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From Tipperary to SEC: Irish rugby player with no football experience commits to South Carolina
Neff Giwa, a 6-foot-7 Irish rugby player with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, joins South Carolina's 2026 class despite no football experience amid roster injuries.
- On Sunday, March 29, 2026, 20-year-old Irish rugby player Neff Giwa committed to South Carolina as an offensive lineman, choosing the Gamecocks over offers from Miami, Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
- Brandon Collier, founder of Premier Prospects International, discovered the 6-foot-7, 295-pound prospect through a viral workout video showcasing his 4.88-second 40-yard dash and 37-inch arms.
- To prepare for the transition, Giwa studied NFL veteran Trent Williams on YouTube, though analysts view him as a developmental project requiring significant technical work before competing.
- South Carolina coach Shane Beamer secured the commitment after two campus visits, addressing roster needs created by injuries to offensive tackles Jacarrius Peak and Josiah Thompson.
- The commitment forces national programs including Miami, Texas, and Tennessee to pivot recruiting efforts toward the 2027 cycle, actively pursuing other top targets to address future depth chart needs.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Former Rugby-Turned College Football Player Commits to SEC Powerhouse Over Bill Belichick’s UNC
Belichick and his staff are boom or bust when it comes to 2026. Their recruiting strategy reflects that desperation. General Manager Michael Lombardi has overseen the inclusion of more than 40 new prospects. That’s a top-20 class for 2026. But it looks like their latest target has slipped away to an SEC team. Neff Giwa is a 6’8”, 300-pound offensive tackle from Ireland who has committed to South Carolina for the 2026 class. He chose the Gamecock…
South Carolina Football Outbids Miami For 300-Pound Rugby Star Despite Failed Recruiting Ploy
The South Carolina football program picked up a commitment from rugby player Neff Giwa on Sunday. He officially signed with the school over the weekend and intends to compete for a significant role. The Gamecocks had recruiting competition for the future offensive lineman. Despite a failed ploy to box out rivals, Shane Beamer secured his target. Giwa’s story is not like most top-rated recruits. He has never played a snap of competitive football.…
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