South Carolina losing veteran linebacker to transfer portal

South Carolina linebacker Jaron Willis plans to enter the transfer portal when it officially opens in January, his agent announced Sunday on X/Twitter.

Willis started his career at Ole Miss in 2022 but transferred to South Carolina and has been with Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks roster since 2023. The redshirt junior has one year of eligibility remaining.

The 6-foot-2, 254-pound linebacker made some impact on the box score in 2025 with South Carolina. Willis played in 11 games and totaled seven tackles. He recovered two fumbles this year, one of which he took for a touchdown against S.C. State.

Willis played in 20 games during his career as a Gamecock and totaled nine tackles.

Most of Willis’ impact came on special teams this season. He shared most improved special teams player honors in 2025, per his USC bio.

Willis joins defensive lineman Zavion Hardy, offensive lineman Nick Sharpe and tight end Michael Smith (who announced he was leaving in October), as the scholarship players who have announced their intentions to transfer from South Carolina.