COLUMBIA — South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer flipped edge rusher Julian Walker from Michigan, announcing he has signed with the Gamecocks.
The early signing period began Dec. 3 and ends Dec. 5. Walker was set to sign on the first day but pushed his signing back 24 hours. The Dutch Fork four-star recruit made the the announcement at a signing ceremony, taking off his sweatshirt to reveal a Gamecocks shirt.
Walker is the No. 3 prospect from the state according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s the No. 10 edge rusher in the Class of 2026.
He originally committed to Michigan on July 1 but took a visit to South Carolina on Oct. 17. His father is Jamil Walker, is the assistant football strength and conditioning coach at South Carolina.
Shane Beamer flips Julian Walker from Michigan to South Carolina
Beamer is losing a key edge rusher in senior Bryan Thomas Jr. who led the Gamecocks (4-8) with seven sacks this season.
He is returning sophomore Dylan Stewart. Stewart started as a freshman last year so Walker could have a similar immediate impact depending on what South Carolina’s 2026 roster looks like.
Beamer had 14 commits he was hoping to sign. He signed 12 by the time of Walker’s flip.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
