''On Saturday, South Carolina starting linebacker Fred “JayR” Johnson announced that he would return to the Gamecocks in 2026. He posted a graphic to social media that read simply: “Run it back.” The 6-3, 244-pound defender will be a junior at USC next fall.
Johnson’s announcement follows up a similar one from fellow starter Justin Okoronkwo. The junior duo will join redshirt senior Shawn Murphy as returning players from last year’s rotation.
Barring any other offseason movement, Carolina will have eight overall scholarship linebackers on the roster next season.
Senior Jaron Willis and redshirt freshman Taeshawn Alston have left the position room via the transfer portal, and senior Colin Bryant graduated, but the Gamecocks bring back several sophomores and redshirt freshmen with lots of potential in Donovan Darden, Josh Smith, and AJ Holloway. South Carolina also signed a pair of class of 2026 linebackers, four-star Andrew Harris and three-star Keenan Britt.''
Another South Carolina defensive starter announces Gamecock return
Johnson’s announcement follows up a similar one from fellow starter Justin Okoronkwo. The junior duo will join redshirt senior Shawn Murphy as returning players from last year’s rotation.
Barring any other offseason movement, Carolina will have eight overall scholarship linebackers on the roster next season.
Senior Jaron Willis and redshirt freshman Taeshawn Alston have left the position room via the transfer portal, and senior Colin Bryant graduated, but the Gamecocks bring back several sophomores and redshirt freshmen with lots of potential in Donovan Darden, Josh Smith, and AJ Holloway. South Carolina also signed a pair of class of 2026 linebackers, four-star Andrew Harris and three-star Keenan Britt.''
Another South Carolina defensive starter announces Gamecock return
