Author: footballtopstar

In a standout performance on Monday, Chloe Kitts, forward for South Carolina women’s basketball, was named the SEC Player of the Week. This recognition follows her remarkable achievement of securing just the ninth triple-double in Gamecock history during a win against Ole Miss. Kitts then followed up with a dominant double-double against Kentucky, leading USC to victories in both games.

In her historic triple-double, Kitts recorded 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, with the 10 assists marking a career-high — doubling her previous best. Her 13 rebounds were just one shy of her personal best. This triple-double is the first for South Carolina since Aliyah Boston achieved the feat during the 2020-2021 season.

For the week, Kitts averaged 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, helping to propel South Carolina to a share of the SEC regular season title. This marks the third consecutive year Kitts has been part of a team that has claimed the regular season championship.

Looking ahead, Kitts and the Gamecocks will head to Greenville, South Carolina, for the SEC Tournament. Thanks to a coin flip tiebreaker, USC will enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and will have a double-bye, meaning their first game will be on Friday.

If they secure the SEC Tournament title, it would be the fourth consecutive championship for the program and likely solidify their spot as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Stay updated on South Carolina women’s basketball over at The Insiders Forum!

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Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

“They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

South Carolina Football’s Nick Emmanwori Shines at NFL Combine, While Tight End Josh Simon Also Impresses

South Carolina football safety Nick Emmanwori stole the spotlight at the NFL Combine on Friday, posting a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash (second-best among safeties), an 11-6 broad jump (best overall), and a 43-inch vertical (best overall), boosting his already impressive NFL Draft stock.

But Emmanwori wasn’t the only Gamecock to stand out on Friday. Tight end Josh Simon also had a standout performance.

The Dalzell, South Carolina native posted some of the top athletic testing numbers among all tight ends. At 6-4, 239 pounds, Simon ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash among tight ends at 4.65 seconds, had a 38-inch vertical jump (second-best), and his 10-4 broad jump also ranked second. Additionally, Simon recorded solid marks in the 20-yard shuttle (4.4) and three-cone drill (7.22).

Earlier in the day, Simon spoke highly of his time at South Carolina, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to move from Western Kentucky. He shared how the transition helped him grow as a player, particularly under the coaching of offensive coordinator Coach Loggains, where he got to experience a pro-style offense and improve his skills in route-running and the run game.

Simon’s strong day, both on the field and in interviews, could significantly enhance his chances of being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Heading into the combine, he was ranked No. 17 among tight ends on NFL.com, and his performance may help improve his draft stock. If drafted, Simon would become the sixth Gamecock tight end selected in the last 13 years.

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Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

“They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for their toughest challenge of the season as they prepare to face the No. 13 ranked Clemson Tigers this Friday. The Gamecocks are undefeated, holding a perfect 9-0 record, but they’ll face their biggest test yet in this highly anticipated in-state rivalry matchup.

SCOUTING CLEMSON

The Clemson Tigers are coming into this game on a five-game winning streak, sitting at 7-1 after a dominant 20-7 victory over Winthrop on Tuesday night. In that game, Jacob Jarrell and Josh Paino each drove in four runs, leading the offense. Clemson kicked off their season at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown in Arlington, Texas, where they secured wins over Oklahoma State and Arizona.

The Tigers are batting .312 as a team, with Dominic Listi leading the charge with an impressive .462 average and 13 RBIs across eight games. On the mound, Aidan Knaak, who is scheduled to start Friday, has recorded 15 strikeouts in nine innings. Additionally, Lucas Mahlstedt has two saves and six strikeouts in 4.2 innings of work.

Clemson’s head coach, Erik Bakich, is in his third season at the helm. He led the Tigers to a Super Regional appearance last year and also coached Michigan to a College World Series runner-up finish in 2019.

SERIES HISTORY VS. CLEMSON

Heading into this weekend, Clemson holds a 188-145-2 advantage in the all-time series against South Carolina. The two teams only played twice in 2024, with both games being tightly contested one-run affairs. Clemson won both matchups, taking a 5-4 victory in 12 innings at Segra Park and then another 5-4 win at their home field. However, in 2023, South Carolina claimed two out of three games in the series, including a thrilling 11-9 victory at Fluor Field, where Carson Hornung and Cole Messina hit crucial home runs.

GAMECOCK PITCHING EXCELLENCE

South Carolina’s pitching staff has been dominant to start the 2025 season, posting a stellar 2.25 ERA and collecting 105 strikeouts in 76 innings. Eight different pitchers have recorded wins, while the Gamecocks have tallied four saves in their nine games.

Matthew Becker is off to a strong start, boasting a 2-0 record with a 1.59 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 11.1 innings. Remarkably, he has yet to issue a walk and has held opposing batters to just a .105 average. Brendan Sweeney leads the SEC with three saves, having pitched 3.1 scoreless innings while striking out four and allowing just one hit. Jake McCoy has been equally impressive, allowing only two hits in nine innings, resulting in a minuscule .067 batting average against him. McCoy has also recorded 17 strikeouts. Additionally, Brandon Stone has contributed with 6.1 solid innings, earning wins over Winthrop and Milwaukee, striking out four, and allowing only one earned run in those appearances.

