One of the top targets at quarterback for 2026 for South Carolina coach Shane Beamer and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula is off the board a few months earlier than expected.
Brady Smigiel 6-4 220) of Newport Park, CA announced Saturday afternoon that he has committed to Michigan over the Gamecocks, UCLA and Washington. Smigiel made springtime unofficial visits to all four schools and had planned to take his official visits in June before rendering a decision.
Smigiel and his family made a multi-day visit to USC in late March. He did likewise with Michigan in April when he was on hand for the Wolverines’ spring game. Per a source, Michigan made a very strong push for Smigiel while South Carolina, which has also been recruiting former commitment Landon Duckworth, apparently was not making the same push for Smigiel.
Last season Smigiel, who was once committed to Florida State, passed for 3521 yards and 49 touchdowns.
Duckworth (6-3 187) of Jackson, AL committed to South Carolina in August of 2023 and decommitted the following June. The Gamecocks, however, have gotten back heavily involved with Duckworth. He made an unofficial visit in April and is scheduled for an official visit June 6th. He also has official visits set with Georgia, Florida State and Ole Miss.
For his career Duckworth has thrown for 5735 yards and 69 touchdowns and has rushed for 1052 yards and 20 touchdowns.
At this point, South Carolina does not have any other offered 2026 quarterbacks on their board who are scheduled for an official visit.