South Carolina football recruitment has suffered another setback to its 2025 class. 4-star linebacker/EDGE commitment Jaiden Braker, who pledged to the Gamecocks earlier in July after months of strong interest, decommitted less than four weeks later. The decommitment takes the form of a flip, as Braker previously announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers via a visual created by On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
The move comes as no surprise to those who follow recruiting. When LSU offered Braker not long ago, he had positive things to say about the Bayou Bengals, and following a visit to Baton Rouge this weekend, the athletic Georgia native enthused about his experience. Positive feelings about LSU translated into recruiting momentum for the Tigers, and Braker reversed his commitment.
BREAKING: Class of 2025 LB Jaiden Braker has Flipped his Commitment from South Carolina to LSU, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’3 217 LB from Snellville, GA had been Committed to the Gamecocks since July 6th
“Geaux Tigers”https://t.co/1awu63tsj0 pic.twitter.com/lrRi3xQqls
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 31, 2024
Still, losing Braker is a blow to the Gamecocks. USC didn’t necessarily need another linebacker or EDGE player in the class, but they saw potential in Braker’s film as a player who could develop into a great college linebacker or an intriguing athlete rushing the passer.
Even with Braker not joining the team, South Carolina football has secured commitments from EDGE players like Kobby Sakyi-Prah and Jaquavious Dodd, linebackers AJ Holloway and Jaquel Holman, and versatile athletes such as Anthony Addison and Taeshawn Alston.
It’s yet to be determined if the Gamecock coaching staff will seek additional linebackers or EDGE players in this recruiting cycle.
Currently, the Gamecocks have 20 commitments, including specialists, placing their class at 27th according to On3 and 31st according to 247Sports nationally. With several key South Carolina recruiting targets set to announce their decisions in the coming week, the team’s ranking could improve if the outcomes are favorable.
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