In a stunning turn of events, highly-touted freshman offensive lineman Kam Pringle has announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal, sending shockwaves across the college football landscape.1 The former four-star recruit, who was part of the “Great Wall of Carolina” recruiting class just a year ago, confirmed his intentions via a social media post on Monday, April 21, 2025.2
Pringle’s decision comes as a surprise to many, as he was considered a significant talent with a bright future at South Carolina. The 6-foot-8, 336-pound offensive tackle was ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in South Carolina and the No. 17 offensive tackle nationally in the 2024 recruiting class by Rivals.com. He chose the Gamecocks over a host of other Power Five programs, including Clemson, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
During his freshman season, Pringle redshirted and saw limited action in just one game against Akron.3 Despite his lack of playing time, his potential was evident, and he was expected to compete for a significant role on the offensive line in the upcoming seasons.
While Pringle did not explicitly state his reasons for entering the transfer portal, several factors could have contributed to his decision. Limited playing time as a true freshman is a common motivator for players seeking new opportunities elsewhere. The competition within the offensive line unit at South Carolina, which includes other talented young players like Josiah Thompson and Blake Franks, might have also played a role.
The transfer portal has become an increasingly prevalent aspect of college football, allowing players more freedom to seek out programs where they believe they can find greater playing time or a better fit for their development.4 Pringle’s entry into the portal underscores this trend, even for highly-regarded recruits.
Pringle’s departure is a significant loss for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Coach Shane Beamer and his staff had high hopes for the young offensive lineman, and his potential exit creates a void in their future plans for the offensive line. The team will now have to look to other players on their roster or explore the transfer portal themselves to fill the gap.
As for Pringle, he will now become one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in the transfer portal. With four years of eligibility remaining, he will likely have a long list of suitors eager to acquire his talent and potential. His recruitment will be closely watched by college football fans and analysts alike, as he looks to find a new program where he can make an immediate impact.
The timing of Pringle’s announcement coincides with the spring transfer portal window, which opened on April 16th, 2025, and will remain open for ten days.5 This window allows players who are not graduating seniors to enter the portal and explore their options for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Kam Pringle’s decision to enter the transfer portal has sent a ripple effect through the college football world. A player with his talent and recruiting pedigree becoming available is a significant event, and his next destination will be a major storyline in the transfer portal landscape. While the reasons for his departure from South Carolina remain somewhat unclear, the impact of his decision on both the Gamecocks and his future program is undeniable.
