Fans of South Carolina football had been complaining about the Gamecocks’ inability to sign any significant recruits in the 2025 class. Only Jayden Sellers, the younger brother of current Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers, had committed to the Gamecocks, thus after a very quick start in the ’24 cycle, ’25 was much slower.

When North Carolina wide receiver prospect Brian Rowe declared his commitment to the South Carolina football program on Tuesday afternoon, that all changed.

Ranked as a 4-star recruit in the On3 industry rankings, Brian Rowe doesn’t boast a ton of big-time offers but seems like a player on the rise as he has picked up 8 Power 5 scholarship offers since New Year’s Day. South Carolina beat out the Miami Hurricanes, the in-state Duke Blue Devils and Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and 7 other Power 5 offers for Rowe.

On film, Rowe pops off the screen as a big-time playmaker. Rowe is extremely athletic, and his smooth speed and easy quickness are apparent as he runs his routes and after he has the ball in his hands. He is also an excellent leaper as he can high-point the football like a receiver much taller than he actually is. Used often in the screen and quick game, Rowe has good vision carrying the football and is not afraid to take on the entire defense as he looks to worm his way to the end zone.

Although Rowe weighs 175 pounds and is 6’1″, he plays larger than that. On the field, he resembles former Gamecock Shaq Roland, and both Shaq and he can be utilized in different ways at the receiving position. Rowe is a plus-athlete who seems most comfortable making rapid passes or deep balls (this was how he was primarily used in high school), though he has also demonstrated some proficiency in the intermediate passing game.

Rowe’s open-field skills translate well to special teams, and he’s had some success for Robinson High School returning kicks and punts.

Rowe is South Carolina football’s second commitment overall and as a receiver in the 2025 recruiting class.