USC and Clemson Continue to Utilize the Transfer Portal
South Carolina continues its aggressive pursuit in the NCAA transfer portal. On January 11, the Gamecocks announced the signing of defensive tackle Davonte Miles from Bowling Green and River Rouge, Miss. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 275 pounds, Miles made his decision during a campus visit. Prior to this, he also explored opportunities at Mississippi State and Illinois, receiving an offer from Memphis after entering the portal. During his time at Bowling Green, Miles, who redshirted in 2022, recorded 27 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Miles’ addition brings the number of defensive tackles in South Carolina’s 2025 class to four, with 12 transfers and 38 newcomers overall. The Gamecocks also strengthened their linebacker corps by signing Alabama transfer Justin Okoronkwo on January 10. Okoronkwo, originally from Munich, Germany, played primarily on special teams for Alabama last season, accumulating 14 tackles in eight games. A late bloomer in recruitment, Okoronkwo was the first European player invited to the 2024 All-American Bowl. South Carolina had previously offered him during the summer of 2023.
On January 7, South Carolina secured a commitment from Utah State transfer running back Rahsul Faison. Faison, who rushed for over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns last season, is the first running back signee for the 2025 class. Additionally, the Gamecocks added their third interior offensive lineman with the signing of Troy transfer Boaz Stanley on January 6. Stanley, a native of Bogart, Ga., earned Freshman All-American honors at Georgia Military Academy in 2022 before transferring to Troy. He played 12 games this past season, splitting time between center and right tackle, and allowed only two sacks in 405 passing situations.
Clemson has also been active in the transfer portal, acquiring Alabama edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander. Alexander, who had limited playing time at Alabama, was a top recruit in 2022 and will have two years of eligibility at Clemson. The Tigers now have 18 newcomers for their 2025 class.
Clemson’s recruitment efforts continue, highlighted by offensive lineman Grant Wise from Milton, Fla., who has narrowed his choices to Clemson and several other top programs. Wise has praised Clemson’s coaching staff and their impact on the offensive line, which has significantly influenced his decision.
Both USC and Clemson are actively pursuing in-state talent, including offensive tackle Zyon Guiles from Carvers Bay. Guiles has received visits from coaches at both programs and considers them high on his list due to their developmental track records and proximity to home.
The transfer portal activity also includes several notable moves:
- Former Maryland and NC State QB MJ Morris transferring to Coastal Carolina.
- San Jose State QB Emmett Brown joining Coastal Carolina.
- Transfer DT Tavian Coleman expected to sign with Colorado.
- Former Clemson WR Troy Stellato signing with Kentucky.
- South Carolina reserve OL AJ Parks transferring after an injury sidelined him for the 2024 season.
In basketball, USC signee Eli Ellis made history in the Overtime Elite league with a 44-point game, including a record-breaking 28 points in the fourth quarter.
