When Florida State lost Amari Thomas, it lost one of its most prominent names in the 2026 class. The running back from Blountstown, Florida, decommitted from the Seminoles and is now exploring other options.
Thomas had been FSU’s first 2026 running back commitment, and they were early to spot his talent back when he was playing for Marianna High. The 5’11”, 193-pounder is a nightmare for defenses.
He had 1,880 yards rushing in his junior season, scoring 34 touchdowns and having a 12.3 yards per carry average. Now, there is a new update from Thomas about his commitment.
Which Four Schools Are Fighting for Amari Thomas?
In a recent interview with Rivals, Thomas talked about four schools that are now on his list. “I would say South Carolina, Georgia Tech, UCF, and Florida,” Thomas said. And while all four have compelling pitches, one fan base is rooting for him.
South Carolina has been trying hard to land him since his official visit there. He also visited FSU and Kentucky this summer, but the energy coming from Columbia seems different.
Thomas has contacted South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer, Gamecocks offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, and South Carolina running backs coach Marquel Blackwell. The fandom is also all for it.
BREAKING: Four-Star RB Amari Thomas has Decommitted from Florida State, he tells me for @rivals
The 5’11 193 RB from Marianna, FL had been Committed to the Seminoles since January
He currently holds a total of 28 Offershttps://t.co/GruPLEwl1b pic.twitter.com/QdNNGeEaUQ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 18, 2025
A fan even wrote to X, “Yep come on home, young man.” The hype makes sense. Thomas, after all, showed up to an FSU 7-on-7 camp wearing South Carolina gloves. Another fan, joining the voice, wrote, “GAMECOCK!!”.
Well, he might be one soon. It is also an interesting landscape for Thomas, considering that while FSU had one running back commit in this class before Thomas decommitted, South Carolina has none. This means there is a big gap that Thomas could fill.
Another fan supports the idea of him joining the Gamecocks and wrote, “Gamecock!”. Let’s also not forget that while FSU is in the ACC, South Carolina is in the SEC. And if history is testimony, the SEC brings the best of the best against each other.
Thomas, if he decides to do it the “GAMECOCKK” way, as a fan writes, he will join a class of 12 commits. The 2026 class has names like J’Zavien Currence, Noah Clark, and Sequel Patterson, who have made their pledges.
The Gamecocks also have an offensive line anchored by Kamari Blair and Zyon Guiles. Adding Thomas to this roster could mean something special for Shane Beamer. It could be, as another fan posted, all fireworks on the football field next season. However, let’s not diminish the mindset that Thomas is coming in with.
Four-star running back commit Amari Thomas was electric in the open field last year at Marianna. However, the talented back transferred to Blountstown High School, and has South Carolina in pursuit of acquiring his services.
Thomas is currently on an OV with the Seminoles. pic.twitter.com/NrBVhynemW
— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) June 21, 2025
Thomas is not choosing based on flashy moments.
What’s Driving Thomas’s Decision-Making Process?
“All that matters is what’s inside the building,” he said. He wants development for football and life, and he’s leaning on his mom and high school coach for guidance.
Even though his commitment date is locked in for August 9, Thomas hasn’t shut any doors yet. “You never know who will be in contact with you after,” he told Rivals. Still, the fandom says South Carolina.
When there is an SEC-ready back who already looks like he belongs in garnet and black, it is not hard to connect the dots. However, the answers are in the air for now, and Thomas’s countdown just got loud.
