Isaiah Augustave’s transfer to South Carolina has become one of the most intriguing moves of the offseason, drawing interest from coaches, analysts, and scouts across college football. A former four-star recruit out of Florida, Augustave originally committed to Arkansas and played his freshman season with the Razorbacks. While his touches were limited in Fayetteville, the flashes he showed — power between the tackles, vision on zone runs, and burst into the second level — hinted at a player with significant untapped potential. Now, with the move to Columbia and the opportunity to play in the SEC East under Shane Beamer, the football world is watching closely to see what Augustave becomes. For South Carolina, the acquisition of a player with his ceiling represents both a strategic move to address immediate roster needs and a long-term investment in a player whose best football appears to be ahead of him.

Industry insiders have expressed optimism about Augustave’s fit within the Gamecocks’ offensive system. One of the prevailing views among college football analysts is that South Carolina needed a dynamic, downhill back who can handle early-down duties and wear down defenses. Last season, the Gamecocks struggled to consistently establish the run, often relying on Spencer Rattler to carry the offense through the air. With Rattler gone and a new quarterback stepping into the spotlight, South Carolina will need a reliable ground game to balance the offense. According to SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic, Augustave has the frame and physicality to be a workhorse back in the SEC. “He’s got that sturdy lower body, he runs behind his pads, and he doesn’t shy away from contact,” Cubelic said. “South Carolina doesn’t need flash; they need consistency. And I think Isaiah brings that, along with enough juice to break off explosive plays.”

Recruiting experts who followed Augustave’s high school career believe that his potential was underutilized at Arkansas due to situational factors, not because of a lack of ability. He entered a crowded backfield and had to navigate the complexities of a coaching staff that was frequently under pressure to deliver results quickly. “He was a victim of the numbers game in Fayetteville,” said 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong. “But when you go back and watch the film — both from high school and the few carries he got at Arkansas — you see a guy with natural instincts. His feet are quick, his vision is clean, and he has that extra gear when he hits open space. He just needs the reps.” That sentiment is echoed by former players turned analysts, who know how difficult it can be for young backs to find their footing in the SEC. Former Georgia running back and current ESPN contributor Knowshon Moreno said, “Sometimes it takes a change of scenery. You get to a new place, new coaches who believe in you, and you start to play with confidence. I think that’s what we’ll see with Isaiah at South Carolina.”

Inside the Gamecocks’ program, the staff has been encouraged not only by Augustave’s physical tools but also by his approach to the transition. Running backs coach Montario Hardesty has reportedly taken a personal interest in helping Augustave acclimate quickly, and sources within the program have described the transfer as “hungry,” “coachable,” and “focused.” In spring practices and early summer workouts, Augustave has shown a willingness to put in the extra time in the film room and weight room. According to insiders, his work ethic is one of the reasons the staff is confident he’ll be able to contribute immediately. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, who is expected to implement more pro-style elements into South Carolina’s offense this season, sees Augustave as an ideal fit for a zone-heavy scheme with occasional power looks. “He’s decisive,” one coach said anonymously. “You give him a crease, and he’s not dancing — he’s hitting it. That’s what you want in this league.”

NFL scouts have also started to take notice, even if Augustave is still a season or two away from draft consideration. For now, they’re viewing 2024 as a year to monitor his development. One AFC scout said, “He’s got a Day 2 frame. If he puts together a season with 1,000+ yards and shows he can pass protect and catch a little bit out of the backfield, you’ll start hearing his name in draft rooms.” The physical prototype is certainly there — Augustave stands at six feet, weighs in around 210 pounds, and has been clocked running sub-4.5 times in offseason testing. In today’s NFL, where running backs are often undervalued unless they possess elite traits, Augustave’s combination of size and speed makes him intriguing. But scouts are clear about what he needs to show. “We want to see vision, balance, contact balance especially,” said an NFC scout. “Can he break tackles? Can he finish runs? That’s what separates SEC backs who make it from those who don’t.”

The broader college football world also sees this transfer as part of a growing trend: players opting for new environments to unlock their potential earlier in their careers. Augustave isn’t the first young running back to transfer after one year, and he won’t be the last. But his decision stands out because it comes at a pivotal moment for both him and the program. South Carolina is trying to stabilize its position in a shifting SEC landscape, particularly as Oklahoma and Texas enter the fold and traditional powers like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU continue to dominate the recruiting wars. The Gamecocks need more than just talent; they need players who can be difference-makers. Augustave fits that mold if his development continues on its current trajectory. Shane Beamer’s staff has shown an ability to get the most out of transfers in the past, and insiders believe this could be another success story in the making.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Augustave is how he’ll perform against SEC defenses over the course of a full season. It’s one thing to show promise in limited action; it’s another to carry the ball 15-20 times against Georgia’s front seven or at The Swamp. But coaches and analysts believe he’s built for that kind of workload. His high school film shows a player who wasn’t afraid to carry the offense, and while the college game is faster and more complex, the instincts he displayed back then haven’t gone anywhere. “He just needs that first big game to get going,” said SEC analyst Jordan Rodgers. “Give him the rock 18 times, let him get into a rhythm, and you’ll see why he was a four-star coming out.”

There’s also the intangible aspect of Augustave’s transition that is catching attention: his maturity. Those around him describe a young man who is grounded and focused. He’s not someone chasing headlines or NIL deals — he wants to play football and improve. That demeanor resonates with coaches who are increasingly having to navigate the complexities of the modern transfer era. “He’s low-maintenance,” said one assistant. “You don’t have to chase him. He shows up, does the work, and he wants to be coached. That’s gold right now.”

Fans in Columbia are cautiously optimistic, knowing that running back success often hinges on more than just talent. The offensive line has to improve from last year’s underwhelming performance, and the Gamecocks’ quarterback play will also factor into how effective the run game can be. But there’s a sense that Augustave gives them a weapon they didn’t have last season — a back who can run with power, pace, and purpose. Local media have highlighted his spring performances, and while no one is anointing him as the next Marcus Lattimore, the comparisons to former Gamecocks like Mike Davis have begun to circulate. Those are big shoes to fill, but Augustave seems comfortable being himself.

Former South Carolina players who’ve followed the program closely believe Augustave could become a tone-setter if used correctly. “This league will beat you up if you’re soft,” said former linebacker Shaq Wilson. “You need someone who’s going to lower that shoulder, get those tough yards, and make the defense think twice. Isaiah looks like he can be that dude.” That kind of endorsement carries weight in a program that’s trying to rebuild a tough, physical identity.

As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on South Carolina’s opener and how Augustave is used. Will he start immediately, or will he share touches with returning backs? How does he handle blitz pickups? Can he be a third-down option? These are questions that will determine his trajectory, but the early indicators are positive. If the buzz from spring ball carries over into the fall, Augustave could be one of the breakout stories of the SEC season.