As the Gamecocks prepare to face their in-state rival, all eyes will be on this highly anticipated showdown that promises to test the strength of both teams. Stay tuned for what should be an exciting matchup.

In a recent podcast appearance on Pat Dooley’s show, Hall of Fame coach and Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier made it clear where his true loyalties lie when it comes to college basketball. Asked about a potential NCAA Tournament showdown between Florida and Duke, Spurrier wasted no time in answering, saying, “Florida.” However, when pressed about a hypothetical game between Duke and South Carolina, he jokingly replied, “I guess I’d have to pull for a tie in that.”

Spurrier’s answer was straightforward, and it speaks volumes about his deep-rooted connection to the Florida Gators program. As the coach who guided the team to its first national championship and a Heisman-winning player, Spurrier is forever linked to the Gators’ rise to prominence. On the podcast, he reaffirmed his commitment, saying, “I’m a Gator, and this is home base here, no question.”

Why Florida Will Forever Be number one

While Florida will always be number one for Spurrier, his ties to other programs are integral to understanding his career and character. His journey began at Duke, where he started his head coaching career and developed the innovative offensive approach that would become a hallmark of his tenure at Florida. Spurrier was quick to express his gratitude for both Duke and South Carolina, saying, “Both schools were really good to me.” His comments highlight the genuine respect he holds for those programs and the impact they had on his career.

Connections to Duke and South Carolina

South Carolina holds its own unique place in Spurrier’s history. Although the Gamecocks’ basketball team isn’t likely to make the NCAA Tournament this year, his time in Columbia was about more than just football. Spurrier worked tirelessly to elevate the South Carolina football program, and his joke about hoping for a tie between Duke and South Carolina further illustrates the delicate balance he maintains with all the programs he’s been a part of.

Loyalty to the Fans 

For many fans, Spurrier’s loyalty to Florida is a point of pride, but it also raises questions about how coaches manage their connections to multiple schools over the years. In an era when coaching careers often span multiple institutions, Spurrier’s ability to remain true to his roots while honoring each chapter of his journey serves as a reflection of his integrity and character.

On Tuesday, South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer joined Jay Phillips and Elijah Campbell on 107.5 The Game’s The Postgame Show. Beamer had plenty to discuss, but his focus largely centered on his team’s development for the NFL.

Beamer expressed his pride in the fact that the Gamecocks are sending 11 players to the NFL Combine, but he was quick to give credit to the players themselves. “First, credit to them and the way they worked when they were here,” Beamer said. “We’re really, really proud of what our guys have accomplished.”

While acknowledging his players, Beamer also took time to reflect on how his program has successfully prepared them for the next level. After briefly mentioning 2024 NFL Draft prospects Xavier Legette (expected to be a first-round pick to the Carolina Panthers) and Marcellas Dial (projected as a sixth-round pick to the New England Patriots), Beamer turned his focus to 2025.

“And to now have 11 guys at the NFL Combine, along with others who aren’t at the Combine but will still get opportunities with NFL teams, that’s what it’s all about,” Beamer declared. “And to have so many other guys getting that opportunity this year, whether they came here out of high school and developed—like TJ Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, and Boogie Huntley—or were only here for one year–like Kyle Kennard, Rocket Sanders, and D Knight–I’m just so happy for all of them,” he added. “I’m so proud that we were able to help them chase their dreams here.”

The Gamecocks have a diverse group of players headed to the NFL Combine. Some, like Nick Emmanwori, TJ Sanders, O’Donnell Fortune, and Tonka Hemingway, were signed out of high school and have drawn attention from NFL scouts. Others, such as Kennard, Knight, and Rocket Sanders, transferred in and have only spent one year at South Carolina, yet still expect to hear their names called in the draft. Bam Martin-Scott and Debo Williams, who transferred earlier, also have hopes of being selected in the later rounds.

These nine players aren’t the only Gamecocks with a chance to be drafted this year. South Carolina has over 15 players with legitimate NFL aspirations. Eleven players (or twelve, counting punter Kai Kroeger, who was invited to the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase) will be in Indianapolis this week for the Combine, with several others on the radar of professional scouts.

The current record for NFL Draft selections by South Carolina is seven, a mark they achieved in both 2009 and 2013. The 2025 draft, however, could surpass that total.

Based on various mock drafts and big boards, players like Emmanwori, TJ Sanders, Kennard, Knight, Rocket Sanders, and Fortune are all but guaranteed to be selected. Hemingway and Simon are also trending as late-round picks. Meanwhile, Martin-Scott, Kroeger, DeAndre Jules, and Torricelli Simpkins will aim to boost their draft stock at the Combine this week. Players like Williams and Huntley could further boost their chances with strong performances at South Carolina’s pro day in March.

