headtopics
As the South Carolina Gamecocks gear up for their season opener on September 5, the focus turns to the tight end group, a unit that presents both reliability and uncertainty for offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. With a mix of body types and skill sets, the room offers flexibility, but its overall production in 2026 remains an open question.
Brady Hunt, the most seasoned player in the group, enters his sixth collegiate season and his third with the Gamecocks. Since joining the program in 2024, he has accumulated 23 receptions for 190 yards, with his standout performance coming on the road against Virginia Tech last year, where he recorded four catches for 45 yards. A team captain in 2025, Hunt is expected to serve as a reliable safety net for the offense, though he may not replicate the explosive playmaking of former standout Joshua Simon.
Emerging Talent and Key Contributors
Mike Tyler, who played in the final 11 games of the 2025 season, is coming off his first full offseason with the team. His development was recognized with the Most Improved Player of the Spring award for the offense in 2026. A three-star recruit from the 2025 class, Tyler has the potential to elevate the unit's pass-catching capabilities, drawing comparisons to the production LaNorris Sellers enjoyed with Simon in 2024.
Maurice Brown II, a former walk-on now in his third year, posted career highs in receptions and yards last season. Primarily a special teams contributor and reserve tight end, he earned the Jim Carlen Most Valuable Special Teams Player Award, sharing the honor with a teammate. His blocking and versatility add depth to the position.
Max Drag, a transfer from UCF, brings additional experience as a blocker. In 2025, he appeared in 11 games with one start for the Golden Knights, primarily serving as an extra blocker. His presence could prove valuable in multiple tight end sets, especially given the team's rushing struggles last season. Drag also recorded three catches for 19 yards at UCF in 2025 and one touchdown at Appalachian State in 2024.
While Brady Hunt is expected to start, the unit's upside hinges on Tyler's ability to reach his potential. If he does, the tight end room could significantly impact the Gamecocks' offensive success this season.
Originally reported by headtopics.