South Carolina continues to bolster its offensive line depth, as former Western Kentucky guard Rodney Newsom is expected to transfer to the Gamecocks

Newsom, who was one of the top-performing interior offensive linemen in Conference USA this season, brings experience and proven ability to the South Carolina offensive line unit. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Newsom earned the fourth-highest grade among all Conference USA guards in 2023 and boasted the second-highest pass-blocking grade in the conference.

Standing out with his versatility and ability to protect the quarterback, Newsom’s addition is a significant move for South Carolina as they aim to strengthen their trenches ahead of next season.

Newsom’s impact was also recognized nationally. On3 Sports recently ranked him as one of the top 10 interior offensive linemen in the transfer portal, citing his consistency, technical skill, and high ceiling.

South Carolina’s offensive line has faced challenges in recent years, but the Gamecocks have prioritized recruiting and transfer portal additions to shore up the position. With Newsom expected to join the program, he could compete for a starting role immediately and provide veteran leadership to a young and developing offensive line group.

This move also highlights South Carolina’s ability to recruit high-caliber talent from the portal, especially players who excel in specific areas like pass protection. Head coach Shane Beamer and his staff continue to address critical needs, ensuring that the team has the depth and talent necessary to compete in the SEC.

With his experience at Western Kentucky and a proven track record, Newsom has the tools to make an immediate impact in Columbia.

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The Kentucky Wildcats have the chance to land another cornerback out of the portal, this time via Ball State’s Myles Norwood.

In an interview with Jacob Polacheck of KSR, Norwood said that he is planning to commit on Christmas Day and that his visits are over. Norwood is down to the Cats and South Carolina.

“[I’m looking for] the best fit for me and where I see myself going in and making an immediate impact. I want to go somewhere that will change my life in 2025,” Norwood said.

Norwood visited Kentucky this past weekend and spoke about the culture that Mark Stoops is trying to rebuild after a disastrous 2024 season in Lexington:

“What stood out the most to me was the coaching staff, the defensive scheme, and the culture Coach Stoops is trying to bring back after this past season,” Norwood said. “They see me fitting in either playing as a nickel or a corner. I bring versatility and intelligence to play either. I have to come in and compete for a spot. Nothing is given.”

Norwood has one year of eligibility remaining after beginning his career at Iowa State before landing at Ball State.

With Maxwell Hairston off to the NFL Draft, Kentucky could use some more firepower at cornerback.

Will Norwood answer the call?

Air Noland committed to South Carolina out of the transfer portal on Monday, departing from the Buckeyes after one season, in which he redshirted.

BREAKING: Ohio State True Freshman transfer QB Air Noland has Committed to South Carolina, he tells @on3sports

The 62 220 QB will have all 4 years of eligibility remaining

Was ranked as the No. 5 QB in the 24 Class (On3 Industry)https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/MgOD3oUOYq

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— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 23, 2024

Noland never played a snap for Ohio State. The fifth-highest-rated member of the Buckeyes’ 2024 class, Noland came to Columbus as a four-star prospect ranked 56th overall in the 247Sports composite, considered the nation’s fourth-best quarterback and the No. 8 player out of Georgia.

Noland had an accomplished career at Langston Hughes High School, leading the Panthers to a Class 6A State Championship in 2022. Named a MaxPreps Junior All-American for his performance that year, Noland completed 73% of his passes for 4,095 yards and 55 touchdowns, one short of the most ever in a season for a Georgia high school quarterback.

Despite that pedigree, when the No. 1 quarterback and No. 6 player in Noland’s class, Julian Sayin, entered the transfer portal before the start of his freshman season at Alabama, Ryan Day and staff jumped on the opportunity to bring him in. Sayin climbed past Noland on Ohio State’s depth chart quickly, currently the team’s No. 3 quarterback behind Will Howard and Devin Brown, both of whom will be gone from the team next year. A five-star prospect also signed with the Buckeyes at quarterback in the recruiting class of 2025 in Tavien St. Clair. 

Noland was not on the roster against Tennessee, which Ryan Day said was the player’s decision, not the team’s. He will have four years of eligibility left with the Gamecocks.