South Carolina’s classes from 2023 to 2026 all ranked in the top 20 nationally, but even that hasn’t guaranteed the program can secure elite talents like DJ Jacobs. Landing DJ Jacobs would have been a massive boost for Shane Beamer and South Carolina. His highlight-reel play against Prince Avenue Christian, where he jumped the snap and leveled the quarterback before the handoff, showcased can immediately alter a game. But the top-2027 prospect is now flirting with rival programs, and the Gamecocks may face a battle to keep him in Columbia.

His ties to SEC rival Georgia complicate matters. On October 11,  Jacobs told DawgNation, “Georgia, they’re still in they’re still in it. You know why? I mean, everyone, they’ve got great people on their coaching staff, and so all that.” Jacobs’ parents are alumni of UGA, and his grandfather, Mark Richt, is a former UGA coach. “Yeah. I mean, going home with my dad and stuff like that was awesome. They treated us amazingly and stuff like that. Yeah, I mean, Athens has been a great place. Yeah. Obviously, I grew up there, and just going back and stuff like that.” DJ then hinted at his return to Athens, “So yeah, I’m excited to get back for the Texas game. So yeah, coming back for Texas.” This match-up is scheduled to take place on November 15th at Stanford Stadium.

While no commitment has been made, the Bulldogs’ presence atop his priority list is a clear warning to Beamer and South Carolina. Losing a talent of Jacobs’ caliber could shift recruiting momentum to a rival. In just five games, he has dominated this season at Blessed Trinity Catholic, posting 33 tackles and five sacks.

Speaking of Georgia again, Jacobs continued, “I would definitely say, if I went back to Georgia, honestly, they show me love.” “I mean, fans on the street are saying what’s up to me and my family, stuff like that. It’s not more you can really ask for. I mean, just like showing me love, keeping in contact with me, and stuff like that. I mean, that means a lot, too.” His ties to Georgia run deep. However, the Gamecocks aren’t the only suitors. Any program that secures Jacobs instantly adds a disruptive force capable of reshaping a defense.

Georgia is not the only rival to worry about for Shane Beamer

DJ Jacobs, in the same interview, when asked about his upcoming visits, revealed Texas A&M, which is the other rival program of the Gamecocks. “Next week, I’ll be going to Texas A&M for the Florida game.” DJ got excited for Texas A&M, “I love the atmosphere over there, man. I mean, oh my goodness…It’s definitely the loudest stadium I’ve been to. That’s the loudest. I mean, Tennessee is up there, but t it’s between them two.”

Along with South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas A&M, DJ has 39 offers and plenty of time to decide his commitment. But he gave a hint to the competing program, “everyone should surprise me more.” He also prioritizes playing with his brother, Dawson Jacobs. “Me Dawson, we really want to play together. We really want to play with a team that likes us both equally, you know. So, I mean, we’re definitely trying to play with each other, you know. That’s definitely the goal.”

It seems like the program that convinces both DJ and Dawson will be landing a commitment from this phenomenal linebacker.