Ole Miss and South Carolina have been competing for several transfer portal recruits this cycle, with the Rebels reportedly outbidding the Gamecocks for one. According to The State, a South Carolina Board of Trustees member revealed that Ole Miss secured a linebacker from South Carolina by offering a higher payment.
During a South Carolina Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, the board member mentioned that Ole Miss attracted the linebacker by offering more money, though they did not specify which player. However, it is likely referring to former Grambling State linebacker Andrew Jones, who initially committed to South Carolina in December but switched to Ole Miss two days later.
“We just competed for a linebacker,” South Carolina Board Member Dan Adams stated, according to The State. “We were gonna offer $400,000 and Mississippi took him for $800 (thousand).”
He also remarked that “you’re playing in the wild, wild West there.”
Ole Miss has been highly active in the transfer portal, bringing in linebackers Tahj Chambers and Jaden Yates, along with Jones. South Carolina was not reported to be pursuing the other two players.
The Gamecocks finished the 2024 season with a 9-4 record under head coach Shane Beamer. They were a contender for the College Football Playoff but fell short. Meanwhile, Ole Miss concluded their season with a 10-3 record, having defeated Duke 52-20 in the Gator Bowl.
More on Andrew Jones flipping from South Carolina to Ole Miss
Andrew Jones initially committed to South Carolina on December 18, before changing his decision and committing to Ole Miss on December 20. Jones, a 2024 FCS All-American and co-Defensive Player of the Year in the SWAC, has one year of eligibility left.
In 2024, Jones earned second-team FCS All-American honors after recording 122 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. His 122 tackles were 73 more than the next closest player on his team. After playing only two games in 2023, Jones had a breakout year with Grambling State.
Jones began his college career at Memphis, where he was a three-star recruit in the 2021 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He redshirted his first year before playing in 10 games during the 2022 season, recording four tackles, one tackle for loss, and a forced fumble.
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Brady Hunt Rejoins Garnet Trust, confirming his return to South Carolina Football
In a significant development for South Carolina football, Brady Hunt, a 6-foot-5, 253-pound tight end, has signed a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the Gamecocks’ official collective, The Garnet Trust, ensuring his return to the program for the upcoming season.
Hunt, who transferred to South Carolina from Ball State last offseason, was part of the Gamecocks’ three-man tight end rotation in 2024 alongside Joshua Simon and Michael Smith. He made valuable contributions during the season, recording two receptions for 22 yards, including a key first-down grab late in the victory over Missouri. Known for his versatility both as a blocker and a receiver, Hunt is expected to take on an even larger role next season, especially with Simon having exhausted his eligibility.
Before joining South Carolina, Hunt had an impressive 2022 season at Ball State, where he caught 46 passes for 498 yards and five touchdowns. His strong performance at Ball State and subsequent transfer to the Gamecocks highlight his potential to become a key player in South Carolina’s offensive game plan.
This new NIL deal underscores the Gamecocks’ commitment to player retention, with The Garnet Trust playing a crucial role in securing such agreements. Retaining players like Hunt is essential for the program’s continued success, and head coach Shane Beamer has stressed the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining open communication to keep the team unified and motivated.
