As NFL Combine kicks off, ESPN analyst names South Carolina star his top player “to watch” in Indianapolis

The NFL Combine kicks off this week, offering draft hopefuls the chance to impress NFL scouts, coaches, and decision-makers. Players will undergo official measurements, athletic tests, interviews, and position-specific drills, all aimed at improving their stock. A total of 11 South Carolina football products are in attendance, looking to catch the eye of NFL franchises.

Though he won’t hit the field until Friday, one Gamecock is already generating plenty of buzz. South Carolina All-American safety Nick Emmanwori has been receiving praise from several NFL Draft analysts, including ESPN’s Jordan Reid. Reid has singled out Emmanwori as someone fans should be keeping an eye on.

Appearing on SportsCenter, Reid said, “He’s going to put up some ridiculous testing numbers. I expect him–at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds–to run in the high 4.3s…jump 40+ in the vertical. He could exceed 11 feet in the broad jump.” Reid also mentioned that a strong performance could help Emmanwori “potentially be the first safety off of the board.”

Emmanwori’s physical prowess is matched by his on-field achievements. Over three seasons with the Gamecocks, the Irmo native has demonstrated elite tackling ability. His junior year saw a noticeable improvement in his coverage instincts and ball skills, rounding out his already impressive skill set. Emmanwori’s combination of run-stopping, coverage ability, and physical gifts should make him a highly sought-after player at the NFL level.

If Emmanwori is selected in the first round, he would become South Carolina’s highest-drafted safety since Rick Sanford, a versatile defensive back taken by the New England Patriots in 1979, who primarily played safety in the NFL.

The NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis, and Emmanwori, along with other Gamecock alumni, will begin their on-field workouts on Thursday. Stay tuned to GamecockCentral.com for continuous coverage and updates.

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South Carolina Gamecocks Eliminated from Jared Curtis Recruitment Race

In a major development for the 2026 recruiting class, Jared Curtis has officially narrowed down his college choices, and unfortunately, the South Carolina Gamecocks have been cut from the running.

On Saturday, the highly coveted five-star quarterback announced that his decision is now down to Georgia and Oregon. This leaves South Carolina on the outside looking in, as the Gamecocks no longer appear to be in contention for Curtis’s commitment.

However, it’s important to note that Curtis has made it clear he will only be taking official visits to Georgia and Oregon, despite previously planning to visit South Carolina in late June. While this doesn’t completely shut the door on the Gamecocks, it does place them at a significant disadvantage.

Curtis, who is regarded as the No. 1 quarterback and the second-best player overall in the 2026 class, is also considered the best player from Tennessee according to composite rankings. His status as a five-star recruit makes his decision a highly watched one.

Even though it’s still early in the recruiting cycle, and the Gamecocks have ample opportunities to secure a strong class this year, missing out on Curtis is undoubtedly a blow.

Currently, South Carolina has five commitments in the 2026 class, with J’Zavien Currence, a standout safety who has been committed since last October, leading the charge.