Breaking In: South Carolina Gamecocks Recruiting – Where Things Stand at QB
South Carolina’s quarterback recruiting for the 2025 and 2026 classes has been a dynamic process filled with commitments, de-commitments, and ongoing pursuits of top talent. Under head coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks have seen notable successes in recruiting, but quarterback remains a focal point for the future of the program.
2025 QB Situation: Cutter Woods Joins the Gamecocks
The Gamecocks recently secured their quarterback for the 2025 class in Cutter Woods, an in-state prospect from Westside High School. Originally committed to Wake Forest, Woods flipped to South Carolina following an official visit. At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, Woods is primarily a pro-style passer but has enough mobility to contribute in the running game. As a junior, he passed for nearly 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns while adding 345 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground.
Woods’ commitment fills a crucial gap after the de-commitment of Landon Duckworth, who had been previously locked in as the Gamecocks’ 2026 quarterback. While some expected South Carolina to forego a 2025 quarterback, Duckworth’s departure prompted them to act quickly, landing Woods to ensure depth at the position.
2026 Class: Pursuing Elite Talent
For 2026, the Gamecocks have been actively recruiting several top quarterbacks. Among their biggest targets are Jared Curtis, Brady Smigiel, and Landon Duckworth. Curtis, a five-star talent, has cut down his list of potential schools, though South Carolina remains in the mix. Smigiel, another highly ranked prospect, is also on their radar.
With Duckworth no longer committed, the Gamecocks are exploring multiple options, aiming to secure a high-caliber prospect for the future. They are competing with other SEC and national programs to land one of these premier talents.
Quarterback Room Outlook
Looking ahead, South Carolina’s quarterback situation includes:
2024 starter: LaNorris Sellers
2024 commit: Dante Reno
2025 commit: Cutter Woods
2026 targets: Jared Curtis, Brady Smigiel (previously Landon Duckworth)
This lineup suggests that South Carolina is building depth at quarterback, but they need a strong 2026 commitment to solidify their long-term plans. The program has shown an ability to land key prospects, and how they handle the 2026 recruiting cycle will be critical.
Final Thoughts
The Gamecocks have successfully locked in Cutter Woods for 2025, ensuring some stability at the position. However, their focus now shifts to 2026, where they are in hot pursuit of top-tier talent. Whether they land a five-star recruit like Curtis or Smigiel could significantly impact the trajectory of the program in the coming years.
South Carolina has proven it can compete on the recruiting trail, but the challenge remains in securing an elite quarterback who can elevate the team in the ultra-competitive SEC. With Beamer at the helm, the Gamecocks are committed to finding their next leader under center.
Would you like me to add any specific details or make adjustments?
