In a significant development for the 2026 recruiting cycle, four-star cornerback Peyton Dyer has announced his decommitment from the University of South Carolina.1 The news broke late Tuesday evening, sending ripples through Gamecock recruiting circles. Dyer, a highly-rated prospect from Duluth High School in Georgia, had been committed to South Carolina since November 2024.2
While Dyer did not explicitly detail all the reasons behind his sudden change of heart, sources close to his recruitment indicate that his decision stems from a re-evaluation of his options and the continued interest from several other prominent programs. Dyer’s recruitment has seen a surge in recent months, with major programs like Georgia, Southern California (USC), and Ohio State reportedly intensifying their pursuit.3
Following his decommitment, Dyer confirmed that he has official visits scheduled with Georgia (June 13th) and USC (June 6th) this summer, ahead of his senior season. While he also has a previously scheduled official visit to South Carolina on June 20th, it remains uncertain whether he will proceed with that trip given his current decision.4
Dyer, a consensus four-star prospect, is considered one of the top cornerback recruits in the 2026 class.5 His size (6-foot, 190 pounds), athleticism, and ball skills have made him a coveted target for numerous Power Five programs. As a junior, he recorded 18 tackles and two interceptions, further solidifying his reputation as a promising defensive back.6
His decommitment marks the third such loss for South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class.7 Previously, four-star linebacker Rodney Colton and four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth also backed out of their pledges to the Gamecocks.8 This recent development will undoubtedly require the South Carolina coaching staff to reassess their cornerback recruiting board and identify new targets to fill the void.
Despite this setback, South Carolina’s 2026 class still holds five commitments, including four in-state prospects.9 However, losing a talent of Dyer’s caliber is a blow, and the Gamecocks will need to work diligently to regain his interest or secure another high-caliber cornerback in this cycle.
The decommitment of Peyton Dyer serves as a stark reminder of the fluid nature of college football recruiting. As prospects continue to develop and new offers emerge, commitments are not always final. South Carolina will now need to navigate this challenge and continue to build a strong foundation for their future.
