South Carolina ranked as one of nation’s most improved teams via transfer portal

The South Carolina football team is receiving more attention for its work in the transfer portal.

CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah rated head coach Shane Beamer’s squad No. 5 nationally among teams that improved their rosters through the transfer portal this offseason on Tuesday.

South Carolina was rated behind Southern Cal, Ole Miss, Nebraska and Texas.

“The Gamecocks surprised even themselves at times in 2021 by turning a depleted roster and quarterback carousel into a promising 7-6 campaign,” Jeyarajah wrote. “Catching tanking Florida and Auburn times at the right time played a critical role, but South Carolina coach Shane Beamer has leveraged the shocking success into real roster success.”

Former Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler headlines the Gamecocks’ transfer class that ranks No. 7 nationally according to 247Sports. Rattler began last season as a Heisman Trophy hopeful in Norman, but was eventually benched in favor of five-star freshman Caleb Williams.

Tight end Austin Stogner (Oklahoma), running back Christian Beal-Smith (Wake Forest) and receivers Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. (James Madison) and Corey Rucker (Arkansas State) should all immediately help a South Carolina offense that ranked 110th out of 130 FBS teams last season.

Beamer and his staff also added safety Devonni Reed (Central Michigan) and defensive lineman Terrell Dawkins (N.C. State) that should again be a strength for the Gamecocks in 2022.

“The SEC East will take another step forward with Tennessee and Kentucky poised for special seasons, but South Carolina could take a step towards the top of the league if Beamer’s growth continues,” Jeyarajah wrote. “Calling the Gamecocks’ offensive talent transformed is an understatement.”

South Carolina Transfer Portal Additions

• QB Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma)

• RB Christian Beal-Smith (Wake Forest)

• RB Lovasea Carroll (Georgia)

• WR Antwane Wells (James Madison)

• WR Corey Rucker (Arkansas State)

• TE Austin Stogner (Oklahoma)

• TE Nate Adkins (East Tennessee State)

• DL Terrell Dawkins (N.C. State)

• S Devonni Reed (Central Michigan)