On3's No. 2 2026 linebacker commits to South Carolina!
Newnan (Ga.) four-star linebacker Rodney Colton, On3’s No. 2 linebacker in the 2026 class, landed an offer from South Carolina on Saturday at the spring game and wasted little time in joining the Gamecocks program.
Colton announced a pledge to South Carolina on Wednesday afternoon.
“It means a lot,” Colton told GamecockCentral of landing an offer from South Carolina. “I’ve been wanting it for a minute, since ninth grade actually, and now that I finally got it I’m happy. Just can’t do nothing but thank God. The coaches ,the love they showed, it was like everyone was happy to see me, the brotherhood they have, and how they attack the field like they’re going to war.”
[GamecockCentral for $1: In-depth coverage and a great community]
Colton, who had early offers from Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee, LSU, West Virginia, and Florida, among others, was recruited to Carolina by defensive coordinator Clayton White. Colton has previously listed Georgia and Auburn as his Top 2.
“I would fit in the scheme perfectly,” Colton said. “They are adding the nickel package which I played my freshman year so if they need a star/nickel they wouldn’t have to take anyone out, just tell me to cover or go down and come off the edge.”
Despite being from the state of Georgia, Colton has been paying close attention to the Gamecock program for some time.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Kirk Herbstreit
Shot fired at First Take, Stephen A. Smith
- 2New
Ohio State vs. Oregon odds
Early Rose Bowl line released
- 3
Updated CFP Bracket
Quarterfinal matchups set
- 4Trending
Paul Finebaum
ESPN host rips CFP amid blowout
- 5
Klatt blasts Kiffin
Ole Miss HC called out for tweets
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“I watched Cam Smith and Jaycee Horn highlights growing up and going into high school,” he said. “Also Debo Williams and Wendell Gregory are killers and I was watching their tapes three days ago studying how they play. Now I watch Dylan Stewart and study his film since I’m playing JACK this year.”
[On3 App: Get South Carolina push notifications from GamecockCentral]
In addition to being the No. 2 LB, Colton is ranked the No. 34 overall prospect and No. 5 prospect in Georgia by On3.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder is considered the No. 83 overall prospect and No. 8 LB in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average of the four major recruiting media sites.
Colton is the second commitment in South Carolina’s 2026 class, joining Jackson (Ala.) four-star QB Landon Duckworth who pledged last year.
