Just as he did on August 6, 2023, QB Landon Duckworth of Jackson, AL announced a commitment to South Carolina Friday night. Duckworth committed to the Gamecocks over Auburn. He also had Florida State, Ole Miss and North Carolina on his short list.
Duckworth carries the label as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the 2026 class. He competed in the Elite 11 Finals and will go into this season with 5735 career passing yards with 69 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
Duckworth, much like current USC quarterback LaNorris Sellers, is also an exceptional runner. He’s rushed for 1052 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career. The Gamecocks recruited him with the idea that he can come in and continue the style of quarterback play Sellers has established.
“We know LaNorris Sellers is there, and I think Landon fits a lot of that mold,” said Jackson High coach Cody Flurnoy. “When he decides to make that jump to the NFL, Landon would step right in and continue a lot of what Sellers has been able to do.”
A standout athlete, Duckworth also plays basketball and baseball for Jackson High School. On the hardwood last season he averaged 23 points and six rebounds per game.
Most importantly, Duckworth is a winner. He led the football team to a state championship last season, and he has been part of two straight basketball state championship teams.
“His skill set is ultra-athletic,” Flournoy said. “He was starting guard for the state championship basketball team. He’s a sprinter for us on the track team. He led us to the football state championship last fall, and we hope to do the same again this year.”
Duckworth only took official visits to USC and Auburn. He also took one final look at both places with unofficial visits to each in June. Some of his other offers were TCU, Florida, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Georgia, Florida State, Mississippi State and Nebraska.