Brayden Tyson, a four-star running back from Snellville, Georgia, announced his commitment to the University of South Carolina on May 15, becoming the first high-school running back to pledge to the Gamecocks since 2024.
A timely boost for the Gamecocks
The commitment arrives at a critical juncture for South Carolina, which saw its rushing attack tumble to 111.1 yards per game in 2025, the second-worst mark in the SEC and a steep decline from the fourth-best average of 184.4 yards per game just a year earlier.
Tyson brings a potent résumé: 1,292 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns last season, a 97-yard burst as his longest run, and a state ranking of No. 38 in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite.
His arrival follows the dismissal of running-backs coach Marquel Blackwell and the subsequent hiring of Stan Drayton, a move the coaching staff hopes will revitalize the ground game.
Looking ahead
Coach Shane Beamer, now in his fifth season, expressed enthusiasm about Tyson’s skill set, noting that the youngster’s blend of size, speed and vision aligns with the program’s evolving identity.
If the Gamecocks can translate Tyson’s high school production to the SEC stage, the revamped rushing attack could climb back into the conference’s upper tier, reversing a trend that has left the offense searching for consistency.