Countdown to Kickoff: The Rahsul Faison Eligibility Drama
With South Carolina’s season opener looming on August 31, the eligibility of transfer running back Rahsul Faison remains unresolved — and tensions are mounting. Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer, speaking after a recent practice, confirmed that the NCAA has yet to issue a ruling on Faison’s waiver application. Despite submitting all requested documentation, the decision remains in limbo, putting both player and program on edge.
A Complex College Journey: Faison’s Path to Columbia
Faison’s college football timeline is far from typical:
- 2019: Grayshirted at Marshall — no game action.
- 2020: Enrolled in online studies at Lackawanna College — still no football.
- 2021: Attended Snow College, but did not play.
- 2022: Finally took the field at Snow College, rushing for 355 yards and six touchdowns.
- 2023–2024: Moved to Utah State. In 2024, he delivered a breakout year with 1,109 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, earning Second-Team All–Mountain West honors.
Despite only playing three seasons since high school—including one at junior college—Faison is seeking a seventh year of eligibility under the “Pavia rule,” citing precedents like Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, who successfully argued for extra time due to junior college seasons not counting toward their eligibility.
NCAA’s Silence & Rising Frustration
Since submitting his waiver request in January, South Carolina has remained in a holding pattern:
- Late Spring: Coach Beamer expressed irritation over the delay, decrying the NCAA’s lack of communication despite repeated submissions and follow-ups from other institutions involved.
- May: Despite hiring prominent NIL attorney Darren Heitner, the NCAA still hadn’t responded, exacerbating the frustration. Heitner, known for his work persuading the NCAA in Myles Stute’s successful case, has been publicly vocal about Faison’s plight — though no legal action has been filed yet.
Proactive Prep & Roster Strategy
In the meantime, South Carolina has acted as though Faison will be cleared, keeping him involved in all practices and team activities. At the same time, Beamer emphasized the importance of depth and preparedness in case the NCAA drags its feet further. Other backs like Oscar Adaway III, Jawarn Howell, and Matthew Fuller have been stepping up, especially during a brief shoulder bruise that limited Faison’s reps.
Interestingly, the roster has already integrated Faison—he appears on the official 2025 Gamecocks football roster as a graduate running back along with Isaiah Augustave, Oscar Adaway III, and others, suggesting the program is planning for his participation.
Looking Ahead: Stakes and Implications
With just ten days until kickoff, every additional day without a ruling intensifies the uncertainty:
- If eligible, Faison is projected to be the feature in a running back room with significant returning talent.
- If denied or delayed further, the coaching staff will rely on depth players who’ve been warmed up and ready.
The decision—or lack thereof—will have ripple effects on offensive preparation, game planning, and South Carolina’s rushing ambitions in 2025.
In Summary
South Carolina and Rahsul Faison are caught in a high-stakes player eligibility drama as the 2025 season approaches. With the NCAA yet to deliver a decision—and Faison proactive in retaining top legal counsel—the Gamecocks continue preparations both with and without him. The clock is ticking fast, and many fans, coaches, and teammates are anxiously awaiting the final word.