South Carolina’s prized 2026 commitment has become the perfect example of a recruit who fully embraces Shane Beamer’s vision — a player who has remained unwaveringly committed despite the Gamecocks’ disappointing season.
Four-star offensive tackle Darius Gray made his pledge to South Carolina back in August, at a time when USC looked like one of the hottest programs in the country.
The Gamecocks were returning one of the most talented quarterbacks in school history. Beamer had just secured a contract extension after a nine-win campaign. And early projections had South Carolina in the conversation for a College Football Playoff run.
Then the season unraveled. USC stumbled to a 4–8 record and dismissed Gray’s primary recruiter, offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley. Beamer’s job security is solid for 2026, but what happens after that likely depends on how next year unfolds.
“It’s been a little tough, a little bit confusing as well, with like South Carolina and the coaches changing,” Gray told The State. “But it’s been a fun ride, and I’m excited for signing day.”
Gray — a 6-foot-3, 265-pound standout from Richmond, Virginia — had every reason to explore other options. Yet the only campus he stepped foot on during the season was South Carolina. And that doesn’t mean other schools didn’t try.
After Teasley’s firing in October, a wave of programs reached out and attempted to re-engage Gray.
“It kind of felt like (my recruitment) was re-opened again,” Gray said. “But I made it pretty clear that I’m gonna stick with South Carolina as long as Coach Beamer is there.”
If Gray signs on Wednesday during the early signing period, it will be a massive win for Beamer and his staff.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Gray ranks as the No. 37 national prospect, the No. 2 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 2 player in Virginia for the 2026 class. He would be the highest-rated commit in USC’s class and the fourth-highest-rated signee of Beamer’s tenure — behind Dylan Stewart, Nyck Harbor, and Josiah Thompson.
Gray originally chose the Gamecocks over LSU and Tennessee, largely because of his relationship with Beamer.
“You would want to go to war for a guy like that, instead of someone who’s all about ball and that’s all they care about,” Gray said of Beamer. “He’s not like that. He cares about the human and their personalities and their feelings. Those type of coaches get you much farther.”
South Carolina needs help along the offensive line sooner rather than later. The Gamecocks surrendered an SEC-high 43 sacks this year, giving Gray a realistic shot at early playing time.
The only hurdle could be his arrival date. Gray won’t enroll until the summer, but that also gives him extra time to bulk up. After shedding almost 20 pounds to help his high school team by playing both offensive and defensive line, Gray now sits at 265 pounds.
USC coaches want him closer to 290–295 by June — a goal that doesn’t seem to intimidate him at all.
“Last week I was just trying things out,” Gray said. “I was like, ‘Let’s see how fast I can put on 10 pounds.’ I put on 10 in four days.”
And he isn’t relying on the typical offensive-line bulking diet. Instead of piling up PB&Js and milk, his approach is a steady rotation of protein shakes and hearty meals.
“Last week, I had about 15 tacos in one day,” he said. “Then I had about four pieces of chicken and probably some jambalaya with that. And four protein shakes a day.”
By the time signing day arrives, South Carolina could walk away with a foundational piece for its future — and Gray’s parents may walk away with a grocery bill that could rival an SEC food budget.
