Gamecock QB Dante Reno enters transfer portal with four years of eligibility, leaving behind a legacy as a strong recruiter and ambassador.

In a move that reverberated throughout Gamecock Nation, quarterback Dante Reno officially announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The Massachusetts native, who was one of South Carolina’s most high-profile quarterback recruits in recent memory, leaves Columbia with four years of eligibility remaining and a lasting impact on the program—both on and off the field.

Though Reno did not play a snap for the Gamecocks during his brief tenure, his presence was deeply felt in the recruiting world and inside the locker room. More than just a quarterback prospect, he was a vocal leader and passionate ambassador for Shane Beamer’s program, helping lay the foundation for future classes and establishing a culture of camaraderie and commitment.

A Highly Touted Prospect

Reno committed to South Carolina in July 2022, becoming one of the earliest pledges in the Gamecocks’ 2024 recruiting class. A four-star recruit by multiple outlets, Reno brought with him a winning pedigree, high football IQ, and the competitive drive that often separates good quarterbacks from great ones.

His decision to choose South Carolina over programs like Miami, North Carolina, and Wisconsin was seen as a major recruiting win for Beamer and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. Reno’s family football legacy—his father, Tony Reno, is head coach at Yale—gave him an early advantage in understanding the nuances of the game. That pedigree showed during high school and in early practices with the Gamecocks, where coaches praised his leadership and study habits.

A Relentless Recruiter

While many quarterbacks are judged by their production between the lines, Reno quickly proved his value in another critical way—recruiting. He became the face of South Carolina’s 2024 class, using his social media presence, relationships with fellow prospects, and persuasive energy to rally other top talents to Columbia.

Reno was constantly in the ears of fellow recruits, building relationships and selling the vision of what South Carolina football could become. In interviews, several of the Gamecocks’ key commitments for the 2024 cycle credited Reno with being a driving force behind their decision.

He was the rare kind of quarterback who understood that building a successful team starts long before the first snap. Reno made it his mission to strengthen the class, recruit not just skill players but linemen and defenders too, and serve as a bridge between players and the coaching staff. In many ways, his work resembled that of a seasoned recruiter—not just a peer.

Why the Transfer Makes Sense

Despite his early impact, the depth chart at South Carolina made Reno’s path to early playing time uncertain. The Gamecocks currently feature several quarterbacks on the roster, including highly-touted returners and potentially new additions via the portal. With the ever-changing nature of college football—where players must seize the right opportunity at the right time—Reno’s decision to transfer appears to be a calculated move aimed at securing meaningful reps elsewhere.

With four full years of eligibility remaining, Reno is in a rare position: he can essentially start fresh at another program, redshirt if needed, and still have ample time to develop and compete for a starting job. For a quarterback whose upside remains high and whose leadership intangibles are already proven, that fresh start could be exactly what he needs.

It’s not a decision that came lightly. Reno’s deep ties to the program and the players he helped recruit made his transfer announcement emotional—for him, the coaches, and the fanbase. But it also reflects the maturity and self-awareness that has defined his football journey from the start.

Legacy at South Carolina

Though Reno’s South Carolina chapter is ending without on-field heroics, his legacy should not be underestimated. He helped usher in a strong 2024 recruiting class, modeled what it means to be a committed teammate, and embraced the program’s values from day one.

In a college football era defined by rapid movement and self-interest, Reno stood out for how much he poured into a program he never fully got to lead on the field. He exemplified belief, loyalty, and leadership in ways that often go unnoticed by the box score. For fans who followed the program’s recruiting efforts closely, Reno’s fingerprints are all over the roster.

As Shane Beamer continues to build South Carolina into a competitive force in the SEC, Reno’s recruiting influence and leadership will remain a part of that foundation. His departure is bittersweet, but it’s also a reminder of the personal sacrifices players make in pursuit of their dreams.

Potential Landing Spots

Reno will likely attract interest from a range of programs. With his combination of arm talent, football pedigree, and four years of eligibility, he’s an enticing option for teams in need of a long-term quarterback solution. Schools in the ACC, Big Ten, and American Athletic Conference could be natural fits, particularly those that run pro-style or RPO-heavy offenses where Reno’s quick processing and timing can shine.

Additionally, he could draw interest from Ivy League or FCS programs if academic and family connections play a role in his next stop. But given his initial commitment to an SEC program and his national recruiting status, it’s safe to assume Reno will land with a Power Five school seeking to build its offense around a young, talented leader.

Player Development in the Portal Era

Reno’s story also speaks to the changing dynamics of quarterback development in college football. Gone are the days when QBs sat and waited three years before seeing the field. The portal has opened new pathways for players to find the right fit early and often. Reno’s decision is emblematic of a broader trend—young quarterbacks evaluating opportunities not just based on loyalty, but on systems, competition, and fit.

For South Carolina, Reno’s transfer opens up a scholarship slot and potentially a space to add another quarterback through the portal or future recruiting classes. It also serves as a reminder that in today’s game, building and sustaining QB depth is a year-round challenge.

Final Thoughts: A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

Dante Reno may be moving on from South Carolina, but his time in Columbia will be remembered fondly by coaches, teammates, and fans alike. He helped elevate the program in ways that went beyond the field, proving that impact can be measured in more than yards and touchdowns.

His next chapter is still unwritten, but Reno’s journey is far from over. With four years ahead and a fire to prove himself, there’s every reason to believe he’ll succeed—wherever he lands.

As Gamecock fans reflect on his contributions, one thing is clear: Dante Reno was never just a quarterback commit. He was a cornerstone of a class, a leader in the locker room, and a true ambassador for South Carolina football. And that legacy will last well beyond his departure.