South Carolina football’s 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, and one of the most exciting additions came this week when in-state tight end Caden Ramsey announced his commitment to the Gamecocks. The Cross High School standout brings size, versatility, and a family connection to Columbia that makes this pledge even more significant for Shane Beamer’s program.
A Homegrown Talent with Gamecock Roots
At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Ramsey is the type of athletic pass-catching tight end that modern offenses crave. A product of Cross, South Carolina, he’s been on the Gamecocks’ radar for months, especially after an impressive junior season in which he caught 40 passes for 749 yards and nine touchdowns. His early numbers in 2025 — 10 receptions for 194 yards and a touchdown through two games — only add to the excitement about his development.
What makes Ramsey’s pledge even more meaningful is his family’s strong connection to South Carolina.
“My uncle played basketball for USC, and my cousin played football at USC and went on to the NFL,” Ramsey shared. “Coming from Cross, where people rarely come to check us out, I never imagined them having any interest in me.”
For the young tight end, joining the Gamecocks feels like continuing a family tradition.
Building Bonds with the Coaching Staff
Position coach Shawn Elliott played a key role in securing Ramsey’s commitment. According to Ramsey, it was the personal touch from Elliott and the coaching staff that made USC stand out over his other Power 4 offers from Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech.
Ramsey recalled his experience at South Carolina’s Junior Day, where he not only toured the program but also connected with Elliott on a personal level:
“Coach Elliott sat and had breakfast with my family. Things like that mean a lot to me. He’s a straight country boy and so am I. He came in jeans and cowboy boots. If you’re from the country like me, we respect that. Those boots were a sign to me of hard work.”
That down-to-earth approach, combined with Beamer’s culture-building message, helped lock down Ramsey’s decision.
How He Fits in Columbia
Ramsey is ranked as the No. 20 tight end nationally and the No. 7 prospect in South Carolina’s 2026 class by Rivals. With his frame, athleticism, and ball skills, he projects as both a reliable receiving option and a physical presence in the run game as he continues to develop.
South Carolina has been steadily improving its tight end room, but Ramsey’s commitment ensures depth and long-term talent at the position. His ability to line up both as a traditional tight end and as a flex option in the slot makes him an ideal fit for Beamer’s offense.
A Statement for In-State Recruiting
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Ramsey’s pledge is what it says about South Carolina’s efforts to keep top Palmetto State prospects home. In-state battles often set the tone for a recruiting cycle, and by landing Ramsey over outside competition, the Gamecocks showed they can secure elite talent from smaller schools that might otherwise go overlooked.
As Ramsey put it, the offer from USC was more than just another scholarship — it was a validation of his hard work and his community’s pride:
“I live in South Carolina, so of course I see tons of commercials about the Gamecocks. When I went to Junior Day, the staff down to the head coach spent time with all the potential players. It was really down to earth.”
Looking Ahead
With Ramsey now in the fold, the Gamecocks gain a versatile weapon who could be a cornerstone piece of their 2026 class. His early commitment also gives Beamer and his staff momentum as they continue to target other top regional prospects.
For South Carolina, the pledge of Caden Ramsey isn’t just about landing another talented player — it’s about adding a homegrown, legacy-connected athlete who already embodies the culture they’re building in Columbia.
