Top 2026 QB Landon Duckworth will announce his commitment on July 18th, between South Carolina and Auburn. Duckworth was previously committed to the Gamecocks before reopening up his recruitment last year.
Landon Duckworth, one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 class, is nearing a pivotal moment in his recruitment. The four-star signal caller out of Jackson, Alabama, has officially set his commitment date for July 18, with South Carolina and Auburn standing as the final contenders for his pledge. Duckworth had previously drawn interest from some of college football’s biggest names—including Georgia, Oregon, Texas A&M, Florida, North Carolina, and Arkansas—before narrowing his choices after making both official and unofficial visits to his top two SEC suitors last month.
This is not Duckworth’s first connection to South Carolina. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound quarterback originally committed to the Gamecocks early in the recruiting process, but chose to decommit in June 2023 after nearly a year on their commit list. However, the relationship between Duckworth and South Carolina never fully faded. The arrival of offensive coordinator Mike Shula has breathed new life into the recruitment. Shula has prioritized Duckworth since taking over the offense and has invested considerable time building a rapport with the talented Alabama product.
Duckworth’s junior season numbers only reinforced his status as an elite quarterback prospect. In 2023, he threw for 3,109 yards, racked up 34 passing touchdowns, and was intercepted just nine times. His athleticism also shone on the ground, where he added 631 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns across 14 games. His strong dual-threat profile and poise in the pocket have helped him climb to No. 66 overall nationally and No. 6 among quarterbacks in the 2026 On3 Industry Rankings.
South Carolina hopes the familiarity and renewed energy under Shula will give them the edge in this critical recruitment. The Gamecocks see Duckworth as a centerpiece for their offensive future and have made clear that he’s at the top of their quarterback board. Shula’s NFL experience and track record developing QBs have been central to South Carolina’s recruiting pitch.
Meanwhile, Auburn remains a formidable competitor, armed with the appeal of playing closer to home and the offensive reputation of head coach Hugh Freeze. The Tigers have made a strong impression on Duckworth and his family, emphasizing development, playing time opportunities, and a system that suits his play style. Auburn’s staff has been aggressive in its pursuit and is viewed by many as a legitimate favorite heading into the final week.
As July 18 approaches, the decision looms large—not just for Duckworth, but for the trajectory of both programs. Whichever school lands the talented quarterback will secure a potential future starter and a key recruiting domino for the rest of their 2026 class.
