The 2025 recruiting season for South Carolina got off to a blazing start on January 2 with a highly anticipated commitment from standout wide receiver Donovan Murph of Irmo.
Murph, standing at 6-3 and weighing 180 pounds, had narrowed his choices to several major programs, including Clemson, Ole Miss, Colorado, and Tennessee. However, Clemson had been out of the running for several weeks, according to Paul Strelow of TigerIllustrated. Murph made his announcement during the broadcast of the Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando.
Initially part of the 2026 recruiting class, Murph switched to the 2025 class in October and went on to have a spectacular season, racking up 96 catches for 1,328 yards and 12 touchdowns. His official visits were limited to USC and Clemson.
South Carolina’s head coach Shane Beamer and receivers coach Mike Furrey had Murph in their sights from the start, and their efforts paid off. Murph expressed his excitement about joining the Gamecocks during his announcement:
“Right now, they are building something special over there. I definitely want to go and be a part of that. Coach Beamer and coach Furrey, I’m close with the whole staff, and they continue to show me love. Show love to who shows love to you, so I’m staying home.”
South Carolina Gamecocks
The opportunity for early playing time at South Carolina also played a major role in his decision. After his official visit for the Texas A&M game, Murph noted, “They tell me I’m a priority, especially in their receiver position. LaNorris (Sellers) is getting better every week. It’s just, come and be a part of something special.”
Murph added that South Carolina’s success in the past was largely driven by in-state talent, and he wants to help bring that success back to Columbia: “When South Carolina was winning and competing for national championships, it was in-state guys. Keeping those in-state guys home is going to bring Carolina back.”
Murph is the sixth wide receiver in the 2025 class for the Gamecocks, joining Jayden Sellers, Malik Clark, and Jordon Gidron, who also reclassified from 2026. With Murph’s commitment, South Carolina now has 34 newcomers in its class.
Clemson Updates:
- Jeremiah Alexander, a former Alabama linebacker/defensive end, is set to visit Clemson this week. Alexander, who had previously considered Clemson before committing to Alabama, is looking for a fresh start after struggling to make an impact with the Crimson Tide.
- Tre Williams, a Clemson defensive tackle, is transferring to Michigan, while former Tigers receiver Troy Stellato has narrowed his choices to Kentucky, West Virginia, and Michigan.
Additional Notes:
- Carnell Warren, a 2026 wide receiver from Bluffton, announced his commitment to Virginia Tech during the Under Armour All-American Game, with Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and Duke also in the mix.
- South Carolina has extended offers to several transfer prospects, including Texas State defensive tackles Terry Webb and Tavian Coleman, as well as WR Tru Edwards from Louisiana Tech.
- James Potts, a graduate transfer place-kicker from Limestone, visited USC and S.C. State, and could be an option for the Gamecocks.
- Former USC backup quarterback Robby Ashford has signed with Wake Forest after stints at Oregon and Auburn.
- Payton Mangrum, a wide receiver for the Gamecocks, is transferring, as is Tray Franklin, an offensive tackle from S.C. State, who is headed to Coastal Carolina.
- Brady Smigel, a 2026 quarterback from Newbury Park, Calif., who has committed to Florida State, has received offers from several programs, including South Carolina.
- Malcolm Gaston, an offensive tackle from North Augusta, has scheduled a visit to Florida State for January 18.
- Samari Matthews, a cornerback from Cornelius, N.C., has set up junior day visits with USC, Florida State, Tennessee, and Clemson over the coming weeks.
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