Columbia Welcomes New Addition to Its 2025 Transfer Class
Columbia, South Carolina – The Gamecocks have made a significant addition to their 2025 transfer class with the signing of Rodney Newsom Jr., an offensive lineman from Western Kentucky. Newsom officially committed to South Carolina after his visit this past weekend, becoming the second offensive lineman to join the incoming class, following Wake Forest guard Nick Sharpe who committed on Christmas Eve.
Who is Rodney Newsom Jr.?
Rodney Newsom Jr. is a 6-foot-3, 295-pound athlete who has built an impressive background in college football. He began his journey at Briarcrest Christian School in Tennessee before he kicked off his collegiate career at the University of Memphis as part of the 2020 recruiting class. After two years at Memphis, he transferred to Itawamba Community College, ultimately making his way to Western Kentucky for the 2024 season.
What Does This Addition Mean for South Carolina?
Newsom played in a pivotal role this season, logging 580 snaps, primarily at right guard, with a few plays at center. His performance earned him a grade of 72.5 from Pro Football Focus, showcasing his potential to further strengthen South Carolina’s offensive line. With two years of eligibility remaining, he is anticipated to contribute significantly to the team in the coming seasons.
When Did the Commitment Happen?
The decision to commit came shortly after Newsom visited South Carolina on Saturday and Sunday. His visit followed his participation in the Boca Raton Bowl on December 18, where he represented Western Kentucky.
Where Did Newsom Consider Before Choosing South Carolina?
Before settling on South Carolina, Newsom had options. Both Arkansas and Mississippi State had expressed interest in acquiring his skills. However, South Carolina stood out as the lone school to host him for a visit this month, likely providing a decisive factor in his decision-making process.
Why South Carolina?
In an interview after his visit, Newsom expressed his enthusiasm for the Gamecocks program, sharing that the trip was nothing short of fantastic. “The visit was amazing, enjoyed every moment of it,” he said, indicating a strong feeling of connection to the team and coaching staff.
Looking Ahead
As the NCAA Transfer Portal continues to shape team rosters for the upcoming seasons, Rodney Newsom Jr.’s addition adds depth and experience to South Carolina’s offensive line. The coaching staff will be looking to integrate him effectively into their plans as they build towards a competitive 2025 season.
This development highlights the dynamic landscape of college football, where teams are constantly looking to improve through strategic transfers. With Newsom’s commitment, the Gamecocks are positioning themselves for a strong future in their conference.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
