Massive 4-star prospect set to visit South Carolina again

In a busy week for South Carolina football, the Gamecocks have been making moves. On Tuesday, the team held its annual Pro Day, followed by the start of spring practice on Wednesday. Throughout the week, the program has been ramping up plans for more spring and summer visits.

One of the most anticipated upcoming visits—both figuratively and literally—is that of 4-star offensive lineman Joshua Sam-Epelle. According to his social media, the towering 6-8, 305-pound prospect will be on campus for an unofficial visit on March 27th. In addition to his trip to South Carolina, Sam-Epelle has also scheduled unofficial visits to Georgia, Clemson, and Alabama this spring.

Sam-Epelle, a standout from the class of 2027, had an impressive visit to the Gamecocks earlier this winter, and the team hopes to build on that momentum when he returns next week.

Ranked as the No. 61 overall player in the nation by the On3 industry rankings, Sam-Epelle is also listed as the No. 6 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 7 prospect in Georgia’s 2027 class. His impressive skill set has attracted attention from top programs across the nation, but the Gamecocks are considered one of the favorites in his recruitment at this early stage. Other schools making an early push include Georgia, Auburn, and Pittsburgh. However, with over two years before his high school graduation, there’s still a long way to go before his decision.

Sam-Epelle is widely regarded as one of the most complete offensive tackle prospects in the country. As he continues to refine his technique and physicality, his potential to become an elite collegiate lineman grows by the day.

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South Carolina football commit and top target making waves at OT7 showcase

This weekend, Dallas, Texas, hosted some of the top football prospects from the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 at Overtime’s 7-on-7 league. For those unfamiliar, 7-on-7 is a mostly non-contact football format that focuses on skill positions and quarterbacks. Among the standout performers were a South Carolina football commitment and a major target for the Gamecocks.

According to On3’s Cody Bellaire, 4-star safety commit J’Zavien Currence was one of the top performers on Saturday. Bellaire described Currence as “One of, if not the, most physically impressive prospects on the defensive side of the football.” Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Currence’s physical tools at safety are exceptional, but it’s his movement skills that truly set him apart. Bellaire added, “He’s such a smooth mover that he almost glides when covering ground.”

4-star cornerback target Samari Matthews also had a standout weekend. The North Carolina native has had the Gamecocks among his top choices for some time. Matthews, who played for the City Reapers (the same team as Currence), made an impact on Sunday with an interception in the end zone and another pass breakup in the red zone. On Saturday, he impressed with his physicality and athleticism. At 6-foot-1, Matthews not only boasts long arms but also shows off remarkable athleticism.

As of now, both Currence and Matthews rank among the top-75 overall prospects in the On3 industry rankings. Currence is listed as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 1 prospect in South Carolina. Matthews is ranked as the No. 11 corner and the No. 6 player in a loaded North Carolina class.

South Carolina currently holds five commitments in the class of 2026. Along with Currence, the Gamecocks have 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star cornerback Peyton Dyer, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, and 4-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter in the fold.