Two more South Carolina receivers to enter transfer portal
Two more South Carolina receivers will enter the transfer portal.
Debron Gatling, a true freshman in the 2024 season, announced his decision via social media Sunday.
Gatling posted this message to X/Twitter: “I want to thank the entire South Carolina staff. I am forever grateful for the time and effort put into this past season. I also want to thank my teammates for the unforgettable relationships and memories we’ve built over this year. A huge thank you to the fans and everyone in Gamecock Nation for the constant support and love. With that being said, after much prayer and thought, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal.”
Gatling saw no action for South Carolina this year, while fellow freshman Mazeo Bennett led all receivers with 28 catches for 324 yards. Tight end Josh Simon led all pass-catchers with 34 grabs for 450 yards
Gatling, as a high school senior, caught 77 passes for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns in a state championship season at Milton High in Alpharetta, Georgia. He was selected to play in the the Under Armour All-America game.
Former Northwestern High standout Elijah Caldwell also will go into the portal after two seasons with USC, he announced Sunday afternoon. Caldwell didn’t see action any contests during his two years with the Gamecocks.
Caldwell, who originally committed to West Virginia, flipped to the Gamecocks in January of 2023. During his senior season, he caught 77 passes for 1,365 yards and 20 touchdowns, while helping Northwestern to a 13-2 record.
They’re the 10th and 11th USC players to announce plans to transfer, including fellow receivers CJ Adams and Tyshawn Russell. The transfer portal officially opens Monday.
The Gamecocks just signed five new receivers in the 2025 high school class: Malik Clark, Lex Cyrus, Jordon Gidron, Brian Rowe and Jayden Sellers, and remain in for a sixth with Irmo prospect Donovan Murph.
In the portal cycle that immediately followed the 2023 season, South Carolina lost 21 via transfer but ended up adding 20 new players back to the roster. The Gamecocks added five receivers from the portal for 2024, though Ahmari Huggins-Bruce ultimately left the roster.
Gamecocks in the transfer portal
- RB — Djay Braswell
- WR — CJ Adams
- WR — Elijah Caldwell
- WR — Debron Gatling
- WR — Tyshawn Russell
- TE — Connor Cox
- TE — Reid Mikeska
- OL — Ni Mansell
- DL — Jamaal Whyce
- LB — Mo Kaba
- PK — Daniel Lester
This story was originally published December 8, 2024 at 11:41 AM with the headline "Two more South Carolina receivers to enter transfer portal."
