Newberry SC, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Four-star tight end Jamel Howse has officially decommitted from the South Carolina Gamecocks after a year-long commitment. The talented player from Newberry High School made headlines with his decision, leaving the team with 15 commits for the 2026 recruiting class. Howse, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, is ranked as the No. 307 overall prospect and the No. 14 tight end in the 2026 cycle. As South Carolina struggles with their season record, Howse plans to explore other opportunities, including a visit to Appalachian State.
Newberry, South Carolina – Four-star tight end Jamel Howse has officially decommitted from the South Carolina Gamecocks, ending over a year-long commitment. Howse, a promising player from Newberry High School, had been committed to South Carolina since October 5, 2024, making him one of the longest-tenured commits in the team’s 2026 recruiting class.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Howse is recognized for his exceptional talent, ranking as the No. 307 overall prospect and the No. 14 tight end in the 2026 recruiting cycle according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He is also seen as the No. 7 recruit in the state of South Carolina. His decommitment leaves South Carolina’s 2026 class with a total of 15 commits as the early signing period approaches in less than seven weeks.
Howse’s recruitment had been relatively low-profile since his commitment last fall. Following an official visit to Columbia over the summer, Howse expressed that he was “100-percent locked in” with his commitment. However, recent challenges faced by the team could have influenced his decision, as South Carolina currently holds a 3-4 record for the season, following a recent loss to Oklahoma.
Before his commitment to South Carolina, Howse had garnered interest from multiple programs, receiving offers from Virginia Tech, Cincinnati, West Virginia, UCF, and Louisville, among others. Despite Howse’s departure, South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 17 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, and includes four top-100 prospects. The highest-rated player in this class is Darius Gray, ranked at No. 32.
Jamel Howse has made significant contributions on the field during his senior season, catching 32 passes for 392 yards and scoring four touchdowns. In light of his recent decommitment, Howse has plans to explore other opportunities, including an official visit to Appalachian State, indicating that he is considering his options moving forward.
As South Carolina looks to solidify its recruiting efforts, attention will be on how they manage the fallout from Howse’s exit. Nonetheless, they remain successful in attracting other top players from in-state, holding onto several key commitments in the process.
Key Statistics for Jamel Howse
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6-foot-4 |
| Weight | 240 pounds |
| Overall Ranking | No. 307 |
| State Ranking | No. 7 |
| Tight End Ranking | No. 14 |
| Receptions (Senior Year) | 32 |
| Receiving Yards (Senior Year) | 392 |
| Touchdowns (Senior Year) | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamel Howse has decommitted from the South Carolina Gamecocks after over a year of commitment, influenced potentially by the team’s challenges this season.
What are Jamel Howse’s rankings in recruiting cycles?
He is ranked as the No. 307 overall prospect, the No. 14 tight end in the 2026 recruiting cycle, and the No. 7 recruit in South Carolina.
What has been Howse’s performance in high school?
As a senior, he has caught 32 passes for 392 yards and scored four touchdowns for Newberry High School.
How many recruits are currently in South Carolina’s 2026 class?
With Howse’s decommitment, South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class is now down to 15 commits.
What is the status of South Carolina’s current football season?
South Carolina currently holds a 3-4 record for the season, following a recent loss to Oklahoma.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Jamel Howse Decommits
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Football
- On3: Jamel Howse Decommits
- Google Search: Jamel Howse
- The State: Jamel Howse Update
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Gamecocks Football Recruiting
- On3: South Carolina Football Recruiting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
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