The entered the offseason with one clear priority: fix the offensive line before 2026 kicks off. But just as momentum was building around that rebuild, a key piece may already be in jeopardy.
According to a report from Inside The Gamecocks, transfer tackle Jacarrius Peak has suffered an injury during offseason workouts — one that could sideline him for an extended period.
“Per multiple contacts, South Carolina offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak has suffered an injury that could keep him sidelined for some time. No word on the exact nature of it or a timeline for a return, but it doesn’t sound good. Peak was the top tackle in the portal this cycle.…”
That uncertainty is significant. Peak wasn’t just another depth addition — he was viewed as a cornerstone acquisition by head coach and offensive coordinator . The 6-foot-4, 310-pound tackle transferred from to stabilize a unit that struggled mightily in 2025, particularly in pass protection and establishing a consistent ground attack.
On paper, Peak’s résumé justified the hype. As a redshirt junior, he graded as the ACC’s second-highest ranked pass blocker at left tackle. Over three seasons, he started 32 of 38 games, logged more than 2,200 offensive snaps at both tackle spots, and racked up 50 pancake blocks with 18 knockdowns. His experience and physicality were expected to immediately elevate the Gamecocks’ front.
Peak was projected to start opposite Josiah Thompson, forming what many believed could be the foundation of a much-improved line in 2026. If he misses significant time, however, South Carolina’s depth will be tested earlier than expected.
The likely contingency plan includes a mix of youth and experience: true freshman Zyon Guiles, redshirt seniors Armando Nieves, Dayne Arnett, Seth Smith, and redshirt junior Ebubedike Nnabugwu. While those options provide bodies, none bring Peak’s combination of high-level Power Five production and proven pass-blocking consistency.
The bigger concern isn’t just replacing a starter — it’s the ripple effect. A revamped offensive scheme under Briles depends on protection stability and balance in the run game. Without Peak anchoring one edge, protections may require additional help, limiting route concepts and putting pressure on the quarterback and skill positions.
Until more details emerge about the severity and timeline, South Carolina’s 2026 outlook carries more uncertainty than anticipated. What was supposed to be a strength-in-progress has suddenly become a developing storyline that could shape the Gamecocks’ ceiling before spring practice even fully unfolds.