The success of Beamer’s staff in developing talent from both high school recruits and transfer portal additions is a compelling selling point for the team’s recruiting efforts. The Gamecocks’ representation at the NFL Combine, coupled with their players’ future draft positions, will only bolster these efforts.

As the NFL Combine kicks off, fans can follow the action on NFL Network and NFL.com, with coverage starting Thursday. GamecockCentral will also keep fans updated on the latest developments from Indianapolis. Be sure to follow their NFL Combine Headquarters for live updates!

In a significant move, On3 released an extensive update to its 2026 rankings on Monday, unveiling the new On300 list, which highlights several South Carolina commitments and targets. Among the standout names is Charlotte (N.C.) Myers Park EDGE Rodney Dunham Jr., who, after a stellar performance, is inching closer to five-star status and is now ranked as the No. 7 prospect nationally.

Charles Power, Director of Scouting and Rankings at On3, praised Dunham for his potential as a pass rusher: “Dunham has the look of a natural pass rusher,” he said. “At around 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with plus length, he has a developmental frame along with excellent get-off and bend around the edge. Dunham is a coordinated athlete and shows encouraging flashes of pass rush skill. He makes impressive plays in pursuit.” Power also pointed out that Dunham, who doesn’t turn 17 until July, is still young for his class, meaning he has plenty of room for growth, both physically and in terms of strength.

Also making waves is local standout Julian Walker from Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork. Walker, a jumbo EDGE, makes his debut in the rankings as a four-star prospect, landing at No. 134 overall and No. 19 at EDGE. Walker had a breakout junior season, recording 9.5 sacks and playing key roles during his team’s state championship run. Power noted on Twitter/X, “Walker is a jumbo EDGE who came on as a junior while helping his team to a state title,” adding that the 6’6, 230-pounder performed especially well during the playoffs. Adding another layer to his recruitment, Walker’s father is part of South Carolina’s strength staff.

Kentavion Anderson, a four-star safety from Roebuck (S.C.) Dorman, saw a major boost in his ranking, jumping from outside the Top 300 to No. 75 overall in the 2026 class. Anderson is a priority target for both South Carolina and Clemson, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in the state.

Another key update involves Peyton Dyer, who earned a four-star rating after moving up in the rankings. The South Carolina cornerback commit was previously ranked as the No. 25 cornerback but now stands at No. 20 at his position and No. 189 overall. He is one of three Gamecocks commitments in the updated On300 list.

J’Zavien Currence, the four-star safety from Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe, maintained his 91 rating but saw a slight drop in his overall ranking, now sitting at No. 111. This change is likely due to the influx of new prospects into the top 100, rather than any major regression on Currence’s part. He remains the No. 10 safety in the 2026 class and No. 3 in South Carolina.

Jamel Howse, the tight end from Newberry (S.C.), remains in the On300, holding steady with a rating of 90. He ranks No. 188 overall and No. 11 at tight end in his class.

As a reminder, On3’s rankings are curated by its in-house evaluators and differ from the On3 Industry Ranking, which is an average across multiple recruiting platforms.

This update marks a shift from the previous rankings released in October, and it reflects significant changes as evaluators dive deeper into the junior seasons of 2026 prospects. Power explained the rationale behind the latest update, saying, “Since putting the 2025 cycle to bed last month, we’ve begun to dive into the junior seasons of 2026 prospects. Hundreds of prospects have emerged on FBS radars, and we saw dozens participate in national all-star games in January.” With 56 new entrants in the On300, the rankings show the rapid growth and expansion of the 2026 class.

This update is one of the most dynamic shifts in the recruiting cycle, with many new names and talents making their mark.

Marquis Bryant, a standout from Rolesville, North Carolina, has just announced his upcoming visit to the South Carolina football program. The 2027 defensive back, who posted the news on his social media along with an On3 recruiting graphic, revealed that he will be in Columbia for an unofficial visit on March 8th. In addition to South Carolina, Bryant has plans to visit several other top programs this spring, including Clemson, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Notre Dame, and Tennessee.

At 6’1″ and 190 pounds, Bryant has already made waves in the recruiting world. Though he is currently unranked by On3 (who has only ranked the top 85 prospects for the 2027 cycle), he has earned 4-star recognition from 247Sports and Rivals. 247Sports places him among the nation’s top-100 recruits.

While On3 lists Bryant as a cornerback, he also plays safety and has the athleticism and size that South Carolina’s defensive backs coach Torrian Gray typically seeks in his players. Bryant’s smooth agility, combined with his physicality and speed, have made him a key player in a highly competitive North Carolina high school football scene. This past season, he earned multiple all-state honors.

With nearly 20 power-conference programs extending offers, Bryant has his pick of elite schools. While NC State, located in Raleigh, is considered an early favorite, other prestigious programs like Tennessee, Penn State, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Miami, Florida State, and Ole Miss have also thrown their hats in the ring.

This rising star is definitely one to watch in the recruiting world this spring!

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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.