Four-star QB Landon Duckworth shuts down recruitment, sticking with South Carolina

Even as the offense is in flux with the recent firing of Mike Shula, South Carolina quarterback commit Landon Duckworth is sticking with the Gamecocks.

The Jackson (Ala.) four-star quarterback told On3’s Hayes Fawcett on Wednesday night that he’s shutting down his recruitment.

“I feel like this is where I belong,” he told Fawcett.

The Insiders Forum: Discuss South Carolina football!

Duckworth chose South Carolina in July over finalist, Auburn, and a host of other schools that offered like Ole Miss, Florida State, Georgia, Texas A&M, Florida, Oregon, North Carolina, and Arkansas, among others. It was the second time that the class of 2026 prospect has committed to the Gamecocks.

In September, Duckworth took a visit to LSU and the Tigers offered, but nothing really came of the trip and now LSU has a head coaching search on its hands.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is one of the top quarterbacks in his class. According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, Duckworth is the nation’s No. 87 overall recruit and No. 8 quarterback prospect and the No. 5 prospect in Alabama.

As of last week, Duckworth had completed 93 of 153 passes for 1,583 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has rushed for 267 yards and six touchdowns on 42 carries.

As a junior, he racked up 3,109 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions through the air. He also ran for 631 yards and 12 TDs in 14 games.

On3’s Charles Power is high on Duckworth’s upside.

“Duckworth is one of the toolsier quarterbacks on the ground in Los Angeles. Duckworth has a big frame with ample room to continue filling out. He’s the most explosive athlete of the group. Tuesday night allowed for another opportunity to showcase the improvements Duckworth has made as a passer this offseason.

“We’re impressed with the growth we’ve seen since seeing him in action at the Atlanta Under Armour camp back in February. Duckworth is more aligned and in sync than he was six months ago. As a result, he’s delivering strikes at a much higher rate. The velocity and accuracy look improved. Granted, there were times when some throws got away from him, but the improvement, along with the high-end tools, has to be taken as a big positive.”

Beamer parted ways with Shula, who had been instrumental in Duckworth’s recruitment, on Sunday. The Gamecocks will fill the role following the season, but the four-star signal-caller is putting his trust in Beamer.

The Insiders Forum: Discuss South Carolina football!