South Carolina is losing one of its defensive starters. Linebacker Stone Blanton became the latest Gamecock to leave the program as he announced he was entering the NCAA transfer portal Saturday night. The sophomore linebacker will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school.

Blanton recorded 52 tackles this season and also returned an interception 88 yards for a touchdown against Jacksonville State. The 6-foot-2 232-pound defender has started all 12 games for South Carolina this season, serving as both a MIKE and WILL linebacker.

Blanton, a Jackson, Mississippi native, signed with South Carolina over Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. He was the No. 13 inside linebacker in the 2022 class.