In a significant move, Jatavius Shivers has made the decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, marking another departure for South Carolina's football program. This news was first brought to light by On3. Shivers has been part of the Gamecocks for three years; he redshirted his initial season but went on to participate in 15 games during his subsequent two years with the team. As it stands, he holds two years of eligibility that he can utilize at his next school.
By the conclusion of the 2025 season, Shivers had secured a spot as a second-team left tackle. Throughout his collegiate career, he showcased versatility by playing both tackle positions and occasionally stepping in as a blocking tight end. Hailing from Villa Rica, Georgia, Shivers saw limited action this past season, recording just 81 snaps for the Gamecocks. He was also ranked as the fourth-lowest offensive lineman on the team according to Pro Football Focus ratings.
This latest announcement adds to a growing list of changes within the Gamecocks' offensive line, as ten players from last year's lineup have now opted to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Consequently, only six scholarship offensive linemen from the previous season remain with the program.
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It's worth noting that there have been some new regulations put in place regarding the NCAA Transfer Portal this year. Unlike last year, when the portal was open for an entire month starting in early December, this year's window is considerably shorter, running from January 2 to January 16. Players are permitted to announce their intentions to enter the portal at any time, similar to many Gamecocks who did so prior to the official opening. Once the portal was activated, players could register their entries until the 16th.
Another change this year stipulates that graduate transfers must also adhere to the same time frame and cannot enter the portal outside of this designated window. Additionally, the NCAA has removed the spring portal window altogether, meaning the two-week span in January is the only opportunity players have to transition out of their current programs—unless a head coach leaves their position. These adjustments aim to reduce player movement and create a more structured approach for teams navigating the portal cycle, which previously faced challenges with two distinct negotiation periods in winter and spring.
Stay tuned to TheBigSpur.com for ongoing coverage of South Carolina football and all developments concerning the NCAA Transfer Portal.
