SEC Recruiting Class Grades

AI-analyzed recruiting class evaluations with position-by-position breakdowns

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University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina

Class of 2026 Recruiting Analysis

A-
Overall Score: 90
B+
Offense
A-
Defense
A-
Special Teams
90
Overall Score

Position Grades

B+
IOL (3)
A
S (1)
A
DL (2)
A-
EDGE (2)
A
QB (1)
A-
ATH (1)
A-
CB (1)
C
LB (1)
C-
WR (1)

Strengths

IOL depth (3)

Areas to Address

None significant

Needs Addressed
DL (2)
Remaining Needs
None

Full Analysis

**Class Quality and SEC Competitiveness:** South Carolina has assembled a remarkably well-rounded recruiting class that should be competitive within the SEC despite lacking any 5-star commits. With 10 four-star recruits and an overall score of 90/100, this class demonstrates excellent talent evaluation and roster construction. The compact size of 13 commits allows for higher average talent per recruit, and the fact that all identified needs have been addressed suggests strategic recruiting planning that prioritizes quality and fit over pure volume. **Key Impact Players and Strategic Additions:** The crown jewel of this class is the interior offensive line depth, headlined by Darius Gray (#37 nationally) and supported by Zyon Guiles, addressing one of the most crucial position groups for sustained success. Defensively, the Gamecocks made significant strides with four-star additions Aiden Harris and Noah Clark bolstering the defensive line, while J'Zavien Currence provides immediate safety depth. The dual EDGE rushers in Julian Walker and Andrew Harris give the defense much-needed pass rush capability. Quarterback Landon Duckworth, while ranked #132 nationally, represents solid future planning at the position, and versatile athlete Sequel Patterson provides valuable depth and special teams contributions. **Areas of Assessment:** Remarkably, South Carolina appears to have no glaring unfilled needs according to their recruiting board, which speaks to either excellent planning or realistic expectation-setting. The primary concern might be the lack of a true difference-making 5-star talent that can immediately elevate the program's ceiling in the competitive SEC landscape. However, the depth across both lines of scrimmage and the well-distributed talent across position groups suggests this class prioritizes building a solid foundation over seeking headline-grabbing recruits, which may prove more sustainable for long-term program building.

Report generated: Jan 14, 2026