Veteran offensive lineman Aaryn Parks is officially entering the transfer portal, a school spokesperson confirmed to The State on Tuesday. The news was first reported by 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz and On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos, sending ripples through the South Carolina football community. Parks, who transferred to South Carolina from Oklahoma, has spent the past season with the Gamecocks but did not appear in any games, despite being a fifth-year player.
As a graduate transfer, Parks is eligible to enter the portal at any time, which gives him the flexibility to explore his options for one final season of eligibility. Although he was unable to crack the Gamecocks’ lineup last year, his experience at the collegiate level, particularly his time at Oklahoma, makes him an attractive prospect for programs in need of a seasoned offensive lineman. This opens the door for Parks to pursue a fresh opportunity, potentially in a different system that better suits his skill set.
Aaryn Parks
For South Carolina, Parks’ departure leaves a void in the depth chart along the offensive line. While he did not see game action in 2024, his absence still adds to the ongoing changes within the team’s roster. The Gamecocks will now need to fill the gap left by the veteran lineman as they look to solidify their front line in preparation for the 2025 season.
Parks’ decision to transfer also reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where the transfer portal has become an increasingly common avenue for players seeking new opportunities. With his one remaining year of eligibility, Parks will likely be a sought-after player in the portal, with several programs potentially interested in adding an experienced lineman to their squad.
As the transfer portal continues to shape the future of college football, it will be interesting to see where Parks ultimately lands. His decision is one that could have significant ramifications for both his future and for South Carolina’s offensive line as the team prepares for its next season.
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