The South Carolina Gamecocks football program has made significant strides in building a promising future with the commitment of two standout 2026 recruits: linebacker Keenan Britt and quarterback Landon Duckworth. These early pledges underscore Head Coach Shane Beamer’s vision and the program’s growing appeal to top-tier talent.
### Keenan Britt: A Defensive Force
Keenan Britt, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker from Oxford, Alabama, is recognized as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class. As a sophomore, he amassed 107 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks, earning second-team All-State honors in Alabama’s Class 6A . Britt’s commitment to South Carolina came after visits to several programs, including Oregon, Auburn, and Arkansas. He cited the strong relationships with the coaching staff, particularly with Coach Shane Beamer and Director of Player Personnel Darren Uscher, as pivotal factors in his decision. Uscher’s previous experience at Oregon played a crucial role in recruiting Britt .([Rivals][1], [collegefootballdawgs.com][2], [SI][3])
Britt expressed that South Carolina felt like home, emphasizing the program’s welcoming culture and the coaching staff’s genuine interest in his development. He is expected to play the Will linebacker position in the Gamecocks’ 3-3-5 defensive scheme, aligning with his off-the-ball playing style .([Sportskeeda][4])
### Landon Duckworth: A Dual-Threat Quarterback
Landon Duckworth, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound quarterback from Jackson, Alabama, is considered one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the 2026 class. Despite being only a rising sophomore, Duckworth’s commitment to South Carolina marks him as one of the earliest pledges in the program’s history . He chose the Gamecocks over offers from TCU, UCF, and Florida, citing the program’s consistent communication and the coaching staff’s clear vision for his role.([On3][5], [thestate.com][6])
Duckworth’s relationship with Coach Beamer and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains was instrumental in his decision. He described his interactions with Coach Loggains as akin to a friendship, highlighting their mutual understanding of football and the coaching staff’s commitment to his development as a dual-threat quarterback .([thestate.com][7])
### Building a Strong 2026 Class
With the commitments of Britt and Duckworth, South Carolina has laid a strong foundation for its 2026 recruiting class. These early pledges not only bolster the team’s future prospects but also demonstrate the program’s growing national appeal. The Gamecocks’ ability to attract top talent from across the country reflects the effectiveness of Coach Beamer’s recruiting strategy and the program’s upward trajectory.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses, the Gamecocks will look to build upon these commitments, aiming to assemble a class that will contribute to sustained success on the field. With a strong defensive anchor in Britt and a dynamic offensive leader in Duckworth, South Carolina is positioning itself for a promising future in college football.