Irmo’s star wide receiver is staying close to home. 

Donovan Murph, one of the top wide receiver recruits in the country for the class of 2025, announced his decision to continue his football career at the University of South Carolina under head coach Shane Beamer. 

 ”They're building something special over there, and I definitely want to go be a part of that,” Murph said after making his decision. “Coach Beamer, coach Furrey, I'm close with the whole staff, and they continue to show me love.” 

Murph made his decision on live television before the Under Armour All-American game that was broadcast on ESPN 2. Later in the game, Murph made a challenging one-handed catch that went viral on social media. 

Murph had a stellar year with the Yellow Jackets as they made a run to the 5A Division II state championship game. He finished the season with over 1,000 yard receiving for the second straight year and added 12 touchdowns. Murph was originally set to graduate in 2026 but reclassified before this season. 

The Irmo standout is ranked No. 182 in ESPN's class of 2025 rankings and the 22nd ranked wide receiver. ESPN also has Murph as the No. 4 ranked player in South Carolina. 

Murph chose the Gamecocks over in-state rival Clemson, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Colorado. He is the latest addition to an already stacked receiving class for coaches Beamer and Furrey. 

The Gamecocks already received commitments from Jordan Gidron and Malik Clark, the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked players in South Carolina. The team also earned commitments from Jayden Sellers, the brother of starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers, Brian Rowe from North Carolina and Lex Cyrus from Pennsylvania. 

It has been a successful recruiting cycle for the Gamecocks. The team has successfully recruited 12 of the top-20 ranked players in the state and has the No. 18 overall class in the country, according to 247 Sports. 

Along with Murph, Dutch Fork’s Josh Smith is another Lexington County prospect to commit to the Gamecocks.