South Carolina WR Tyshawn Russell plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

On Tuesday, South Carolina wide receiver Tyshawn Russell announced he plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Russell has spent two seasons with the Gamecocks.

“I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play and experience the love for the game at this collegiate level,” Russell wrote. “Also, I would like to thank the University of South Carolina, the coaching staff, and everyone involved for giving me the opportunity to play football and further my academic education. After much consideration and talks with my family, I have decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility remaining.”

Russell made 10 appearances in his true freshman season in 2023. He tallied five receptions for 81 total yards. His best game of the season came against Furman when he logged a par of catches for 65 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown strike from quarterback LaNorris Sellers.

Russell did not see any action this season for the Gamecocks. There were questions surrounding Russell’s status on the team when his name didn’t appear on South Carolina’s depth chart ahead of the team’s Week 5 matchup against Ole Miss.

Alas, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer said that Russell was still on the team, “working hard.” He didn’t provide any further information on the receiver. Despite Russell’s lack of playing time this season, he seemed optimistic about his standing on the team before the season began.

“Last year, I was kind of little. (I) came in undersized — I was around 170 (pounds). So, these last eight months, I’ve been putting on a lot of weight and muscle,” Russell said. “I’ve gotten to about 190, so it’s just been training, getting with the new wide receivers coach, Coach Furrey, coming in.”

Now, Tyshawn Russell will look to exceed in a new environment. He will be the fourth South Carolina player to enter the transfer portal this season, joining Mohamed Kaba, Ni Mansell and Bangally Kamara, who committed to Kansas in November.