Elite IOL PJ Dean Makes Strong Connection on Visit to South Carolina
PJ Dean, the 6-foot-3, 255-pound interior offensive lineman out of West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, North Carolina, made a highly anticipated visit to the University of South Carolina on May 30, 2025. As the No. 22 overall prospect and the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 On300 rankings, Dean’s recruitment has been heating up, and his trip to Columbia marked a pivotal moment in his decision-making process. With Georgia and Ohio State also in his top three, the Gamecocks rolled out the red carpet in an effort to secure a potential game-changing commitment.
Dean’s rise through the recruiting rankings has been fueled by a combination of size, athleticism, and versatility. He moves exceptionally well for a lineman, possesses strong footwork, and is capable of playing both guard and defensive tackle. His two-way potential has drawn comparisons to NFL-caliber athletes, making him one of the most sought-after linemen in the country. The On3 Industry Ranking has him slotted as the No. 3 IOL nationally, while his 247Sports Composite score places him in the top 50 prospects overall. More than 20 Power Five programs have offered him, but as the summer approaches, his focus has narrowed to Georgia, South Carolina, and Ohio State.
The South Carolina visit offered Dean a full-spectrum look at what the program has to offer, both on and off the field. He began his trip with a tour of the state-of-the-art Cyndi and Kenneth Long Family Football Operations Center. Valued at $50 million, the facility houses a massive weight room, hydrotherapy suites, film rooms, a players’ lounge, and nutrition stations. It’s a modern hub for player development and wellness, and Dean reportedly came away impressed with its quality and design.
Next, Dean participated in position-specific workouts inside the Spurrier Indoor Practice Facility. There, he was observed closely by offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, who guided him through a series of zone-blocking reps and agility drills. The Gamecocks made a strong pitch around Dean’s ability to impact both the offensive and defensive lines, noting his rare flexibility and athleticism. In a film session following practice, staff broke down how Dean would fit into their schemes, including power-run packages and defensive stunts from a three-technique alignment.
But the visit wasn’t all about football. South Carolina also showcased its vibrant campus life, an aspect that Dean has said is very important in his recruitment. He was shown the newly renovated student dormitories, met with current players around the campus Horseshoe, and had meals at the dining facility adjacent to Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks emphasized the welcoming culture within their locker room and campus environment, and Dean reportedly described the experience as “feeling right at home.”
One of the most impactful portions of Dean’s visit came during his time with the university’s NIL department. South Carolina’s NIL team laid out various opportunities for brand partnerships, community engagement, and business networking in Columbia. As NIL continues to play a crucial role in modern recruiting, the Gamecocks’ ability to present a forward-thinking and supportive platform stood out. According to sources close to the visit, Dean was encouraged by the potential support and branding avenues available to him in South Carolina’s market.
A central component of South Carolina’s pitch was the opportunity for early playing time. With several interior linemen set to graduate or enter the portal after the 2025 season, the Gamecocks are looking to reinforce their trenches—and Dean would be a top priority. The coaching staff outlined a path for him to see immediate action as a rotational player in year one, with the potential to develop into a cornerstone of the offensive or defensive front. Dean appreciated the honesty in that message and the trust the staff expressed in his development.
Dean’s recruitment remains fluid, though Georgia is still viewed as the favorite due in part to his family ties—his older brother, Jared Wilson, played offensive line for the Bulldogs. On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Georgia a significant lead, but sources note that official visits like this one can have a major impact on a prospect’s final decision. South Carolina’s staff believes the relationships built during the visit—from head coach Shane Beamer to positional coaches and even players—gave them a legitimate shot at closing the gap.
Ohio State remains the third finalist and is expected to host Dean on an official visit later this summer. The Buckeyes bring elite player development and a winning pedigree to the table, making them a strong contender as well. However, insiders believe the Gamecocks now sit in a tighter second position than previously thought, thanks to the impression made during Dean’s trip to Columbia.
Adding a prospect of Dean’s caliber would be monumental for South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class, which currently ranks just inside the top 20 nationally. His commitment would likely elevate the Gamecocks into the top 10 and set the tone for a class that could help reshape the program’s trajectory under Shane Beamer. Dean is a player who can anchor a recruiting class and draw in other high-profile prospects looking to play alongside elite talent.
With his decision expected to come sometime in July, Dean’s final stretch of recruitment will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the 2026 cycle. South Carolina has positioned itself well with a high-quality visit, genuine relationship-building, and a clear plan for Dean’s future in garnet and black. Whether it will be enough to sway him from Georgia or Ohio State remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt the Gamecocks made a statement.
For now, Dean returns to the drawing board with one more official visit to go. But if his words and reactions are any indication, South Carolina has given him something to think seriously about. The Gamecocks have made their move—and now they wait.
