South Carolina Gamecocks Offensive Lineman Ryan Brubaker Set to Appear for One Day Only at JoeFest on June 21

South Carolina Gamecocks offensive lineman Ryan Brubaker is coming to JoeFest—but only for one day. That’s right, June 21 will mark the exclusive appearance of the 6-foot-6, 305-pound Gamecock at the wildly popular Augusta-based pop culture and toy convention, bringing SEC grit to a gathering usually filled with comic book heroes, vintage action figures, and cosplay royalty. It’s a crossover event fans of football and fandom alike won’t want to miss.

Brubaker’s commitment to join JoeFest for a limited-time appearance has sparked excitement both in Columbia and across the broader SEC fanbase. Known for his tenacity on the field and charismatic presence off it, Brubaker represents a new era of college athletes who are blending their brand with public engagement, seizing the momentum of NIL opportunities and bridging the gap between sports and pop culture in increasingly creative ways.

JoeFest, which has grown in recent years from a niche collectors’ meetup to a regional powerhouse convention for all things toys, comics, and culture, provides a perfect platform for an athlete like Brubaker. The event has made a name for itself by bringing in special guests ranging from voice actors to comic book artists and even TV personalities, but this year’s addition of an SEC football player adds an entirely new layer of excitement. Especially because Brubaker isn’t just showing up to shake a few hands—he’s bringing the full lineman energy.

Brubaker is expected to interact with fans, take photos, sign autographs, and maybe even share a few inside stories from life in the trenches of SEC football. For fans of the Gamecocks, it’s a rare opportunity to meet one of the rising stars of Shane Beamer’s squad in a more relaxed, community-focused environment. For JoeFest attendees who might not follow college football as closely, Brubaker’s presence is a chance to experience the personality and presence of a high-level athlete up close—no pads, no helmet, just pure charisma.

Hailing from Pennsylvania, Ryan Brubaker arrived in Columbia with a reputation as a high-upside lineman, possessing both the frame and the fundamentals to make an impact in the SEC. He originally committed to Penn State before flipping to South Carolina in a move that surprised many but thrilled Gamecock fans looking to build serious depth in the trenches. Since then, Brubaker has been developing under the guidance of the South Carolina coaching staff, growing stronger, more agile, and more comfortable with the pace of the collegiate game. While he hasn’t yet made himself a full-time starter, insiders close to the program continue to point to him as a key part of the Gamecocks’ long-term plans on the offensive front.

In an era when offensive linemen often go overlooked by casual fans, Brubaker is part of a new breed—not only bringing power to the pocket but personality to the public eye. His social media presence reflects a player who is passionate, funny, engaged, and authentic. He’s leaned into community events, embraced NIL with a thoughtful approach, and shown a genuine interest in using his platform to connect with fans across all backgrounds. That makes his appearance at JoeFest a natural fit—he’s not just going through the motions; he’s going because he wants to be there.

And JoeFest itself is no minor affair. Slated for June 21-23 at the Augusta Convention Center, the festival has built a loyal following over the years with its unique blend of retro toys, GI Joe nostalgia, custom art, cosplay competitions, indie comic creators, and a welcoming family atmosphere. What started as a GI Joe-centric gathering has now morphed into a full-spectrum pop culture showcase, drawing thousands each summer from across the Southeast. It’s the kind of grassroots event that blends small-town charm with big-time buzz.

Having Brubaker attend for one day—specifically on Friday, June 21—adds an extra layer of exclusivity. It ensures that Friday’s crowd will be treated to something unique: the chance to meet a current SEC athlete right before the heat of summer workouts begins to intensify. With fall camp around the corner and a crucial season ahead for South Carolina, Brubaker’s schedule isn’t exactly wide open. So, for him to carve out time to make this appearance speaks volumes about his commitment to fan engagement and community outreach.

This isn’t just a photo op. Brubaker is expected to be fully present—shaking hands, signing helmets and photos, possibly even participating in a short Q&A session or panel, depending on time and scheduling. And with JoeFest offering everything from classic toy vendors to independent artists and tabletop gaming setups, there’s a good chance Brubaker’s appearance could spark some unexpected conversations. Maybe he’s a Star Wars guy. Maybe he grew up on Marvel comics or Transformers. Or maybe he’s got a favorite GI Joe character he’s hoping to find in one of the vendor booths. Either way, fans will have a chance to find out.

For the Gamecock faithful, the event is another touchstone in a growing list of off-field wins for the program. Under Shane Beamer, South Carolina has made it a priority to connect players with the broader community and to let their personalities shine outside the gridiron. That ethos—part culture, part strategy—has helped build a deeper bond between team and fanbase. It’s also made players like Brubaker more accessible, more relatable, and more marketable in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

Brubaker’s JoeFest appearance also underscores how the worlds of sports and entertainment are colliding more than ever before. With the NCAA’s relaxed rules around NIL and personal branding, players now have the freedom to pursue opportunities that make sense for them. For Brubaker, that means using his platform not only to train and perform at a high level but also to show up for fans in spaces they may not expect to see him. JoeFest is as much about community as it is about nostalgia, and that’s a lane Brubaker seems eager to cruise down.

It also opens the door for future athlete appearances at similar conventions. While sports and comic conventions have long been adjacent industries, they rarely overlap directly. But with Brubaker breaking that mold, we may soon see more players follow his lead—popping into festivals, fandom expos, and community conventions not only as guests but as fans themselves. After all, who says a left tackle can’t be a Lego fanatic or a Dungeons & Dragons master?

The timing couldn’t be better either. With college football’s offseason reaching its midpoint, the buzz is building around depth charts, breakout players, and preseason expectations. South Carolina will need all hands on deck this season, particularly up front, where line play will determine how far the team can go in the always-brutal SEC. Brubaker’s development is a storyline worth watching—and if he takes the leap many expect, this brief appearance at JoeFest could become a memorable “before-he-blew-up” moment for fans who meet him.

So whether you’re a hardcore Gamecock, a toy collector looking for rare pieces, or just someone who loves seeing different corners of fandom come together, June 21 at JoeFest is a can’t-miss moment. Ryan Brubaker’s one-day-only appearance is more than just a special guest booking—it’s a sign of the evolving culture of college athletics, where athletes are embracing their role as community figures, brand ambassadors, and, yes, even pop culture personalities.

Get your tickets, plan your day, and don’t be late. Because when June 21 rolls around, the offensive line’s biggest personality is stepping off the field and into the fan fest spotlight—and he’s doing it for one day only.