South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer and defensive line coach Travian Robertson landed a major commitment for the 2026 recruiting class on Tuesday, securing a verbal pledge from five-star defensive lineman Aiden Harris.
Harris, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound lineman from Weddington High School in Matthews, North Carolina, is considered one of the top defensive line prospects in the country.1 He is ranked as the No. 49 overall player and the No. 4 defensive lineman in the 247Sports Composite rankings for the 2026 class.
Harris had been considering offers from several other top programs, including Ohio State, Michigan, and Miami (OH). But in the end, he decided to commit to South Carolina.
“I’m really excited to be a Gamecock,” Harris said. “I love the coaches, the atmosphere, and the culture here. I feel like this is the best place for me to develop as a player and a person.”
Beamer and Robertson have been recruiting Harris for over a year. They made a strong impression on him during his official visit to Columbia last weekend.
“Coach Beamer and Coach Robertson were really excited to have me on campus,” Harris said. “They made me feel like a priority, and they made me feel like I was part of the family.”
Harris is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both inside and outside. He is a powerful run defender with a good motor and a strong work ethic. He is also a good pass rusher with a quick first step and a variety of pass-rushing moves.
“Aiden is a special player,” Beamer said. “He’s got a great combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He’s a hard worker and a great young man. We’re excited to have him join the Gamecock family.”
Harris’ commitment is a big win for Beamer and the Gamecocks. He is a top-ranked prospect who will add a lot of talent and depth to South Carolina’s defensive line.
“I’m excited to get to work with Coach Robertson and the rest of the defensive staff,” Harris said. “I know they’re going to help me develop into the best player I can be.”
Harris is the first commitment for South Carolina in the 2026 recruiting class. He is expected to be followed by several other top prospects in the coming months.
Beamer and his staff are building a strong foundation for the future of South Carolina football. The commitment of Aiden Harris is a big step in the right direction.
I would like to add that Harris is also a very good basketball player. He is ranked as the No. 32 basketball player in the 2026 class by 247Sports. He is a versatile player who can play both guard and forward. Harris is also a good student. He has a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Harris is a great all-around athlete and a great young man. He is a perfect fit for the Gamecocks.
I am excited to see what Aiden Harris can do at South Carolina. He has the potential to be a great player and a great leader for the Gamecocks.
