Another coaching change on offense for South Carolina

Marquel Blackwell has been dismissed as South Carolina’s running backs coach, GamecockCentral.com has confirmed.

Blackwell becomes the third assistant coach from the offensive side of the ball to be let go this year. Shane Beamer made decisions during the course of the 2025 season to part ways with offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, then offensive coordinator Mike Shula.

The Gamecocks finished the 2025 season ranked 118th nationally in rushing yards at just over 111 yards per contest.

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In the last two recruiting cycles, South Carolina has not signed a running back from the high school ranks. Blackwell formerly held a commitment from four-star Amari Thomas out of Florida this cycle, but he flipped back to Florida State prior to the early signing period.

Beamer’s first running backs coach in Columbia, Montario Hardesty, was dismissed following the 2023 season. Blackwell replaced him after a one-year stint in College Station at Texas A&M.

The former University of South Florida quarterback began his coaching career at Freedom High School in Tampa. He’s also served college assignments at South Florida, Western Kentucky, Toledo, West Virginia, Houston, and Ole Miss.

South Carolina now has three openings on offense, as Beamer will be looking for an offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and a running backs coach to fill out his offensive staff for the 2026 season.

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