South Carolina Gamecocks Set to Host Elite Quarterback Landon Duckworth for Crucial and Impactful Official Recruiting Visit Soon

The South Carolina Gamecocks are preparing for what could be one of their most significant recruiting weekends of the 2025 cycle, as elite quarterback prospect Landon Duckworth is scheduled to make his official visit to Columbia. This visit marks a pivotal moment not just for Shane Beamer and his staff, but also for the trajectory of the Gamecocks’ 2026 recruiting class. Duckworth, a consensus four-star quarterback from Jackson, Alabama, is considered one of the premier passers in his class, and his presence on campus signals South Carolina’s serious intent to land a game-changing signal-caller early in the process.

Duckworth has long been a name on the radar for top programs across the SEC and beyond. He committed to South Carolina early in his recruitment, back in July 2023, and has remained solid to the Gamecocks despite continued interest from other Power Five programs. His official visit is less about convincing him to join South Carolina and more about reinforcing the bond, ensuring that both sides remain aligned as national signing day approaches in the future.

Duckworth’s importance to the Gamecocks cannot be overstated. At 6-foot-2 and around 190 pounds, he possesses the frame of a modern dual-threat quarterback. His arm strength is already considered above average, with flashes of elite-level zip on intermediate and deep routes. What separates him from many of his peers, however, is his ability to read defenses and maintain composure in the pocket, even under heavy pressure. His football IQ and maturity have impressed scouts and coaches alike, and his leadership qualities are already evident at the high school level.

In his junior season at Jackson High School, Duckworth passed for over 2,800 yards with 34 touchdowns and added nearly 400 rushing yards with another six scores on the ground. His efficiency and playmaking ability helped lead Jackson to deep playoff contention, and he enters his senior season poised for a potential state title run. The Gamecocks are betting big on Duckworth to eventually become the centerpiece of their offense, possibly even redefining their identity in the SEC.

For South Carolina, landing and keeping a commitment like Duckworth’s represents a potential turning point in the Shane Beamer era. Recruiting elite quarterbacks has been a challenge for the Gamecocks over the past decade. While the program has had some success developing under-the-radar talents and managing the transfer portal, there has yet to be a homegrown, multi-year starter with the tools and ceiling that Duckworth brings to the table.

This upcoming official visit will allow Duckworth to get a closer look at what life in Columbia will be like, both on and off the field. The coaching staff has carefully planned out every detail of the weekend, hoping to create an experience that will not only solidify his commitment but also entice him to become the vocal leader of the 2026 class. Duckworth has expressed interest in being a recruiter himself—someone who can help build a championship-caliber class around him. The Gamecocks hope this visit cements that mentality.

Duckworth is expected to spend time with South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, who has played an instrumental role in his recruitment. Loggains, who joined the Gamecocks from the NFL, has brought a professional approach to the quarterback room and has helped modernize South Carolina’s offensive scheme. Duckworth’s style aligns well with Loggains’ vision—an up-tempo, balanced offense that emphasizes quarterback mobility and vertical passing concepts.

In addition to facility tours and meetings with coaches, Duckworth will spend significant time with current players, especially those in the quarterback and offensive units. The Gamecocks are hoping the team chemistry and locker room culture will leave a lasting impression. With recent transfer additions and promising young talent already on campus, the message to Duckworth is clear: South Carolina is building something, and they want him to be the face of it.

The visit will also give Duckworth a chance to further bond with other key 2026 targets who could be on campus at the same time. South Carolina’s staff is working behind the scenes to line up a strong visit weekend, hoping to create a “class-building” moment. If Duckworth is surrounded by top offensive linemen, receivers, and skill players also considering the Gamecocks, it could create momentum that turns into commitments in the coming months.

One challenge that South Carolina will need to navigate is the ongoing interest from other programs. Although Duckworth is verbally committed, programs such as Alabama, Auburn, and Florida have not given up in their pursuit. That’s the nature of recruiting in the SEC—commitments are rarely final until pen hits paper. Hosting him for an official visit and showing him the continued commitment from the staff is critical in fending off these late challengers.

The coaching staff is well aware of the stakes. Keeping a quarterback of Duckworth’s caliber in the fold—and happy—could be the catalyst for a successful 2026 class. Quarterbacks are typically the first domino in a recruiting class, and Duckworth’s reputation and connections across the Southeast could help South Carolina tap into talent pools that might have otherwise leaned elsewhere.

This is especially important given the competitive landscape in the SEC, where nearly every team is vying for the same handful of elite passers. Programs like Georgia, LSU, and Texas are routinely stacking top-five classes, and South Carolina’s path to competing at that level requires not just strong recruiting, but the ability to land cornerstone pieces like Duckworth. He’s more than just a quarterback; he’s a culture-setter, a brand ambassador, and potentially, a future captain of a program on the rise.

It’s also worth noting that Duckworth’s family has played an important role in his recruitment. His parents have emphasized education, character, and stability—three areas where South Carolina has made a strong impression. The visit will give his family another opportunity to meet with academic advisors, support staff, and player development personnel. Reassuring the family is just as important as impressing the player, and South Carolina knows it.

For Gamecock fans, Duckworth’s visit is another reason to be optimistic about the future. Recruiting is the lifeblood of any college football program, and it’s no secret that the SEC is a warzone when it comes to talent acquisition. To win those battles, South Carolina must not only identify talent early but nurture relationships and create an environment where top players see a future. With Duckworth, they’ve done that so far—and this weekend is a critical checkpoint in that ongoing process.

The buzz around Duckworth’s arrival on campus has already started to ripple through the fanbase and media. South Carolina recruiting insiders believe this visit could lead to a public reaffirmation of his commitment and perhaps even some peer-to-peer recruiting moments with fellow prospects. If the visit goes well, don’t be surprised if social media starts to light up with cryptic posts, photos, or even a few early pledges from players who want to join Duckworth in Columbia.

This kind of momentum is what recruiting weekends are all about. It’s not just about one player—it’s about setting the tone for an entire class and signaling to the college football world that South Carolina is serious about taking the next step. With a quarterback like Landon Duckworth on board and engaged, that next step doesn’t feel far away. This official visit could be the foundation of a future contender.

In the coming days, all eyes in Gamecock Nation will be on how the visit unfolds. If everything goes according to plan, Duckworth could become more than just a verbal commitment—he could become the foundation of South Carolina’s next great era under Shane Beamer.