News Summary
The South Carolina Gamecocks football team is making impressive strides in recruiting for the 2026 class, securing commitments from several highly-rated prospects. Notable commitments include four-star guard Zyon Guiles and interior lineman Anthony Baxter. The coaching staff continues to pursue additional talent, with top targets like six-foot-six offensive tackle Kamari Blair in their sights. The focus remains on building a competitive roster for the future, as the Gamecocks aim to strengthen their overall recruiting efforts.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Gamecocks football program is making significant strides in securing its future with the recent commitments of several highly-rated prospects for the 2026 recruiting class. Under the guidance of offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, the Gamecocks have successfully recruited seven blue-chip prospects over the last three signing classes, marking a noteworthy achievement in their recruiting efforts.
Among the latest additions to this promising class is Zyon Guiles, a four-star guard from Carvers Bay, who has already committed to the Gamecocks. Furthermore, South Carolina has also secured the commitment of Anthony Baxter, an interior lineman from Rock Hill. These key signings are indicative of the coaching staff’s effective recruitment strategies and their ability to attract top-level talent.
The Gamecocks are not stopping with these commitments; they are actively pursuing additional prospects within the 2026 recruiting cycle. One of the prominent targets is Kamari Blair, a towering 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive tackle from Tennessee. Blair has narrowed his choices to six schools, including South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. He has scheduled several official visits, including one to South Carolina on June 6, as well as visits to Wisconsin on May 30, Florida State on June 9, Ole Miss on June 13, and Kentucky on June 20.
Blair’s recent unofficial visit to South Carolina during spring practice has raised interest among Gamecocks fans, as he possesses impressive athleticism, showcasing potential as both a pass protector and a run blocker. The Gamecocks’ offensive line has been a key focus of recruitment as they aim to build a strong foundation for future success.
In addition to Blair, the South Carolina coaching staff has its sights set on several other notable targets, including Sequel Patterson, a four-star athlete in the class of 2027, as well as Tamarion Watkins, a four-star defensive back in the class of 2026. Watkins currently has a trimmed list of schools that includes South Carolina, indicating the Gamecocks’ competitive position in his recruitment.
South Carolina is also laying the groundwork for future classes by extending offers to various prospects in the classes of 2027 and 2028. Some of these prospects include EDGE rusher George Parkinson and several talented quarterbacks, reflecting the coaching staff’s commitment to building depth and strength across all positions.
During this evaluation period, the Gamecocks coaching staff is actively busy assessing talent and extending new scholarship offers. Another prospect on their radar is Tilden Riley, a tight end from Orangeburg Preparatory School. Riley has developed a strong rapport with the Gamecocks’ coaches and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the program. He plans to make several official visits as part of his recruitment process.
Apart from football, Riley is an exceptional athlete in other sports—he excels in basketball, averaging 18.8 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, and is also a standout baseball player with a .457 batting average this season. His multi-sport athleticism further enhances his profile as a valuable recruit.
The South Carolina Gamecocks continue to strengthen their recruiting efforts with these key commitments and ongoing recruiting pursuits. As they work to build a competitive roster, the focus remains on attracting top talent that will contribute to the program’s long-term success on the football field.
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: South Carolina Gamecocks Recruiting News
- On3: Kamari Blair Recruiting Update
- 247Sports: South Carolina Football Recruiting May 16, 2025
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Google Search: South Carolina Football Recruiting
