Jamel Howse Jr. Decommits from South Carolina Football Program

Newberry SC, October 21, 2025

News Summary

Jamel Howse Jr., a highly-rated tight end from Newberry, SC, has officially decommitted from the University of South Carolina after more than a year of commitment. His decision was announced in a local reporter’s interview, citing a desire for an offense that focuses more on passing. This change raises concerns for the Gamecocks as Howse was their only committed tight end, and they now face challenges in filling this crucial position amid their disappointing season.

Newberry, South Carolina – Jamel Howse Jr., a four-star tight end from Newberry, has officially decommitted from South Carolina’s football program after more than a year of commitment. Howse announced his decision on Sunday evening during a conversation with a local reporter, stating his desire to find an offense where he can receive more passes.

The 6-foot-3, 238-pound athlete is currently ranked as the No. 282 overall player and the No. 13 tight end nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite. Within the state of South Carolina, Howse is recognized as the No. 6 prospect. His decommitment raises immediate concerns for the Gamecocks, as he was their only committed tight end and will leave the team searching for a replacement.

In a challenging season for the Gamecocks, their offensive performance has been notably disappointing, averaging only 20.14 points per game overall and just 13 points per game in their SEC outings. This offensive struggle, which also includes a recent high-profile loss to Oklahoma, may have influenced Howse’s decision to decommit. If these performance issues continue, the decommitment of Howse could indicate deeper problems in South Carolina’s recruiting efforts leading up to the early signing day.

Howse’s football season has been impressive so far; he has caught 32 passes for 392 yards and four touchdowns. He is also selected for the Shrine Bowl, showcasing his recognized talent in the sport. Prior to his commitment to South Carolina, Howse received offers from a variety of schools, including Louisville, UCF, South Florida, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.

Since decommitting, Howse has already made a visit to Appalachian State, where he plans to return in November. Appalachian State is led by head coach Dowell Loggains, a former offensive coordinator at South Carolina, whom Howse may have a connection with. This shift may represent a potential new direction for Howse’s recruitment during this critical phase of his football career.

As the Gamecocks currently hold the 21st ranked recruiting class with a total of 15 commits, they face significant challenges ahead. The team must now quickly identify and recruit a replacement for Howse and address the broader issues within their offensive strategy if they aim to regain momentum in recruiting and performance on the field.

Howse’s Key Facts

• Position: Tight End
• Height: 6-foot-3
• Weight: 238 pounds
• National Ranking: No. 282 overall, No. 13 tight end
• State Ranking: No. 6 in South Carolina
• Current Season Stats: 32 receptions, 392 yards, 4 touchdowns
• Previous Offers: Louisville, UCF, South Florida, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
• Current Intentions: Visit to Appalachian State in November

Implications for South Carolina Football

With Howse’s decommitment and the recent entry of true sophomore tight end Michael Smith into the transfer portal, South Carolina must act quickly to fill the void left at the tight end position. As the Gamecocks strive to fortify their future class amid concerns over offensive strategies, Howse’s departure comes as a pressing reminder of the importance of recruiting talent that fits their evolving game plan.

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Additional Resources

• 247Sports: Jamel Howse Decommits
• Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Football
• The State: USC Football
• Google Search: South Carolina Gamecocks Recruiting News
• Post and Courier: Jamel Howse Commitment
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• On3: Jamel Howse Decommits
• Google News: Jamel Howse
• The State: USC Recruiting

Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY

The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.