In-state QB recruit commits to South Carolina football team for 2025

South Carolina might have its quarterback of the future.

On Monday afternoon, Westside quarterback Cutter Woods committed to the Gamecocks, becoming the 15th commit in South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class but the first QB.

Woods had been committed to Wake Forest since April. He was offered by the Gamecocks just over a week ago, took a official visit last weekend and spent time with coach Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.

“It was really nice, and I really enjoyed Coach Loggins and Coach Beamer and enjoyed being with some of their players,” Woods said. “They let me know what the QB room looks like and where I fit in, and how I fit into their offense.”

Just six months ago, Beamer, Loggains and just about every other South Carolina assistant were in Orangeburg for the 4A state championship game. The Gamecocks brass was mainly there to watch defensive tackle Amare Adams, the top prospect in the Palmetto State who later committed to Clemson.

But it was hard not to notice Woods. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder led Westside showed incredible poise and bravado as he led the Rams to victory after they were down a dozen with less than 10 minutes to play. On the final drive of the game, he marched Westside 78 yards in less than three minutes, firing the game-winning pass — on 4th and 2 — with 15 seconds to play.

Woods was spectacular during his junior campaign. In helping Westside to its first state title since 1969, he completed nearly 70% of his passes for 3,915 yards and 42 touchdowns, earning the title as MaxPreps South Carolina High School Football Player of the Year.

While a number of schools — Syracuse, Auburn, East Carolina and others — offered soon after Woods’ state championship performance, the Gamecocks didn’t extend an offer to the Anderson native until they saw him at a 7-on-7 camp a few weeks ago.

After that, the Gamecocks pulled the trigger with the scholarship offer and hosted him and his family on an official visit.

Loggains was sure to show Woods how he would fit into his offense at USC.

“Coach Loggins showed me a clip from my high school film and then their film and how it relates and how my skill set can fit into their offense,” Woods said.

And for the second time in three years, after Woods’ commitment Monday and LaNorris Sellers signing in 2023, the top-ranked quarterback in South Carolina will play for the Gamecocks.

— Phil Kornblut contributed to this story.

South Carolina football class of 2025

Jayden Sellers (WR) — committed Oct. 26, 2023 Brian Rowe (WR) — committed April 9 Damarcus Leach (DB) — committed April 10 Anthony Addison (DE) — committed April 12 Shamari Earls (DB) — committed April 20 Caleb Williams (DE) — committed April 21 Jaquel Holman (ATH) — committed June 8 Kobby Sakyi-Prah (DE) — committed June 10 Chris Hatfield (DB/WR) — committed June 11 Preston Douglas (TE) — committed June 12 AJ Holloway (LB) — committed June 14 Shedrick Sarratt (OL) — committed June 14 Jaquavious Dodd (DL) — committed June 20 Cutter Woods (QB) — committed June 24