Veteran South Carolina linebacker reportedly plans to enter transfer portal

With South Carolina’s season now over, the Gamecocks’ attention has shifted to the offseason and building a stronger roster for the 2026 campaign. With that will come some players moving on, a trend that has continued with another transfer portal entry.

Redshirt junior linebacker Jaron Willis has plans to enter the portal when it officially opens on Jan. 2, his agency SetVision Management announced on social media Sunday. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.

Willis spent the past three seasons with the Gamecocks, making 22 total appearances. He recorded 10 total tackles (eight solo) and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown on Sept. 7 of this year against South Carolina State, in his time with the South Carolina football program.

The Albany, Georgia, native joined the Gamecocks via a transfer from Ole Miss following his true freshman season.

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Jaron Willis’ bio from GamecocksOnline

*2025 Co-Most Improved Player of the Spring (Special Teams)

Fourth-year linebacker who is in his third season with the Gamecocks… began his career at Ole Miss… fluid and athletic performer who can run, plays with aggression and is a solid tackler… showed an ability to get to the quarterback… looking for a regular role in the rotation and on special teams in 2025 after sharing Most Improved honors for special teams in the spring with Jatius Geer.

2024 (Redshirt Sophomore)
Reserve linebacker who appeared in four games… saw action in just one of the first 10 games (Akron), then played in each of the final three contests against Wofford, Clemson and Illinois… did not record any statistics.

2023 (Redshirt Freshman)
Played in five contests… did not appear in any of the first seven games while working with the scout team in practice… flashed enough to earn some playing time late in the season… recorded a pair of tackles and three quarterback hurries in limited action… both of his tackles came against Jacksonville State.

2022 (Freshman)
Spent his freshman campaign at Ole Miss… played in one game, appearing in the Central Arkansas contest… was redshirted… did not record any stats after rotating in on defense and special teams.

High School
Graduated from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Ga… coached by Dean Fabrizio… guided Lee County to an 11-2 record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the Georgia 6A Playoffs as a senior… primarily took snaps as a defensive back… tabbed as an Under Armor All-American…  selected to the Region 1-6A First Team defense… helped take Lee County to 6A State Title game with a 10-2 record in 2020… earned first team all-region and first team all-state honors after his junior season… also played basketball for the Trojans.

Personal
Jaron Isaiah Willis was born Nov. 8, 2002… is a sports media major… cousin, Mark Robinson, played linebacker for Ole Miss.

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