South Carolina Football lands 5-Star Offensive Lineman

South Carolina football earns a big commitment out of the 2026 class in 5-star interior offensive lineman Darius Gray.

Gray clocks in at 6’3, 285 lbs, and hails from St. Christopher’s school in Richmond, Virginia. According to 24/7 Sports, Gray is the No. 1-ranked interior offensive lineman in the nation.

The Walk Through is presented by Tilly's Warehouse, located at 2000B Greene St, Columbia.

This recruiting battle was a massive one. The Gamecocks beat out four other blue blood programs to land the latest piece up front. Gray chose South Carolina over Tennessee, LSU, Ohio State, and Clemson.

Darius Gray on a visit to South Carolina (via @dariusgrayy_ on X/Twitter)

Shane Beamer and Lonnie Teasley worked hard to get Gray home in Columbia. The Gamecocks were in the lead with the five-star, which seemed to be the case throughout his recruitment.

As for why South Carolina? The reasons start at the top, Gray told CBS Sports during his commitment ceremony.

"Coach Beamer, I mean, it kind of speaks for itself," Gray said. "What he's building and everything he's doing. Why not come be a part of that and have the best fan base in the country? So I'm gonna do everything I can for them to help win the national championship, I'll give him(Beamer) my all."

The Walk Through is presented by Tilly's Warehouse, located at 2000B Greene St, Columbia.

For Gamecock fans, Gray's reasoning echoes why the buy-in around Columbia is so high. It shows how South Carolina can make up ground in recruiting and begin to establish themselves as a blue blood.... by culture oozing from the top of the program to the bottom of it.

"It means everything. He kind of is the program, and everything else trickles out. So just to have that in the building, and I know I could call him anytime, I'll do everything for him. I'll go to war for him. So I'm just excited."

Gray now headlines the 2026 recruiting class, and he joins four-star Zyon Guiles on the interior of the offensive line. The Gamecocks have also landed a commitment from three-star interior offensive lineman Antony Baxter.

The plan for the unit will be to protect four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth, who is also part of the 2026 class. Duckworth knows he is going to have good protection when he gets to Columbia.

The Walk Through is presented by Tilly's Warehouse, located at 2000B Greene St, Columbia.

The next generation of Gamecocks is shaping up nicely. If South Carolina can keep recruiting well down the stretch, they might find their way into a top 10 class.