JUST-NOW; Shocking Loss for South Carolina: Longest-Tenured Veteran Gamecock Enters Transfer Portal

South Carolina is losing a veteran presence on its offensive line with the departure of seventh-year senior Jakai Moore. On Thursday, 247 Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported that Moore has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. At 24 years old, Moore is one of the oldest and most experienced players on the Gamecocks’ roster, having first joined the team in 2019. Over his career, he made 28 starts across various positions on the line, showcasing his versatility and reliability for the garnet and black.

In the 2023 season, Moore started nine games, lining up at left guard, right guard, and left tackle, showing his value as a flexible option for South Carolina’s offensive front. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury ended his season early, and he underwent surgery that forced him to redshirt the year. Despite being granted a rare seventh year of eligibility, Moore’s role on the team became less clear due to the emergence of younger talent.

South Carolina has been investing in its offensive line depth, and several younger linemen have started to rise through the ranks. With the competition for starting spots heating up, Moore likely saw limited opportunities for consistent playing time going forward. His transfer decision seems to be driven by a desire to make the most of his final year of eligibility and to finish his college career on the field, not on the sideline.

Moore’s departure marks the end of a long and steady presence in the Gamecocks’ locker room. As the longest-tenured player on the roster, he brought leadership and veteran experience that younger players could lean on. His exit opens up more opportunities for the younger linemen to step up, but it also creates a gap in maturity and game experience that will be hard to immediately replace.

Ultimately, Moore’s decision underscores the difficult choices veteran players often face late in their careers. After dedicating six seasons to South Carolina, his move to the transfer portal is a strategic one, aiming to maximize his remaining time in college football. Wherever he lands next, Moore will bring a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, and a deep understanding of the game.