One of the Most Important RB’s in the SEC Still Isn’t Eligible

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 8:24 AM ET

With SEC Media Days beginning this week and the start of the season less than two months away, one of the more important unsettled off-season dramas continues in South Carolina. Will transfer running back Rahsul Faison be eligible for the 2025 season? As usual, the NCAA has decided to take their time with its decision and because of that, the Gamecocks are still in limbo.

Faison committed to South Carolina in early January, after also taking visits to Alabama, North Carolina and Florida State. During the 2024 season with Utah State, he rushed for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns. Faison was a big addition for the Gamecocks, who were looking to stabilize an otherwise questionable backfield situation. But until a decision is made on his eligibility, the questions remain.

Oct 26, 2024; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Utah State Aggies running back Rahsul Faison (3) runs against the Wyoming Cowboys during the second quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium.© Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images

There were rumors that a decision would be announced two weeks ago and then again last week, but here we are on July 14^th and everyone is still waiting. The reason for Faison’s eligibility issue is because of his very non-traditional playing career which involves a grayshirt season at Marshall and stops at two different junior colleges.

Even if Faison had three grayshirt seasons and attended eight junior colleges, the delay in the NCAA’s decision is completely unnecessary. But it also shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has paid attention to how the NCAA works or doesn’t work. It is also another example of why many people consider the organization a joke.

There is plenty of hype surrounding the 2025 season at South Carolina, which would be enhanced even more if Faison was deemed eligible. But for now, the coaching staff, team and fans are all left waiting until someone in Indianapolis finally makes a decision.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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