LIVE UPDATE: SOUTH CAROLINA’S RUNNING BACK BATTLE HEATS UP
A year ago, there was no real debate—Rocket Sanders was South Carolina’s clear-cut RB1 the moment he transferred from Arkansas. Now, with Sanders off to the NFL after an impressive season (nearly 900 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns), head coach Shane Beamer is making it clear: the starting job is wide open.
No Clear Favorite in 2025
Unlike last season, no one in the Gamecocks’ running back room has the pedigree of Sanders. That means true competition, and perhaps, a new dynamic. Will one back emerge as the go-to guy? Or will we see a committee approach, with multiple players bringing different skills to the table?
Right now, two veteran names stand out—and here’s a wild stat: by November, South Carolina could have two 25-year-old tailbacks.
That’s right. Oscar Adaway III (born Oct. 17, 2000) and Rahsul Faison (born Feb. 20, 2000) won’t just be key figures in USC’s backfield—they’ll also be able to rent cars without extra fees. That might just be a college football first.
Meet the Top Contenders
Both Adaway and Faison bring plenty of experience, and both could see significant playing time—regardless of who gets the starting nod.
Adaway, who transferred from North Texas, was a reliable backup for Sanders but had limited chances to showcase himself as an SEC feature back. That changed in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, when Sanders opted out, giving Adaway his moment.
He seized it. 14 carries, 69 yards, and a standout 36-yard touchdown on fourth-and-1, where he broke a tackle, bounced outside, and sprinted to the end zone.
Beamer took notice.
“We’re really fired up about Oscar,” Beamer said. “That fourth-down run was a really, really good one. He also did some nice things out of the backfield.”
Then there’s Faison, who put up big numbers at Utah State last season. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound back was one of the Mountain West’s best, racking up 1,109 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, and multiple 100-yard performances—including against Utah and Boise State.
Beamer is equally excited about his skillset.
“When you watch his tape, he’s a threat out of the backfield,” Beamer said. “He’s physical but can also make defenders miss in space.”
Faison was originally NFL-bound—but when the NCAA passed the ‘Pavia Rule’, extending eligibility for former JUCO players, he jumped at the chance for another year. South Carolina wasted no time securing his commitment.
“(The USC coaches) basically told me I have an opportunity to come be the guy,” Faison told The State. “Obviously, there are a lot of young guys, but we can learn from each other, and may the best man win.”
The Young Guns Waiting in the Wings
While Adaway and Faison lead the pack, they’re not alone. Redshirt freshman Matthew Fuller and redshirt sophomore Jawarn Howell—who transferred in after a sensational freshman season at South Carolina State—could also make a push.
“We’re really fired up about Jawarn Howell,” Beamer said. “You saw some flashes in the bowl game (five carries, 31 yards). And Matthew Fuller is a young guy with a big upside.”
What’s Next?
Unlike last season, when Sanders was the undisputed RB1, this year’s Gamecocks rushing attack will look very different. Will experience win out, or will youth rise to the occasion?
With quarterback LaNorris Sellers leading the offense, this will be one of the biggest position battles to watch. Stay tuned.
