In a surprising twist, Amari Thomas, a highly-rated high school running back, has switched his commitment from the University of South Carolina Gamecocks to the Florida State Seminoles, a team he had previously pledged to before a brief stint with USC. But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't the first time Thomas has changed his mind.
Thomas, a four-star recruit according to Rivals, initially committed to Florida State University (FSU) but then flipped to South Carolina this summer. As the early signing period looms, he has now returned to his original choice, leaving the Gamecocks with a notable loss. This full-circle recruitment story has the college football world talking.
Despite spending time on the South Carolina campus in Columbia this fall, Thomas maintained communication with FSU. He visited Tallahassee multiple times, including a recent trip for the Seminoles' victory over Virginia Tech on November 15th. This consistent contact may have played a role in his decision to decommit from South Carolina.
Thomas was the sole running back committed to South Carolina's 2026 class, leaving a gap in their roster. The Gamecocks are now in a position where they need to bolster their running back depth, as they currently have only three players at the position for the upcoming 2026 season. Head coach Shane Beamer has expressed a desire to have four or five scholarship players in the running back room.
The Gamecocks have a recent history of first-year transfers leading the team in rushing. In the past three seasons, Mario Anderson (2023), Rocket Sanders (2024), and Rahsul Faison (2025) have all topped the USC rushing stats after transferring in. This trend suggests that South Carolina may look to the transfer portal to fill their running back needs, in addition to pursuing other high school prospects.
And this is the part most people miss: Thomas' decision could have a ripple effect on other recruits. The Gamecocks are still in the running for Carsyn Baker, a Florida commit, and other players in the 2026 cycle. Will Thomas' decommitment impact their decisions? Only time will tell.
So, what do you think about this recruitment rollercoaster? Is Thomas' decision a surprising move or a predictable outcome? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting!
