For Immediate Media Release
Greenville, SC | May 21, 2026 — The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) named Zyon Guiles as the 2026 Bridge Builder Excellence Award winner at their #BBEA26Day Celebration event presented by the Leadership Minute at the South Carolina Public Charter School District building in Columbia, SC on May 8, 2026.
The Bridge Builder Excellence Award, aka “SC High School Heisman” is presented to a high school football player in the state who shows excellence in his on-field performance, in the classroom, and in the community. The 2026 Bridge Builder Excellence Award is presented in honor of William B. Sturgis with special thanks to Mark Sturgis along with the generous support of Joe Bostic and Wyatt Law, P.A.
Award Criteria:
Zyon Guiles is a talented senior offensive lineman from Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School and is an early enrollee at the University of South Carolina. Guiles has collected a wide variety of football achievements, including two-time All-State selection, Shrine Bowl starter, 2025 SCFCA 1A Lower State Player of the Year, and named a 2025 Mr. Football Finalist. Guiles was highly regarded as a four- and five-star recruit by most services nationally and considered the #1 offensive line recruit in South Carolina and #3 in the Rivals Interior Offensive Linemen rankings overall.
Beyond athletics, Zyon has maintained a 4.3 overall GPA (3.5 core), and ranked in the top 10 of his graduating class. His community service projects include neighborhood clean-up efforts, reading to elementary school students, and serving in his church. He has served as a guest speaker at various youth sports banquets and church events.
Guiles, alongside other statewide nominees, received a certificate of excellence for his accomplishments. As an award finalist and winner, he received a scholarship, and a special plaque to commemorate the honor at the May 8th #BBEA26Day event. William Love of Spartanburg High School (Virginia Tech) and Drake Porter of Ben Lippen High School (The Citadel) were the other two finalists who received scholarships as an additional reward for their accomplishments during the 2025-2026 school year.
Zyon Guiles is the 7th Bridge Builder Excellence Award Winner in its history.
Pictures: South Carolina Football Hall of Fame, Inc./David Blalock: Upper: Picture includes from (L-R)- Sam Sokolow, David S. Wyatt, William Love, Zyon Guiles, Drake Porter, and George Rogers. Lower from (L-R): Sam Sokolow, David S. Wyatt, Zyon Guiles, and George Rogers.
About the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) For Impact organization dedicated to honoring the State of South Carolina’s football leaders while building bridges for student success statewide. Through recognition, encouragement, and leadership development, SCFHOF promotes excellence in athletics, education, and life. It starts with you! Join us in this worthwhile movement. Sign the BBEC Pledge and Give today at scfootballhof.org.
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