Recruiting never ends. 2026 may seem far in the future, but that group of high school sophomores will be walking onto college campuses as freshmen sooner than later. As the Gamecocks look to stay on top of bringing in top level talent, coaches need to evaluate and pursue players early on. In the immediate future, there are a few players in the 2024 class to watch as potential flips to the Gamecocks. Last Word had an exclusive conversation with Gamecock’s 2026 recruit Brody Keefe, who was at the South Carolina game on Saturday.
Brody Keefe at South Carolina
On Saturday night, the Gamecocks got a needed win against Mississippi State. Keefe was visiting for the game and he caught up with us regarding his experience. The national response to the environment on Saturday night was widely positive. SEC Network’s Peter Burns referred to Williams-Brice on SEC This Morning, saying it is not only a great home-field advantage in football, but in “all of sports.” Keefe had a similar feel. He told us the atmosphere was “exciting,” but he took a special note of the fans who stayed late into the game. “It was cool to see so many people still going crazy into the fourth quarter…” Keefe said. The environment fans provide on game day is often more impactful than the play on the field when it comes to a recruit’s experience.
Thank you to @GamecockFB for a great experience at @WilliamsBriceSC under the lights! Always a good time with @Rileyw_19 @CoachSBeamer @Dowell_Loggains @coachjstepp @P_ELLSY and their families! 🐔 pic.twitter.com/875RiGz6c4
— Brody Keefe (@BrodyHKeefe) September 26, 2023
South Carolina also had a special presentation at halftime as they retired the jersey of legendary wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery. A moving video presentation and display of Jeffery’s name and number on the press box with other Gamecock greats was just part of honoring the former NFL and Super Bowl LII star. Keefe was impressed with this element as well. He told us, “Alshon being there was great. It’s always cool to see guys who you watched…playing in the league…” Make no mistake, Keefe has his eyes set on the NFL as well. Having former Gamecocks see success at the highest level is impactful on recruiting. In reference to his NFL aspirations and choosing a school, Keefe said, “…most important is prep for the next level and then being at a place that consistently puts guys out there.”
Where the Gamecocks Stand
The 2026 standout receiver said he also enjoyed spending time with head coach Shane Beamer and others on the offensive staff. He told us he got to speak with them before kickoff and on the field after the game. When it comes to making a college decision, Keefe said he knows he has plenty of time. But he is taking a careful look at his options. He’s deciding exactly what he wants to study and acknowledged that a school that offers his field of study is important. On the field, he mentioned twice that he wants to learn. He said, “[I’m] looking for a place that I can come in and learn and then get minutes when the time comes.” He mentioned that as he looks to make a decision he wants to “be patient and learn,” but also said at this point, “Carolina is definitely up there for me.”
By the Numbers
The North Carolina native played his freshman season at Marvin Ridge High School where he caught 18 passes for 327 yards and a touchdown in eight games. For his sophomore season, Keefe transferred to Myers Park High School (Charlotte, NC). In just his first three games of 2023, Keefe already had 19 catches for 222 yards and three touchdowns. His film displays that he is already polished for a sophomore. He runs clean routes and has adequate speed. However, at 6’3” and 185 pounds, his frame is his best friend. Keefe’s biggest strengths as a receiver are his strong hands and ability to high-point the football. He goes and plucks it out of the air and handles contact well.
Keefe has offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Arkansas, Tennessee, and many others in addition to the Gamecocks. He will see the Gamecocks play again this weekend as he will be in Knoxville to visit with the Vols.
2024 Movement to Watch
In the immediate future, 2024 early signing day is coming. Beamer mentioned that the Gamecocks will be selective with any additions they add to the class at this point. Top tier prospects and portal additions are the focus now. Of the high school targets a few are already committed elsewhere, but the Gamecocks aren’t finished. There has been longstanding chatter about four-star edge, Kameryn Fountain, out of Atlanta. He is committed to Southern Cal, but the Gamecocks remain in communication.
Ain’t over yet💯
— Jalewis Solomon 4⭐️ (@SolomonJalewis) September 26, 2023
The most likely name to watch is defensive back Jalewis Solomon out of Schley County, GA. He is committed to Auburn, but it was a hard-fought recruiting battle and the Gamecocks finished a close second. It has been believed since his commitment that Carolina would continue in their pursuit. Solomon put the recruiting world on notice Wednesday on X with a post that read, “It ain’t over yet.”
