South Carolina fans know heartbreak all too well, but Shane Beamer? He’s out here flipping the script. After a wild season full of near-misses, like that gut-wrenching 2-point L to Bama and a Cheez-It Bowl showdown that almost turned into a boxing match, Beamer knew his squad needed a spark. They might have fumbled Alabama’s Justice Haynes, but the portal gods delivered. Beamer just locked in a 1,000-yard rusher, and this move might be the game-changer South Carolina’s been waiting for.

South Carolina had their eyes locked on a certain Alabama running back—yeah, Justice Haynes—but Haynes swerved their way and headed to Michigan instead. It was a tough miss, no doubt, but Beamer wasn’t about to fold. Instead, he hit the transfer portal and pulled off a low-key heist, snagging Utah State’s Rahsul Faison.

Faison is exactly what this team needed—someone who racks up yards like it’s a regular shift. The 6’0″, 200-pound RB lit it up this season, dropping 1,109 yards and 8 touchdowns on 198 carries. And if that’s not enough, he averaged a clean 5.6 yards per carry. Faison’s ranked as the No. 4 transfer running back by 247Sports, and his journey here is nothing short of wild. From JUCO to Utah State to the SEC? Talk about a JUCO grind. Huh.

With their RB1, Rocket Sanders (Crazy name), heading out after a solid 881-yard, 11-touchdown season, the Gamecocks desperately needed some fresh legs ASAP for the 2025 season—and Faison is ‘HIM’, and he’s ready to roll on come August for Gamecocks. 

“South Carolina had designated funds for a player it considered a premiere RB,” 247Sports’ Brad Crawford tweeted, highlighting the strategic get. Faison’s addition is more than just statistics on paper and websites. His ability to slice through defenses will open up the field for Sellers, taking pressure off the QB to carry the entire game load. It’s the type of move that could push South Carolina from “almost there” to “legit threat” in 2025.

Shane Beamer loses his O-lineman to the transfer portal

But it’s not all wins for Beamer’s squad. Aaryn Parks, who came from Oklahoma hoping to lock down a starting role, hit the transfer portal after a quiet season. Parks couldn’t crack the lineup, with freshman standout Josiah Thompson and others holding it down on the O-line. Losing Parks ain’t all ideal, but the Gamecocks literally stacked in the trenches to its core for now. Between Thompson, Cason Henry, and Tree Babalade, the O-line finna stays solid. Plus, with fresh talent like Damola Ajidahun coming in, Beamer’s got hella options in choosing the big men.

And next season? Beamer’s Gamecocks have all the ingredients for a breakout. Sellers is already a fan favorite, and with Faison leading the ground game, this team has the firepower to go toe-to-toe with the best. Sure, losing Parks low-key hurts, but the talent pool in Columbia runs deep. When the Gamecocks kick off the 2025 season against Virginia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, all eyes and ears will be on them. And you better believe Beamer will have this squad ready to ball out. As Rahsul Faison trades Utah State blue for Gamecock garnet, South Carolina’s future feels a whole lot brighter.

So here’s the tea: South Carolina may have fumbled Justice Haynes, but Rahsul Faison might just be the ultimate recovery. Add a QB who’s ready to go legend status and an O-line low-key full of promise, and you’ve got yourself a team ready to make some noise in 2025. Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks aren’t just clawing their way to playoffs—they’re ready to storm the gates.