Gamecock Digest

2026 Top 10 Prospect, No. 1 IOL Pierre Dean Visits Gamecocks for Bowl Prep

Fisher Brewer

Sep 21, 2019; Columbia, MO, USA; A detail view of a South Carolina Gamecocks helmet during the second half of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2019; Columbia, MO, USA; A detail view of a South Carolina Gamecocks helmet during the second half of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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South Carolina’s recruiting efforts are gaining momentum as the Gamecocks welcomed 2026 top 10 prospect and No. 1 interior offensive lineman (IOL) Pierre Dean to campus on December 22 for a visit during bowl preparations. Dean, a standout from Clemmons, NC, shared a photo with starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers, captioned “🏠??👀”, sparking excitement among fans about the potential for a future connection with the Gamecocks.

Ranked No. 10 overall and the No. 1 IOL by ON3 Sports, Dean is one of the top recruits in the nation. While his class rankings have yet to be officially finalized, ON3 Sports and 247Sports typically rank around 32 players each year as 5-star recruits—prospects projected to be future NFL draft picks. If Dean continues to perform at a high level, he could earn a 5-star designation in the future. His current measurements, listed at 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, offer a more accurate reflection of his size than the outdated 6-foot-5, 305-pound listing from other sources.

Gamecocks Among Elite Finalists

Dean recently included South Carolina in his top eight schools, alongside powerhouse programs like Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, and NC State. This list of contenders features some of the nation’s most successful programs, and the Gamecocks are working hard to make a strong impression.

Building for the Future

The Gamecocks are committed to strengthening their offensive line for the years ahead, and recruits like Dean are key to that vision. With his combination of size, athleticism, and potential, Dean could play a pivotal role in South Carolina’s future success in the trenches.

During his visit, Dean got a firsthand look at the Gamecocks’ bowl prep, met with coaches, and interacted with players like Sellers, all of which provided insight into what the program has to offer.

A Busy Recruiting Weekend

Dean’s visit is part of a busy recruiting weekend for South Carolina, with several high-profile prospects visiting campus. As the Gamecocks continue to build their 2026 class, these visits are crucial for strengthening relationships and showcasing the program’s vision for the future.

Fans will be watching closely as Dean’s recruitment progresses, and South Carolina is well-positioned to remain a strong contender in the race for one of the nation’s top prospects.

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Fisher Brewer
FISHER BREWER

Fisher has been covering the Gamecocks for 5 years as a freelancer under the name of USCTalk, a popular page in the Carolina community that led to his first reporting job for Rivals.com. He left to go back to being a freelancer and then, a year later, joined the Sports Illustrated family in January 2023.

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