Rahsul Faison’s NCAA Eligibility Saga Nears Resolution as Shane Beamer Shares Encouraging Update Ahead of Gamecocks’ 2025 Campaign
The long and uncertain wait surrounding South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison’s NCAA eligibility status may finally be approaching a conclusion. In a recent press appearance, Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer offered the latest update on the situation, expressing renewed optimism that a resolution could come soon. While Beamer stopped short of confirming a timeline or outcome, his confidence and clarity suggest that the program may soon receive long-awaited news that could significantly affect the depth and versatility of the Gamecocks’ offense in the 2025 season.
Faison’s case has hovered over the South Carolina program like a cloud for several months, as fans and coaches alike anxiously await the NCAA’s ruling. The transfer running back has been participating in offseason workouts and team activities but remains unable to suit up in official competition until the governing body grants him eligibility. Beamer has addressed the topic several times over the offseason, but this most recent update marked a shift in tone—a noticeable change that could indicate progress behind the scenes.
“It’s been a long process, but we’ve stayed engaged and supportive every step of the way,” Beamer told reporters. “We’re optimistic that we’ll hear something soon and we believe in Rahsul and everything he brings to this team.”
Beamer’s optimism isn’t just lip service. It’s reflective of the work the coaching staff and athletic department have put into advocating for Faison. The former Division II standout transferred to South Carolina after an impressive stint at his previous school, hoping to make the leap to SEC competition and showcase his talents on a national stage. His journey has resonated with fans, teammates, and coaches alike—an underdog story with grit, resilience, and untapped potential.
The saga centers around the NCAA’s increasingly scrutinized transfer policies, particularly when it comes to multiple-time transfers. Faison’s eligibility hinges on a waiver application that details the circumstances of his move to South Carolina, along with supporting documentation from the university. These waivers have become hot-button topics across college football, as the NCAA’s opaque decision-making process and inconsistent rulings continue to frustrate players and coaches.
Despite the confusion surrounding the system, Beamer and the Gamecocks have maintained their support for Faison throughout the process. Internally, the coaching staff has planned for multiple scenarios, including one where Faison becomes eligible and immediately competes for starting reps, and another where the team must rely on its current backfield rotation without him. Still, the preference is clear—Beamer wants Faison on the field.
“From the moment he got here, Rahsul has done everything right,” Beamer said. “He’s handled this situation with maturity, and he’s earned the respect of everyone in our locker room. Whether it’s workouts, film study, or just being a great teammate, he’s all-in.”
That praise hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Gamecock faithful. Fans have taken to social media to voice their support, using hashtags and tagging NCAA officials in posts urging them to make a decision. In an era where the voice of the fanbase can shape national conversations, the groundswell of support has helped keep the issue at the forefront of offseason discussions in Columbia.
From a football standpoint, the addition of Faison would be a significant boost. The Gamecocks are looking to establish a more consistent rushing attack in 2025, and Faison’s blend of speed, vision, and physicality fits well with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains’ scheme. While other backs on the roster have potential, Faison brings a level of experience and polish that could allow him to hit the ground running if cleared.
In spring practices and scrimmages, Faison reportedly stood out among the backfield group. Though coaches avoided making public declarations due to his uncertain status, whispers around the program suggest that he could become the featured back if eligible. His ability to read defenses, make quick cuts, and break tackles has already turned heads, and his pass-blocking ability adds another dimension that coaches value.
But more than just on-field production, Faison’s story has inspired those around him. Originally overlooked by major programs out of high school, he forged his path through hard work and perseverance, eventually dominating at the D-II level and betting on himself with a move to South Carolina. That gamble could pay off in a big way—if the NCAA gives him the green light.
The timing of the decision also matters. With fall camp fast approaching, the coaching staff needs clarity on how to allocate reps and build chemistry in the offensive unit. Beamer acknowledged that uncertainty lingers, but said that the team is doing everything it can to remain flexible.
“You always want answers sooner rather than later, but we’re controlling what we can control,” Beamer said. “Rahsul’s been locked in regardless, and that’s what makes him special.”
The issue also speaks to a broader challenge facing college football: how to fairly and consistently manage transfers in an evolving landscape. The NCAA has been criticized for a lack of transparency and seemingly arbitrary decisions in similar cases across the country. In Faison’s case, the belief within the South Carolina program is that his reasons for transferring are valid and compelling. Beamer has made that clear in his discussions with both media and NCAA officials.
“We believe in doing what’s right for the student-athletes,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what this should be about.”
While Beamer declined to specify exactly what the NCAA is reviewing in Faison’s case, he did confirm that the program has submitted all necessary paperwork and followed up regularly. The university’s compliance department has played a major role, working alongside coaches and administrators to ensure that Faison’s case was presented as strongly as possible.
Meanwhile, Faison continues to prepare as though he will be cleared, staying sharp in film sessions and workouts. His teammates have praised his dedication and patience, recognizing that it’s not easy to train daily with no guarantee of seeing the field.
“Rahsul brings it every day,” said one offensive lineman. “You wouldn’t know he’s dealing with all this off-field stuff. He’s just focused on being the best teammate and player he can be.”
As the start of the season draws closer, the hope is that Faison will finally get the answer he’s been waiting for. For Beamer, it would be a long-overdue reward for a player who has done everything right. For Faison, it would be the culmination of years of effort and sacrifice. And for South Carolina, it would mean one more weapon in their arsenal as they gear up for a brutal SEC schedule.
If the NCAA delivers a favorable ruling in the coming days, expect the buzz around Faison to intensify. His story will become one of the most compelling narratives of the early college football season—a tale of perseverance, support, and second chances. If the ruling goes against him, it will raise questions not just about fairness, but about the direction college athletics is heading in an era of increased player movement and reform.
In the meantime, all eyes in Columbia remain fixed on the NCAA office. A single decision could alter the course of South Carolina’s 2025 season. With Shane Beamer remaining hopeful and the clock ticking toward kickoff, the Gamecocks—and their fans—are holding their breath, waiting for the final chapter of Rahsul Faison’s eligibility saga to be written.
