In the latest twist of the 2026 recruiting cycle, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin — nicknamed “The Snake” for his bold, last-minute moves on the trail — reportedly made a late-night attempt to flip South Carolina’s prized quarterback commit, Landon Duckworth. But despite the aggressive pursuit, signs continue to point toward Duckworth remaining loyal to the Gamecocks.
A High-Stakes Midnight Move
Multiple sources confirmed that Kiffin reached out to Duckworth in what was described as a late-night push, hoping to sway the dynamic four-star quarterback away from his pledge to South Carolina. Kiffin has developed a reputation for swooping in late to flip top offensive recruits, especially quarterbacks, making his involvement no surprise as signing periods draw closer.
But this time, the move doesn’t appear to have made the dent he hoped for.
Duckworth Still Solid With the Gamecocks
Despite Kiffin’s efforts, insiders around the South Carolina program remain confident that Duckworth is expected to sign with the Gamecocks. The 6-foot-2 signal caller has been one of the cornerstone recruits in Shane Beamer’s 2026 class — a player the staff believes could become the future face of the offense.
Duckworth has repeatedly spoken highly of the culture Beamer is building, his connection with the staff, and the vision South Carolina has laid out for him. Those bonds seem to be holding strong even in the face of high-profile poaching attempts.
Why Duckworth Is So Highly Coveted
Landon Duckworth isn’t just another four-star recruit — he’s one of the most naturally gifted quarterbacks in the Southeast:
- Big-time arm strength paired with advancing accuracy
- True dual-threat ability and pocket mobility
- Leadership qualities that evaluators consistently highlight
- Experience running multiple offensive looks at the high school level
With programs across the SEC in search of their next elite quarterback, Duckworth’s recruitment was destined to attract attention — and pressure.
Shane Beamer’s Recruiting Wins Continue
Holding onto a recruit of Duckworth’s caliber would mark another major victory for Shane Beamer’s staff, especially during a cycle where competition for quarterbacks has been fierce. It also reinforces a growing theme in Columbia: despite outside noise, the Gamecocks are developing deeper relationships and stronger brand value on the recruiting trail.
It’s no secret that rival programs have tried to chip away at South Carolina’s class, but Beamer’s staff has remained steady. Duckworth staying on board would be further proof that the Gamecocks’ recruiting foundation is strengthening.
Eyes on Signing Day
While nothing is official until the pen hits paper, all current indications suggest that Duckworth remains locked in with South Carolina. The Gamecocks fully expect him to sign, despite the late surge from Kiffin.
As signing day approaches, fans will continue to keep a close eye on the situation, but for now, it appears Shane Beamer is on the brink of securing one of the most important commitments of his 2026 class.
