South Carolina has hired Stan Drayton, Penn State’s running back coach, in the same role, the team announced Thursday morning. Drayton joined the Nittany Lions in 2025.

Drayton joins the Gamecocks after just one season working with Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton in Happy Valley. Singleton became the all-time Penn State leader in rushing touchdowns, all-purpose yards, and total touchdowns this season. Allen also broke records, becoming the all-time leader in rushing yards at Penn State.

The 54-year-old was the head coach at Temple from 2022 to 2024 before moving to Happy Valley. He was fired after going 9–25 in his tenure with no postseason appearances. He has also worked as a running back coach for the Chicago Bears, Ohio State, Florida, Texas, and others.

Drayton has helped recruit and develop the likes of Ezekiel Elliot, Carlos Hyde, Bijan Robinson, Matt Forte, and Jordan Howard.

The former Temple head coach had signed a one-year deal with the Nittany Lions, which comes to an end this offseason. The news of his departure also comes during a head coaching change as Matt Campbell takes over the Nittany Lions.

His running backs coach at Iowa State was Jake Landry. He joined the Cyclones in 2025 as well, after spending time with North Dakota State. The Bison averaged 193.3 rushing yards per game in 2024, on their way to a National Championship.