South Carolina star receiver Nyck Harbor delivered the best performance of his young career, even as the Gamecocks fell 31–30 to No. 3 Texas A&M on Saturday. But what began as a breakout afternoon ended in concern, as Harbor was forced to leave the game late with an injury.
With less than three minutes remaining and South Carolina trailing by a single point, Harbor hauled in a crucial 18-yard completion on 4th-and-6 to extend the drive. Immediately after the catch, though, he remained on the ground, lying on his side while trainers rushed out to assist him.
Harbor was eventually able to get to his feet and walk off with medical staff, heading straight into the team’s injury tent. Moments before the game ended, he was seen walking toward the locker room alongside a trainer.
After the loss, head coach Shane Beamer offered a short update on Harbor’s condition.
“As I walked in here, the plan was to take him to the hospital,” Beamer said. “Just saw him in the training room with his dad. He landed on the sideline, and the guy came down on his chest. So I think they just want to, from a precautionary standpoint, make sure everything’s OK. So keep him in your prayers.”
Before the injury, Harbor put together a spectacular outing: three receptions, a career-high 102 yards, and an 80-yard touchdown that pushed South Carolina ahead 27–3 in the second quarter. After scoring, Harbor sprinted into the tunnel—where a controversial moment unfolded.
A Texas DPS Trooper appeared to shoulder into Harbor and Oscar Adaway III, a collision that quickly caught national attention. When asked about the incident, Beamer said he had not been aware of what occurred.
“Got a ton of respect for the people here in College Station,” he said. “They’re just a first-class operation, everybody. From a game operation standpoint, they really do a great job. They’re first-class people, so appreciate them handling that the right way, sending (the trooper) home.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement on X at 3:06 p.m. Saturday acknowledging the situation and confirming action was taken.
The department stated the DPS Trooper was sent home, adding, “Our Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter. No additional information will be released at this time.”
