Recruiting Battle Nears End: Five-Star OL Darius Gray Sets Decision Date
One of the biggest recruiting storylines of the 2026 class is about to come to a close. Five-star offensive lineman Darius Gray will announce his commitment on Friday, August 22, at 6 p.m. CT, with the decision streaming live on his Instagram.
The Finalists
Gray has narrowed his list down to South Carolina, LSU, Clemson, Tennessee, and Ohio State. While all remain contenders, sources indicate the real fight is between South Carolina and SEC rival LSU.
According to the Rivals Prediction Machine, the Gamecocks currently lead the race with an 86.4% chance to secure his pledge. LSU has long been seen as the biggest threat, but South Carolina gained momentum after hosting Gray on an official visit earlier this summer.
A Nationally Elite Prospect
At 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, Gray is considered one of the premier players in the 2026 recruiting cycle. He is the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the Rivals Industry Rankings. 247Sports places him as high as No. 16 overall nationally, while composite rankings list him as the 30th-best prospect in the country, the No. 2 interior lineman, and the No. 2 recruit in Virginia.
What’s at Stake for South Carolina
For Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, Gray represents a potential game-changer in the trenches. South Carolina already holds two offensive line commitments in the 2026 class, but landing Gray would give the staff a cornerstone recruit to build around.
Gray’s announcement is shaping up to be must-watch viewing for Gamecock Nation, as the program looks to beat out LSU for one of the top linemen in America.
