Top 2026 OL Darius Gray Plans Another South Carolina Visit, Keeps Gamecocks Among Favorites
South Carolina has long been in pursuit of elite offensive lineman Darius Gray, one of the most athletic blockers in the 2026 class. The Virginia standout holds the Gamecocks in high regard, and on Tuesday, he confirmed yet another trip to Columbia is on the horizon.
Another Trip to Columbia for Gray
While Gray has already locked in an official visit for June, he announced on social media that he will make an unofficial visit to South Carolina on March 17. Over the next five weeks, he also plans to check out Clemson, LSU, and Michigan.
Gray is no stranger to Columbia, having visited double-digit times for both games and casual trips. The fact that he continues to return—despite already being familiar with the program—only strengthens USC’s position in his recruitment. As it stands, South Carolina holds a commanding lead in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).
Gray on Why South Carolina Stands Out
Earlier this winter, Gray spoke with On3, highlighting that his interest in South Carolina extends beyond football.
“My favorite thing is the people there,” Gray said. “They’re doing everything the right way. They’re really starting to get the things they want, and that’s winning a lot of games. It’s great to see them get what they want and [them] doing it the right way. The main thing is the people there; that’s the biggest thing.”
Gray’s National Standing
As one of the top linemen in the country, Gray ranks as the No. 42 overall prospect in the On3 industry rankings. He is also:
- No. 2 overall in Virginia
- No. 3 nationally among interior offensive linemen
With another visit set and South Carolina leading the charge, the Gamecocks remain in a strong position in the race for one of 2026’s premier offensive linemen.
