In a stunning twist that is sending shockwaves through the college football world, five-star tight end Oscar Delp has officially decommitted from the Georgia Bulldogs and pledged his future to the South Carolina Gamecocks. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound offensive weapon made the announcement earlier today, stunning fans and coaches alike by flipping from one of the SEC’s premier powerhouses to one of its rising programs. Delp, widely considered the top tight end in the 2025 recruiting class, chose South Carolina over a loaded field that included the Clemson Tigers, Texas A&M Aggies, LSU Tigers, and Florida Gators.
Delp’s decision is a massive win for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, who have been building recruiting momentum and now add one of the most coveted players in the country to their 2025 class. The tight end from West Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, has long been on the radar of nearly every elite program in the nation. His blend of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a mismatch nightmare and a player with immediate impact potential at the next level.
This commitment represents a significant shift in the recruiting landscape. For Georgia, the loss of Delp is a rare recruiting setback. The Bulldogs had been seen as the overwhelming favorite not only because of their recent success under Kirby Smart but also due to their history of developing NFL-caliber tight ends like Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington. Many insiders believed Delp was locked in for good with the ‘Dawgs, especially given his prior public comments about his comfort in Athens and his relationships within the program.
But recruiting is rarely predictable, and Delp’s flip to South Carolina underscores just how dynamic — and volatile — the process can be.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Delp’s growing relationship with the South Carolina coaching staff played a major role in the decision. Shane Beamer, along with tight ends coach Jody Wright, reportedly built a strong rapport with Delp and his family over the last several months. The Gamecocks’ vision for Delp as a centerpiece of their offense — rather than just one weapon in a crowded room — may have ultimately sealed the deal.
There’s also a sense that Delp was drawn to the opportunity to blaze his own trail in Columbia. While Georgia has been a perennial playoff contender with a tight end room stacked with talent, South Carolina offered the promise of being the guy — the face of an offense with room to grow, a program that’s hungry to take the next step, and a fanbase desperate for a superstar to rally behind.
Delp’s announcement video, posted to social media, featured clips of Williams-Brice Stadium under the lights, Gamecocks fans waving towels in unison, and a heartfelt message: “I’m betting on myself. I’m betting on Carolina. Let’s build something special.” That message resonated with a South Carolina fanbase that has seen its share of highs and lows over the years — and who now has every reason to believe that better days are ahead.
His pledge also sends a clear message to the rest of the SEC: the Gamecocks are no longer content with moral victories and incremental improvement. They want to win, and they’re ready to compete for elite talent to make that happen.
The decision didn’t come easily, of course. Delp took multiple visits throughout the spring and summer, including stops at Clemson, LSU, and Texas A&M. Each of those programs made compelling pitches. Clemson, with its winning pedigree under Dabo Swinney, was believed to be running neck-and-neck with Georgia for a time. LSU, fresh off a top-10 season and known for producing top-tier pass catchers, made a strong late push. Texas A&M and Florida also remained in the mix, selling the SEC lifestyle and early playing opportunities.
But in the end, it was South Carolina that made the strongest impression. Whether it was the chance to make an immediate impact, the coaching staff’s authenticity, or the opportunity to be part of something bigger, Delp saw his future in garnet and black.
On the field, Delp brings a rare combination of size, speed, and hands. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he runs routes like a wide receiver and blocks like a left tackle. He’s equally dangerous stretching the seam as he is lined up in the slot or motioning into the backfield. He’s a matchup nightmare for linebackers and defensive backs alike and figures to be a major weapon in the red zone. Scouts have raved about his football IQ, work ethic, and willingness to do the dirty work that often gets overlooked at the tight end position.
With Delp now headed to Columbia, South Carolina’s offense takes a giant leap forward on paper. He’s expected to be an immediate contributor — and potentially a freshman All-American candidate if things click early. He’s the kind of player that elevates everyone around him, and his presence will undoubtedly open up opportunities for the rest of the offense. Quarterbacks love a safety blanket like Delp, and South Carolina’s current and future signal-callers just hit the jackpot.
The timing of Delp’s flip couldn’t be more significant. Recruiting battles like these are often seen as bellwethers — signals of which programs are trending up and which are losing ground. While Georgia remains a national powerhouse with a loaded roster, Delp’s departure is a blow to their 2025 class. It also raises questions about how the Bulldogs will reload at the tight end position moving forward, especially with Bowers off to the NFL and a noticeable dip in tight end depth looming.
For the Gamecocks, this is a monumental recruiting win. Not only did they land a five-star recruit at a premium position, but they also beat out several of their SEC rivals to do it. It’s the kind of statement addition that energizes a program and reaffirms belief in the direction it’s heading.
Fans in Columbia wasted no time celebrating. Social media lit up with welcome messages, memes, and gifs as soon as Delp made his announcement. “Welcome to the family” quickly trended among Gamecock faithful, while #DelpDay became a rallying cry online. Some fans even went as far as to say this might be South Carolina’s biggest recruiting win since the days of Jadeveon Clowney — and while only time will tell if that comparison is fair, the excitement is undeniable.
As for Delp, he now begins the next chapter of his football journey. He’ll finish out his high school career with a target on his back, but there’s little doubt he’s up for the challenge. His maturity, poise, and confidence have always stood out, and he now carries the weight of being the face of South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class.
For Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, this commitment is more than just a big name on paper. It’s a validation of the hard work they’ve put in to rebuild the program. It’s a signal to recruits everywhere that South Carolina is a destination, not a fallback. And it’s a reminder that in today’s college football landscape, anything is possible.
Oscar Delp could have gone anywhere. He chose Columbia.
Welcome to the family.
