South Carolina Awaits Clarity as Running Back Rahsul Faison Misses Practice Amid Uncertain Battle Affecting Early Season Availability
Running back Rahsul Faison was notably absent from South Carolina football’s Friday morning practice session, adding to the growing concern surrounding the freshman’s early-season availability. For weeks, Faison had been the subject of offseason buzz—praised by coaches, teammates, and insiders for his maturity, explosiveness, and readiness to contribute early. But now, that hopeful narrative is on hold as the team awaits resolution regarding a private matter that has kept the promising newcomer away from the field.
The exact nature of Faison’s situation remains undisclosed, a reminder of how little is often known behind the walls of a football program, even in the SEC where scrutiny is high and speculation rampant. Head coach Geoff Collins, speaking briefly after Friday’s practice, did not offer any concrete update but confirmed that the absence was not performance-related. “Rahsul is working through something right now,” Collins said. “We’re fully supporting him and respecting his privacy as we wait for some things to play out.”
That statement—carefully worded, clearly deliberate—did little to dampen the curiosity and concern circulating among fans and media. Was it medical? Personal? Eligibility-related? Disciplinary? The silence surrounding the specifics has only intensified the spotlight. For a freshman who had seemingly positioned himself as a contributor in a thin running back room, the timing of this absence could not be more impactful.
Faison arrived in Columbia with high expectations. A late riser in the 2025 recruiting cycle out of New Jersey, he built a reputation as a powerful, downhill runner with surprising agility in space. South Carolina landed his commitment after fending off late pushes from Penn State and Virginia Tech, a recruiting win that was seen as a key piece of Collins’ first full recruiting class. In early camp, it appeared the hype was warranted. Faison reportedly turned heads with his decisiveness between the tackles, his willingness to block, and his ability to handle pass-catching responsibilities. Coaches and players alike had singled him out in interviews as one of the most advanced freshmen on the roster.
But now, everything is in flux.
The running back position has been a focus of uncertainty for South Carolina over the past few seasons, and Faison’s absence only adds to that storyline. The Gamecocks already entered camp with question marks at the position, following the departure of last year’s leading rusher and lingering injury concerns among the returnees. Offensive coordinator Chip Long had hinted earlier this month that the team might use a running back-by-committee approach, depending on who emerged and who could stay healthy. Without Faison in the fold, that committee just became more complicated.
One veteran back, speaking off the record, acknowledged the impact of Faison’s absence but stressed the importance of staying focused. “We’re all pulling for Rahsul, whatever he’s dealing with,” he said. “But in this league, next man up is real. Nobody’s going to feel sorry for us if we’re thin.”
That’s a sentiment echoed by the coaching staff, who emphasized adaptability and depth as central themes of the offseason. But even the most well-prepared coaches can’t deny how valuable Faison might have been in Collins’ evolving offensive system. As a runner, he offered a blend of vision and physicality that few backs on the current roster replicate. As a pass-catcher, he was reportedly ahead of schedule in understanding route concepts and protections. And from a mental standpoint, coaches praised his maturity and football IQ. Losing a player like that, even temporarily, means recalibrating expectations and game plans—especially with tough SEC opponents looming early in the schedule.
South Carolina’s backfield options, for now, remain serviceable but limited. A pair of returning upperclassmen bring experience but have struggled with consistency and injuries. A redshirt freshman is still adjusting to the physicality of the college level. And while there are some intriguing walk-ons and transfers, none possess the complete skill set Faison was believed to have brought to the table. In other words, the depth chart just got a little thinner—and a lot more uncertain.
While the football implications are immediate, the human side of the situation should not be ignored. Whatever Faison is battling—whether it’s medical, personal, or otherwise—is clearly significant enough to keep him away from practice at a critical juncture. For an 18-year-old freshman adjusting to college life, academic demands, and the pressure of SEC football, the burden of any off-field challenge can feel overwhelming. The program’s response, at least publicly, has been appropriately cautious and supportive. Collins has made a point throughout the offseason to emphasize mental health, player wellness, and accountability—values that seem to be informing how the staff is handling this situation.
Still, in the age of constant access and online speculation, privacy can be a fragile shield. Social media has been buzzing with theories—many unverified and likely baseless. In a sport where fans crave answers and clarity, patience is often in short supply. But those closest to the program know that some things are bigger than football. Faison’s development as a person will matter more in the long run than how many carries he gets in Week 1.
That said, the program must move forward. Friday’s practice continued as scheduled, with the coaching staff rotating backs heavily and evaluating new options. The team’s offensive rhythm looked better than earlier in camp, and the quarterbacks continued building chemistry with their skill players. But the absence of Faison—both physically and symbolically—was noticeable. He was a player who represented hope, potential, and a glimpse of the future. Now, that future is momentarily paused.
There was no official timetable given for a decision or update on Faison’s status. When pressed by reporters, Collins simply reiterated that the team would offer support and take things “day by day.” That kind of uncertainty is difficult to manage for coaches and teammates alike, especially when preparing for the grind of an SEC schedule. But for now, it appears that the team is embracing a wait-and-see approach, balancing optimism with realism.
In the grand scope of a season, early-camp absences are not always defining. Players return. Situations resolve. Rookies find their footing. But there are also cases where absences linger, where questions turn into long-term concerns, and where potential is never fully realized. For South Carolina fans hoping to see Faison break out in Year One, the wait continues.
Even without Faison, Collins remains focused on the larger vision for South Carolina football. He has spoken repeatedly about building a team that can withstand adversity, compete at a high level, and embrace hard coaching. The Faison situation, while unfortunate, offers an early test of that resolve. Can the Gamecocks adjust? Can other backs step up? Can the team rally around a player facing adversity?
These are the kinds of questions that define programs—not just the plays on Saturdays, but how teams respond to uncertainty and hardship. In that sense, Friday morning was more than just another practice. It was a reminder that college football, at its core, is about people—young men navigating pressure, expectation, and life itself under the brightest of lights.
As South Carolina continues its preparations for the 2025 season, the focus remains on improvement, execution, and building the kind of culture that can withstand storms. Geoff Collins has only just begun his tenure, but already, he is dealing with the complex realities of leading a high-level program. The story of Rahsul Faison may take time to unfold. But the program’s response in this moment—patient, composed, and grounded—speaks to a staff that understands football is only part of the equation.
For now, the Gamecocks press on, trying to balance the urgency of competition with the empathy required in moments like this. They await answers, yes—but they also prepare for what comes next, because in this sport, the season waits for no one.
