South Carolina is set to lose one of its longest-tenured players, as redshirt senior linebacker Mohamed Kaba has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. Kaba confirmed the news to The State on Monday, following an initial report by On3. As a graduate, the Clinton, North Carolina native can enter the portal immediately, bypassing the official opening date of December 9. Kaba becomes the third Gamecock to declare for the portal this season, joining offensive lineman Ni Mansell and defensive tackle Jamaal Whyce.
Kaba began his South Carolina career in 2020 under then-coach Will Muschamp and earned a spot on the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team. However, his time in Columbia has been marked by injuries. He tore his ACL early in his junior season, sidelining him after just two games. Following a year of rehab, he returned for the 2023 season opener but re-tore his ACL, forcing him to miss a second consecutive season. This year, Kaba returned to the field but played limited snaps, sitting behind Demetrius Knight, Debo Williams, Bam Martin-Scott, and others on the linebacker depth chart.
Since Kaba played in only four games this season, he qualifies for a redshirt year. Despite having already played five college seasons, he retains two years of eligibility due to the COVID-19 exemption, a standard redshirt year, and a medical redshirt. Over his South Carolina career, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound linebacker has recorded 53 tackles, including 32 during his sophomore year, and three tackles for loss.
South Carolina, currently 9-3 after the regular season, is awaiting its postseason fate, which could include a College Football Playoff spot or a bowl game appearance.
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