South Carolina Football Boost: NCAA Grants Rahsul Faison Eligibility for 2025 Season.
The long wait is finally over for South Carolina football fans. The NCAA has officially cleared transfer running back Rahsul Faison for the 2025 season, giving Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks a major boost in the backfield just days before their season opener against Virginia Tech.
The decision, which was confirmed on August 25 by Faison’s attorney Darren Heitner via X, comes after more than eight months of uncertainty surrounding his eligibility. The program had been waiting anxiously for the NCAA’s ruling, with Coach Beamer even addressing the situation publicly on multiple occasions. Now, the Gamecocks can finally count on one of the most sought-after transfer running backs in the nation.
A Transfer Portal Standout
Standing at six feet tall, Faison entered the 2025 transfer portal as one of the top names available at his position. Ranked the No. 4 running back in the portal by 247Sports, he transferred to South Carolina from Utah State in January. The Gamecocks landed a player who was not only productive but also proven against tough competition.
In 2024, Faison had a breakout season with the Aggies. He recorded 1,109 rushing yards on 198 carries, averaging a stellar 5.8 yards per carry. He also found the end zone eight times, showing his ability to be both a workhorse runner and a consistent playmaker. For a South Carolina team looking to add depth and experience in the backfield, his arrival couldn’t come at a better time.
A Long and Winding Journey
Faison’s eligibility concerns stemmed from his unique college journey. His career began in 2019 at Marshall University, where he did not see game action. In 2020, he took online classes at Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania, again not suiting up for football.
The following year, he enrolled at Snow College but did not appear in any games during the 2021 season. His first significant action came in 2022, when he rushed for 355 yards on 88 carries with six touchdowns. That season laid the groundwork for his two-year stint at Utah State, where he emerged as a key contributor and, eventually, one of the Mountain West’s most dynamic running backs.
South Carolina’s Running Back Room
With Faison now eligible, the Gamecocks’ running back depth chart looks considerably more promising heading into Week 1. Coach Beamer’s most experienced returning option is Oscar Adaway III, who played behind Rocket Sanders last year. When Sanders opted out of the Citrus Bowl, Adaway carried the bulk of the workload, finishing 2024 with 295 yards on 77 carries (3.8 ypc) and three touchdowns.
In addition to Faison and Adaway, South Carolina bolstered the unit with the addition of Isaiah Augustave, who transferred from Colorado in June. The roster also includes Jawarn Howell (redshirt sophomore), Matthew Fuller (redshirt freshman), and veteran Bradley Dunn, all of whom saw snaps in the 2024 season.
What This Means for the Gamecocks
For Coach Beamer and his staff, Faison’s eligibility is more than just a roster update it’s a game-changer. His combination of size, speed, and proven production at the FBS level gives the Gamecocks a legitimate lead back who can help balance the offense. Pairing him with Adaway and the younger backs also allows for a rotation that can withstand the grind of SEC play.
South Carolina opens its 2025 campaign against Virginia Tech on August 31 at 3 p.m. (ESPN), and fans can expect Faison to feature prominently in the backfield. After months of waiting, the Gamecocks finally have clarity, and their new offensive weapon is ready to hit the field.