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Irish Rugby Convert Neff Giwa Commits to South Carolina as 2026 O-Lineman

The move highlights a fast-rising pipeline powered by viral workouts through recruiter networks.

Overview

  • Neff Giwa, 20, who has never played American football, committed Sunday to South Carolina as an offensive line recruit for the 2026 class.
  • The Irish prospect chose the Gamecocks over offers from Miami, North Carolina, SMU, Tennessee and Texas after two visits to Columbia and extended time with coach Shane Beamer.
  • Recruiter Brandon Collier of PPI Recruits discovered Giwa, shared brief workout clips that went viral, and said Miami coach Mario Cristobal reached out within 60 seconds.
  • Collier measured Giwa at 6-foot-7½ and 295 pounds with 37-inch arms, a 4.88-second 40-yard dash and a 9-foot-10 broad jump, numbers that drew rapid interest from coaches.
  • Evaluators see a developmental path for Giwa, reflecting a broader international trend that has moved rugby standouts into U.S. football, with examples such as Jordan Mailata and PPI alumnus Hero Kanu.