South Carolina’s roster movement continues as senior linebacker Jaron Willis has officially announced that he will enter the NCAA transfer portal. The decision gives Willis one final opportunity to use his remaining one year of eligibility and potentially find a new program where he can earn a larger role in his final collegiate season.
Willis, who arrived in Columbia as a promising defensive piece, spent much of his time with the Gamecocks contributing in rotational roles and on special teams. Although he showed flashes of potential, he never secured a permanent starting spot in a linebacker room that saw steady competition and frequent reshuffling throughout South Carolina’s 2024 and 2025 campaigns.
His departure adds another name to a growing list of Gamecocks exploring new opportunities as head coach Shane Beamer continues reshaping the roster heading into 2026. With South Carolina looking to revamp key defensive areas after an up-and-down season, Willis’ exit opens additional scholarship space but also removes an experienced depth option from the linebacker unit.
South Carolina’s defense struggled with consistency this past season, especially in the front seven, where injuries and lineup changes made continuity difficult. Willis’ experience and physical skill set provided valuable rotational minutes, and his absence will create more urgency for younger players—or incoming transfer additions—to step into larger roles this offseason.
While Willis has not yet announced potential landing spots, he is expected to draw interest from Group of Five and possibly lower-tier Power Four programs seeking an experienced, athletic linebacker with SEC training. His versatility, special-teams value, and veteran presence could make him an appealing late-cycle addition for several programs.
As the transfer portal window continues, the Gamecocks will remain active on both sides—adding talent to plug holes across the defense while also seeing outgoing players pursue their final chapters elsewhere. Willis’ next stop has yet to be determined, but he’ll enter the portal with the opportunity to finish his college career as an impact contributor.
