Breaking: South Carolina has high expectations for Zavion Hardy as he enters his first season in the SEC. The 6’5″, 265-pound defensive lineman arrives from East Mississippi Community College, where he earned first-team All-MACCC honors and was rated the No. 1 junior college prospect in the 2025 class .

Breaking: South Carolina has high expectations for Zavion Hardy as he enters his first season in the SEC. The 6’5″, 265-pound defensive lineman arrives from East Mississippi Community College, where he earned first-team All-MACCC honors and was rated the No. 1 junior college prospect in the 2025 class .

 

Hardy initially committed to South Carolina in 2023 but took a detour through junior college before flipping back to the Gamecocks from Mississippi State on National Signing Day . His return is timely, as the Gamecocks aim to bolster a defensive line that lost key contributors like Luke Kennard and TJ Sanders .

 

Defensive coordinator Clayton White has praised Hardy’s athleticism and quickness, noting his dedication to increasing strength to adapt to SEC football . Hardy has already added muscle under the guidance of the strength and conditioning staff .

 

With his combination of size, agility, and experience, Hardy is expected to make an immediate impact on South Carolina’s defensive front. His arrival not only fills a critical position of need but also signals the program’s growing ability to attract and develop top-tier talent .

 

As the Gamecocks continue to build under head coach Shane Beamer, Hardy’s presence could be a key factor in their pursuit of SEC contention.