Star Gamecocks OL, former 5-star recruit takes name out of transfer portal
Just under two weeks after Josiah Thompson announced he was entering the transfer portal, the Gamecocks’ star offensive lineman is staying put.
On Wednesday, 247Sports reported that Thompson had withdrawn his name from the transfer portal and would remain at USC for the 2026 season. Kelvin Roller, Thompson’s high school coach, also confirmed his return to The State.
It’s unclear what schools offered Thompson scholarships out of the portal, but he did take a visit to Miami last week.
A former South Carolina Mr. Football, Thompson, a Dillon High School alum, was one of the gems of South Carolina’s 2024 recruiting class. Along with five-star edge Dylan Stewart, he was expected to help the Gamecocks right away — and he did.
Thompson was an immediate contributor for USC and started 12 games at left tackle as a true freshman in 2024 and was a freshman All-SEC selection by the league’s coaches. In 2025, he again started a dozen games at left tackle.
After allowing six sacks as a true freshman, he allowed seven in 2025 and committed more penalties, according to Pro Football Focus. His PFF grades from 2024 to 2025 are almost identical, with his pass-blocking numbers taking a slight downturn.
The State’s Lou Bezjak contributed reporting.
This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 10:31 AM.
