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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South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is probably popping bottles of champagne to celebrate his new QB addition.

Former Ohio State QB Air Noland announced Monday night that he’s taking his talents from Columbus to the Gamecocks in Columbia.

He has four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2024. You can check out his official announcement below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Air Noland transfers from Ohio State to South Carolina.

For those who might have forgotten, Air Noland was supposed to be the next big time player for the Buckeyes. Ryan Day’s staff convinced him to commit over offers from Alabama, Clemson, Miami, Ole Miss, Oregon, Texas A&M, Utah and several other major programs.

The consensus top-10 QB recruit ultimately landed with the Buckeyes, and he didn’t last long. It’s not too different from Quinn Ewers also taking a redshirt and then dipping out.

Why is he leaving? There are likely many reasons, but the Buckeyes are also grooming former five-star recruit Julian Sayin to be QB1 and five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair is a member of the incoming class. There’s only so much room for QBs on the roster, and Air Noland must have thought he was about to be the odd man out.

As for South Carolina, Beamer just landed himself a legit QB prospect with plenty of potential. The young man had so many suitors coming out of high school because he’s ridiculously talented. Now, he’s stacking up talent in the QB room.

Starting LaNorris Sellers will remain the starter in 2025 and then could end up leaving for the NFL after his redshirt sophomore season. That would mean Noland would sit for another year developing and then could be the runaway favorite to be the starting QB for Shane Beamer’s program.

It’s best to have options, and that’s exactly what the South Carolina coach now has.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer added Air Noland to his QB room. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

What do you think of the transfer addition? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

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?