Payton Mangrum Enters Transfer Portal, Reflects on South Carolina Journey
Payton Mangrum, a former walk-on wide receiver who rose through the ranks to earn a scholarship at South Carolina, announced Thursday that he is entering the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. With one year of eligibility remaining, Mangrum is utilizing his flexibility to enter the portal outside the NCAA’s regular window, which closed for undergraduates on Dec. 28.
Mangrum’s announcement marks the end of a remarkable chapter at South Carolina, where he transitioned from a walk-on in 2020 to earning a scholarship in 2022. That same year, he was recognized as the Most Inspirational Walk-On during the team’s postseason banquet.
Over his four-year career with the Gamecocks, Mangrum appeared in 44 games, making a significant impact on special teams under both former coach Will Muschamp and current head coach Shane Beamer. This season, Mangrum recorded three catches for 27 yards, bringing his career totals to six receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown—a memorable 44-yard score on a fake punt pass from Kai Kroeger in a 2021 game against Tennessee.
Reflecting on Mangrum’s journey, he was one of only 12 players remaining on South Carolina’s 2024 roster who joined before Beamer’s arrival in December 2020. His dedication culminated in an appearance during the Gamecocks’ Cheez-It Citrus Bowl loss to Illinois earlier this week.
Mangrum’s high school career at Eastside High School in Greenville was equally impressive. He tallied 209 catches for 3,247 yards and 43 touchdowns, including two 1,000-yard seasons, showcasing the talent that would eventually propel him to the collegiate level.
Now, as Mangrum seeks new opportunities for his final “COVID year” of eligibility, South Carolina continues to reshape its roster. He becomes the 16th player to enter the transfer portal this year, joining five other receivers. The Gamecocks, however, are already preparing for the future, signing five wideouts for the 2025 recruiting class and awaiting a decision from Donovan Murph, another top receiver prospect.
Gamecocks in the Transfer Portal
- Quarterback: Robby Ashford
- Running Back: Djay Braswell (Georgia State)
- Wide Receivers: CJ Adams, Elijah Caldwell, Debron Gatling (Georgia Tech), Tyshawn Russell, Payton Mangrum
- Tight Ends: Connor Cox (North Carolina), Reid Mikeska (Florida Atlantic), Nick Elksnis (UNLV)
- Offensive Line: Ni Mansell
- Defensive Line: Jamaal Whyce, Elijah Davis
- Linebackers: Bangally Kamara (Kansas), Mo Kaba
- Placekicker: Daniel Lester
South Carolina’s ongoing efforts to build its 2025 roster reflect its commitment to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving college football landscape.
