320) of Milpitis, CA. He also has offers from Ole Miss, Eastern Washington, Northern Colorado, Arkansas State, Maine and Campbell.
USC offered 2026 WR Jamel Howse Jr. (6-4 180) of Newberry.
Irmo RB Jaden Allen-Hendrix committed to Oklahoma State. He rushed for over 2200 yards and scored 25 rushing touchdowns this season. He played in the Touchstone Energy Bowl this month and had 61 rushing yards on 10 carries.