Marion Native with NFL Bloodlines Chooses Gamecocks After Two Years at Kentucky
South Carolina football received a significant boost to its secondary on Thursday when former Kentucky cornerback transfer Quaysheed Scottscott committed to the Gamecocks out of the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3. The Marion, South Carolina native’s decision marks a full-circle moment for a player who spurned the Gamecocks out of high school in 2024 for the bluegrass of Kentucky.
Second Chance for the Gamecocks
Scott (6-0, 196 pounds) announced on Thursday that he’s agreed to contract terms with the Gamecocks for the 2026 season, bringing his talents back to his home state after two productive seasons with the Wildcats. The transfer portal has given South Carolina another opportunity to land a player they heavily recruited coming out of Marion High School.
Scott entered the portal on January 5, quickly making his intentions clear about returning home to play for the Gamecocks.
Family Ties Run Deep
Scott’s connection to South Carolina football extends far beyond geography. His cousin, Cam Smith, currently is a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins; Cousin Xavier Legette, is currently a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers; Cousin, T.J. Sanders, currently plays defensive tackle at South Carolina, according to SportsTalk SC.
All three relatives have left significant marks on the program and professional football. Smith was a standout cornerback for the Gamecocks before being drafted by the Miami Dolphins, while Legette became a first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2024 after a spectacular senior season in Columbia. Sanders remains a key contributor on South Carolina’s defensive line with potential first-round NFL Draft aspirations himself.
During his high school recruitment, Scott proudly shared that he is the cousin of former Gamecock cornerback Cam Smith, now making waves in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, he’s related to Gamecock standout defensive tackle TJ Sanders, according to Sports Illustrated.
Kentucky Career Overview
Scott’s time in Lexington showed steady progression across his two seasons with the Wildcats. Scott totaled 39 tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception this season as a sophomore in 2024. Four of those tackles came in a loss to the Gamecocks in Columbia, giving South Carolina coaches a firsthand look at his abilities.
As a true freshman in 2024, Scott appeared in 11 games and recorded six total tackles. His best game that season came on the road against Florida in which he logged two tackles. The sophomore year represented significant growth, as in 12 games played as a true sophomore, Scott saw career highs total tackles (39) and interceptions (1).
According to his Kentucky bio, Scott saw action in 11 games as a freshman and totaled six tackles, missing the Tennessee game with injury. He got his first career tackle vs. Ohio and totaled a career-best two tackles at Florida and vs. Murray State.
High School Dominance
Scott arrived at Kentucky as a highly decorated recruit from Marion High School. He was rated a four-star recruit by On3 and a three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. On3 had him as the No. 5 player in South Carolina.
His high school career was nothing short of spectacular. Scott totaled 1,616 career receiving yards with 23 touchdowns, 1,357 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, two TD passes, four kickoff returns for touchdowns, 10 interceptions and one punt return for a TD, according to SportsTalk SC.
As a senior in 2023, he had 26 catches for 764 yards and nine touchdowns, but also carried the football 51 times for 643 yards and 12 more touchdowns. He threw a touchdown pass and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. Defensively, had 63 tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
His outstanding performance earned him recognition as South Carolina’s Region 8-AA Player of the Year. He helped his team to a 10-2 record, a regional championship title and an appearance in the second round of the state playoffs.
Scott played at Marion High School under head coach Brian Hennecy and helped the Swamp Foxes win four straight region championships, played for a state title in 2020 and compiled a 33-8 record in his four seasons on the team.
Immediate Impact Potential
South Carolina’s secondary has significant needs after losing several key contributors. South Carolina needs help at multiple spots with the loss of Jalon Kilgore, Brandon Cisse, and DQ Smith. Scott could come in right away and compete to take a starting spot with his experience playing SEC caliber football, according to Sports Illustrated.
Analyst Matt O’Brien highlighted Scott’s versatility and ball skills in his evaluation. Scott’s speed, athleticism, and ability to play the ball in the air are all shown in his film breakdown, which included an interception against Florida quarterback DJ Lagway where Scott displayed exceptional range and ball tracking.
Scott was a former three-star and the number eight player in South Carolina in the 2024 class before signing with Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats. A star on the football field and in track, Scott provides a lot of speed and the capability of playing at multiple spots in the defensive back field.
For defensive coordinator Clayton White’s unit, which has thrived on creating turnovers in recent seasons, Scott’s playmaking ability could prove invaluable as the Gamecocks look to maintain their defensive identity.
Personal Background
Scott’s first name is pronounced “quah-SHEED” and he was born in Marion, South Carolina. He has one son, Sevyn Scott, and is the son of Ashley Williams and Kenynon Scott. He has one sister, Seniyah, according to SportsTalk SC.
Scott’s commitment gives South Carolina another experienced SEC defensive back with local roots and a strong understanding of what it means to wear the Garnet and Black, following in the footsteps of his accomplished cousins.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports via On3. “Kentucky CB transfer Quaysheed Scott commits to South Carolina.” January 8, 2026. https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kentucky-cb-transfer-quaysheed-scott-234612644.html
- SportsTalk SC. “STRecruiting: USC gets a second bite at the apple as Kentucky transfer DB Quay’sheed Scott decides to come home.” January 8, 2026. https://sportstalksc.com/2026/01/08/strecruiting-usc-gets-a-second-bite-at-the-apple-as-kentucky-transfer-db-quaysheed-scott-decides-to-come-home/
- Sports Illustrated. “Why Quay’Sheed Scott Makes an Immediate Impact for South Carolina at Defensive Back.” January 9, 2026. https://www.si.com/college/southcarolina/why-quay-sheed-scott-makes-an-immediate-impact-for-south-carolina-at-defensive-back-01kddp3yk9pz
- Sports Illustrated. “Quaysheed Scott Discusses New Offer From South Carolina Football.” October 10, 2023. https://www.si.com/college/southcarolina/recruiting/quaysheed-scott-discusses-new-offer-from-south-carolina-football
