South Carolina Football’s 2025 Recruiting Class Gains Momentum
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina’s football team is making significant strides in recruiting, thanks to two recent commitments who have received major boosts in their player rankings. On Wednesday, the latest updates from a prominent sports ranking service threw the spotlight on Malik Clark, a wide receiver from Rock Hill, S.C., and Kendall Daniels Jr., a safety hailing from Norfolk, Va.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
Malik Clark, previously ranked as the 213th overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, has seen a remarkable surge to the 125th spot following the latest rankings update. His player rating has also improved, climbing from 91 to 93. On the other hand, Kendall Daniels Jr. is making his debut in the Top247, coming in at 241 overall with a solid rating of 90.
The adjustments in the rankings reflect a competitive nature in college football recruiting as players and programs seek to establish themselves early in the game. For South Carolina, gaining commitments from athletes with proven track records is crucial to building a successful team for the future.
Changes in South Carolina’s Commitments
However, not every update brought good news for South Carolina’s roster. Two other commitments experienced a drop in their ratings. Wide receiver Jordon Gidron from Columbia, S.C., and defensive tackle Caleb Williams from Chesterfield, Va., fell from a previous rating of 90 to 89. This adjustment means they have shifted from four-star prospects to three-star athletes.
Interestingly, Gidron recently reclassified from the 2026 recruiting cycle, where he had initially gained a 90 rating. Yet, despite the drop, both Gidron and Williams still possess the potential to contribute positively in the upcoming seasons.
Status of Other Commitments
Aside from the notable movements, several South Carolina commitments maintained their ratings at 90. Notable players include wide receivers Lex Cyrus from Harrisburg, Pa., and Brian Rowe from Concord, N.C., alongside offensive tackle Shedrick Sarratt Jr. from Gaffney, S.C. Their stability in the rankings suggests they are still valued prospects for South Carolina’s future.
Ongoing Recruitment Efforts
The coaching staff is actively pursuing other top prospects, including five-star defensive end Jared Smith from Alabaster, Ala. Despite being committed to Auburn, Smith recently dropped from the 19th to the 25th position in the national rankings. Another player of interest is Joseph Mbatchou, a defensive tackle from Loganville, Ga., now positioned at 230 overall. Donovan Murph, a wide receiver from Irmo, S.C., is also a key target, maintaining his 90 rating following his reclassification.
Additional Movements in Rankings
South Carolina seems to be on the radar of some other high-level prospects. Shamari Earls, a former cornerback commitment from Chester, Va., has moved up one spot to 67 overall, with his rating climbing from 93 to 94. Comparatively, linebacker Jaiden Braker, who is committed to LSU, has seen a dip in his ranking from being a four-star recruit to 136 overall with a rating of 93.
Looking Ahead
The South Carolina football team continues to strengthen its 2025 recruiting class amid fluctuating player rankings. With several high-value commitments and ongoing recruitment of top athletes, the Gamecocks look poised to build a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons. As recruitment efforts proceed, all eyes will be on how these young players develop and contribute to the program.
