After months of uncertainty, Rahsul Faison finally has clarity. The NCAA ruled Monday that South Carolina’s transfer running back is eligible to play in the 2025 season.
Faison, who joined the Gamecocks in January, will suit up this Sunday when South Carolina faces Virginia Tech in Atlanta.
The news sparked widespread reactions online, beginning with Faison himself. Shortly after the ruling, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Thank you God” followed by three praying hands emojis. Just hours earlier, he had dropped a cryptic post with five praying hands emojis, hinting at the decision to come.
South Carolina’s official football account (@GamecockFB) was ready with its own announcement. In a 14-second video, a staff member hangs a black jersey in a locker. Once they step aside, Faison’s No. 1 jersey is revealed, set to Kanye West’s “God Is” from Jesus Is King. The post has already topped 220,000 views.
Athletics director Jeremiah Donati praised the ruling, posting:
“I applaud the NCAA for looking at all of the facts in Rahsul Faison’s appeal and making the right decision today. He has been patiently waiting for this decision, and we share in his excitement to have one more year of eligibility and be a member of our football team this year. #GoGamecocks.”
Faison’s attorney, Darren Heitner, who spearheaded the appeal, celebrated the outcome online:
“CONFIRMED. RAHSUL FAISON IS ELIGIBLE. #FREESUL.”
Heitner also gave credit to South Carolina’s senior associate athletics director, Erin Abbey, saying:
“Erin Abbey is one of the best there is in Compliance. I worked with her on the eligibility cases for Myles Stute and Rahsul Faison. Her hard work, attention to detail, and dedication to South Carolina athletes deserve praise from the entire fan base.”
Abbey oversees compliance operations for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, ensuring adherence to NCAA rules and educating athletes and coaches.
Heitner had also worked on the case of Gamecock men’s basketball guard Myles Stute, who was granted another year of eligibility in May. At the time, he “quote-tweeted” one of Faison’s posts, saying: “I’m gonna be cheering for you every Saturday.”
Faison’s agent, Bryan Miller of The Familie sports agency, also released a statement through CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz:
“First and foremost, I want to thank everyone at the University of South Carolina, attorney Darren Heitner, the NCAA and everyone here at The Familie who has been on this lengthy journey together. God makes no mistakes and I am beyond grateful that Rahsul has been approved to play. His resilience and determination never wavered! Despite the uncertainty, Rahsul never stopped working and he’s been locked in since the moment he got to Columbia. We all know how much this means to him and we are all excited to see against the Hokies in game 1. #SULFREE.”
Before transferring, Faison starred at Utah State, rushing for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 316 carries over two seasons. His former beat writer, Patrick Mayhorn of The Aggship, applauded the NCAA’s decision:
“Couldn’t be happier for Rahsul. I thought it said a lot about him that he battled through injuries to finish out the 2024 season at USU when a lot of players would have called it a day. He deserves the chance to play, especially after the NCAA spent months jerking him around.”
Fans and former teammates also chimed in with messages of support as Faison gears up for his debut with the Gamecocks.
South Carolina opens the 2025 season Sunday against Virginia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on ESPN.
