Landon Duckworth Set to Announce College Commitment

Jackson, Alabama – Landon Duckworth, a highly regarded four-star quarterback from the Class of 2026, is set to announce his college commitment on July 18. The recruitment battle has intensified between two Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouses, South Carolina and Auburn, as Duckworth narrows his choices down from an earlier top four that included Ole Miss and Florida State.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 180 pounds, Duckworth has made headlines with his impressive performance on the field. In his previous season as a junior, he threw for 3,109 yards, securing 34 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 631 yards and added 12 more touchdowns over a 14-game span. This level of performance has solidified his position as one of the top quarterback prospects nationally, currently ranked as the No. 66 overall recruit and the No. 6 quarterback prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Duckworth has visited South Carolina and Auburn officially and made several unofficial visits in the past month, indicating a deep interest in both programs. His recruitment extends beyond just these two schools; he has offers from several notable programs, including Georgia, Texas A&M, Florida, Oregon, North Carolina, and Arkansas. This extensive interest highlights his potential and the versatility of his playstyle, making him an attractive prospect for colleges.

In June 2024, Duckworth made the surprising decision to decommit from South Carolina, a school with which he had a strong prior connection, particularly through former Gamecocks offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. However, since Loggains’ departure, the current offensive coordinator, Mike Shula, has recognized Duckworth’s talent and has prioritized building a strong rapport with him. Analysts believe this connection could be a pivotal factor in Duckworth’s upcoming decision.

The competition for the starting quarterback position at South Carolina may also play a significant role in Duckworth’s commitment. With LaNorris Sellers likely to leave after just one season, Duckworth could find a clearer path to early playing time with the Gamecocks compared to Auburn, where the competition may be fiercer. This factor has been highlighted by both analysts and Duckworth’s high school coach, who believe South Carolina provides a better environment for his immediate development and growth as a player.

As Duckworth prepares to announce his decision, he is also participating in the Elite 11 Finals taking place in Los Angeles, an event that showcases the country’s top quarterback prospects. His involvement at this prestigious event further emphasizes the interest from college programs and the anticipation surrounding his commitment. The eyes of college football fans and analysts alike are focused on Duckworth, anticipating whether he will choose South Carolina or Auburn, both of which are vying for his talents in a competitive recruiting landscape.

In conclusion, Landon Duckworth’s upcoming commitment announcement will have significant implications not just for his future, but also for the football programs at South Carolina and Auburn. With a promising career ahead and substantial achievements thus far, whichever program he chooses will likely benefit from his skills and potential as a quarterback.