South Carolina football: Ryan Hilinski enters transfer portal

Ryan Hilinski is transferring from the South Carolina Gamecocks after two years in Columbia.

Quarterback Ryan Hilinski tweeted out a heartfelt message to South Carolina football fans to announce his intentions to transfer from the Gamecocks program.

“This has been the hardest decision I have had to make in my entire life,” wrote Hilinski in a Twitter message Wednesday. “It pains me writing this letter knowing what I am leaving behind.” The 2019 four-star recruit from California earned the starting job as a true freshman last year, but lost the gig to former Colorado State Rams transfer Collin Hill. Hilinski has three years of eligibility left.

Where could Ryan Hilinski end up transferring?

With South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Bobo being retained on Shane Beamer’s staff, the writing was on the wall for Hilinski. He could join his former head coach Will Muschamp on the Michigan Wolverines, but quarterbacking greatness has not been easy to come by for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh up in Ann Arbor. Could a return to the West Coast happen for Hilinski?

Hilinski’s late older brother Tyler Hilinski committed suicide when he was on Mike Leach’s Washington State Cougars when the younger Hilinski brother was in high school. Going to SEC country may have presented a clean break for him and his family, but there could be more advantageous opportunities to start on Pac-12 or Mountain West teams than in the SEC.

Since this year does not count towards one’s eligibility, Hilinski would not have to transfer and expect immediate playing time. He may find the right spot for him where he can flourish in 2022 and 2023, as opposed to chasing the best potential opportunity for 2021. Either way, it seems that Hilinski’s time at South Carolina has come to an end. Here is to him making the best decision.

Where do you think Hilinski is going to end up transferring to for the 2021 college football season?

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