2026 IOL Malcolm Gaston names top four schools, sets commitment date

Mccormick (S.C.) North Augusta three-star interior offensive lineman Malcolm Gaston is one of the top 2026 prospects in the Palmetto State. He has four schools at the top of his recruitment.

The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder tells On3 that Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia Tech are his finalists. He’s also set a commitment date for May 2.

Gaston is the No. 619 overall prospect and No. 61 IOL in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 10 player in South Carolina.

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine currently favors UGA. Bulldogs insider Jeremy Johnson and On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong have each logged picks in favor of the SEC juggernaut. Gaston got back to Athens for a spring visit earlier this month.

“Georgia is a top school, in my opinion,” Gaston told DawgsHQ. “It’s really the love they gave and really how they made me feel at their home. I just left there about two, or three days ago, and took my dad on his first few visits. Knowing that he feels comfortable for me to go there, that’s really a good thing.”

Florida also recently had the trench monster on campus. Gators OL coach Rob Sale is leading UF’s charge and Gaston has felt the love from the Sunshine State program.

“The coaches were telling me where they are projecting to be, what their goals are, who all they are losing and all the spots I could fill in,” Gaston told Gators Online last month. “All of their linemen can play each position, but they are still losing depth. They were letting me know that.”

North Carolina jumped in the mix with an offer in February, and new head coach Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels staff will look to make an impact as Gaston nears his decision.

Gaston was a part of a North Augusta football program that went 12-2 in 2024. The Yellow Jackets finished as the No. 21 team in the state, according to the On3 Composite Rankings.