Make that three commitments from top in-state talent in less than 24 hours for South Carolina coach Shane Beamer. 2026 TE Jamel Howse (6-4 210) announced his commitment to the Gamecocks Saturday afternoon about an hour following the commitment from WR Malik Clark.
Those two pledges followed the one late Friday afternoon from WR Jordon Gidron.
Howse chose the Gamecocks over other offers from Virginia Tech, Louisville, West Virginia, Cincinnati, UCF, South Florida, Liberty and Coastal Carolina.
USC became the fifth major offer for Howse last October. He’s made several visits including for a junior day in January, the spring game in April, and the ODU and LSU games this season. He did not attend Saturday’s game with Ole Miss.
“I talked to my parents and I really wanted to get it over with,” Howse said Saturday afternoon. “I feel like Carolina is home. That’s not really going to change. I’ve been thinking for a long time.”
Howse added that several factors played into his decision.
“The coaches. It’s close to home. The fan base is amazing. That’s what attracted me a lot.”
As a sophomore Howse had 36 catches for 789 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s a versatile tight end and he said USC tight ends coach Shawn Elliott explained how he would be used.
“I like how Coach Elliott told me I can really do anything,” Howse said. “He can split me out wide, bring me down, motion me. I’m cool with all that. I can do it all.”
Howse gives the Gamecocks four commitments for their 2026 class.