Author: footballtopstar

  • South Carolina’s Top Prospect on the Brink of Five-Star Status, Local EDGE Debuts Four-Star Ranking

    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.

  • South Carolina to Host Talented Defensive Prospect on Visit

    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!

    More news…..

    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.

  • Shane Beamer Discusses SEC Meetings, Scheduling, NFL Draft Talent, and LaNorris Sellers’ Development

    Shane Beamer Discusses SEC Meetings, Scheduling, NFL Draft Talent, and LaNorris Sellers' Development

    Shane Beamer Discusses SEC Scheduling, NFL Draft Prospects, and LaNorris Sellers’ Rise as South Carolina’s Quarterback in 2025

    South Carolina’s head football coach, Shane Beamer, joined The Postgame Show on 107.5 The Game with Jay Philips and Elijah Campbell to provide insights into the Gamecocks’ offseason and offer a preview of the upcoming spring practices.

    Insights from SEC Meetings in New Orleans

    Beamer described the recent SEC head coaches’ meeting in New Orleans as productive, especially with the inclusion of athletic directors this year. Typically held in Birmingham, these meetings have been exclusive to coaches, but Commissioner Greg Sankey made a significant change by bringing in ADs, a move Beamer fully supported.

    “We always meet in person in February, but it’s always been just head coaches in Birmingham,” Beamer shared. “Commissioner Sankey wanted to include athletic directors this year, and I’m glad he did. It was a great opportunity to hear their perspectives and for them to hear ours.”

    The meetings covered key topics in college football, including:

    • The transfer portal and its effect on roster management
    • NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and revenue sharing
    • SEC scheduling, particularly the potential nine-game format
    • College Football Playoff expansion and selection criteria
    • Changes to the recruiting calendar
    • Officiating concerns

    Beamer stressed that it’s crucial for coaches and athletic directors to be aligned in decision-making moving forward.

    The Heated Debate Over a Nine-Game SEC Schedule

    One of the most debated topics at the meetings was the potential switch to a nine-game SEC schedule. Beamer noted that both coaches and ADs had strong opinions on the matter.

    “That was the one discussion where both coaches and ADs had the most to say,” Beamer explained. “Some are in favor of it, and some aren’t. There are a lot of strong opinions.”

    He raised concerns about the unevenness of the scheduling, particularly if some teams play nine SEC games and others do not.

    “If we’re all playing nine conference games, plus two Power Four games, great—bring it on,” he said. “But if some teams aren’t, then that’s a competitive imbalance.”

    As the future of the College Football Playoff remains in flux—whether it will remain at 12 teams or expand to 16—coaches and ADs want clarity before committing to additional conference games.

    A Potential SEC vs. Big Ten Challenge?

    Beamer also addressed the potential for an SEC vs. Big Ten challenge, a topic that has been gaining traction. Beamer personally inquired with Commissioner Sankey about the idea and was optimistic about the possibility.

    “I think our fans would love it,” Beamer said. “Williams-Brice Stadium is an amazing environment no matter who we play, but fans want to see marquee matchups.”

    While Beamer is supportive of the idea, he again emphasized the importance of fairness in scheduling, particularly regarding how strength of schedule could impact College Football Playoff selections.

    “It clearly didn’t matter this year,” Beamer pointed out. “If it’s not going to factor into the playoff, we need to consider if this is the best move for our program.”

    South Carolina’s NFL Draft Prospects

    Beamer is proud of the Gamecocks’ strong presence at the upcoming NFL Combine, with 11 players invited and others expected to sign with NFL teams. The program has come a long way in terms of talent development.

    “In past years, we went into draft weekend hoping to see guys picked late,” he reflected. “Now, we have first-round talent and a deep group of guys ready for the next level.”

    He singled out players like Xavier Legette, a 2024 first-round pick, and Marcellas Dial, now with the New England Patriots. Beamer praised how these players, regardless of whether they came through high school or transferred in, have continued to support the program.

    “To see guys like that come back and visit shows what this program means to them,” Beamer said. “We’re proud to have helped them chase their NFL dreams.”

    2025 Gamecocks: New Leadership, Same Drive

    Though the Gamecocks showed improvement in the 2024 season, Beamer made it clear that the team is not resting on its laurels.

    “We did a lot of good things in 2024, but our mindset is to take it even further in 2025,” he said. “We’re working hard to make sure our guys understand the effort it took to get here.”

    One key difference in 2025 will be leadership turnover. With a younger team this year, the focus is on identifying new leaders.

    “Last year, we had an older team with established leaders,” Beamer explained. “This year, we have a lot of talent, but we’re young. It’s about finding the guys who will step up.”

    He highlighted former leaders such as Debo Williams, Boogie Huntley, and D. Knight, noting that new voices must rise to the occasion in 2025.

    LaNorris Sellers: South Carolina’s Rising Star

    Arguably the most significant change for South Carolina in 2025 is the rise of LaNorris Sellers as the Gamecocks’ quarterback. Beamer emphasized how different things are compared to this time last year, when Sellers was barely on anyone’s radar.

    “At this time last year, no one was really talking about him,” Beamer said. “Some preseason rankings had him 16th in the league. Now, it’s the complete opposite.”

    Sellers’ national profile has grown tremendously, but Beamer praised his humility and work ethic despite the attention.

    “He’s hungry, he’s driven, and he doesn’t let the attention go to his head,” Beamer noted. “His life has changed a lot in the last year, but he’s handling it the right way.”

    Beamer also expressed excitement about Sellers’ relationship with new offensive coordinator Mike Shula.

    “They’ve been working really well together,” Beamer said. “Anytime you have a quarterback, you have a chance to be successful. We certainly have a quarterback in him.”

    Final Thoughts

    As South Carolina heads into the 2025 season, the program is navigating key changes and challenges, from conference realignment discussions to the rise of a new star at quarterback. Despite uncertainty over SEC scheduling and College Football Playoff criteria, Beamer is committed to ensuring the Gamecocks remain competitive across the board. With LaNorris Sellers leading the offense, South Carolina is primed to take the next step forward in the new season.

  • Ravens Expected to Pair Kyle Hamilton with New Safety

    Will the Baltimore Ravens Strengthen Their Defense by Adding Depth at Safety?

    As the NFL offseason heats up, all eyes are on the Baltimore Ravens and their defensive strategy moving forward. One key question: Will the team seek to bolster the back end of its defense?

    Safety Kyle Hamilton has earned a reputation for his impressive versatility, but his role during the second half of the season didn’t necessarily showcase all of his abilities. The Ravens had Marcus Williams sidelined and Eddie Jackson released, leaving Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington as the primary safeties. This limited Hamilton’s role, forcing him into more of a deep safety position, rather than using his full skill set, which includes excelling in the slot or acting as a pseudo-linebacker.

    While the Ravens’ defense showed improvement in the latter half of the season, adding more depth could allow Hamilton to showcase his full potential and give the defense an extra edge.

    ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. certainly believes that strengthening the safety position could be key for Baltimore. In his pre-combine mock draft, Kiper projects the Ravens to select Nick Emmanwori, the standout safety from South Carolina, with the 27th overall pick.

    Kiper highlighted Emmanwori’s unique blend of size and explosiveness: “This guy is going to catch everyone’s eye during combine workouts,” he wrote. “At 6-3, 227 pounds, his athleticism is off the charts. But he’s not just a physical specimen—he picked off four passes for the Gamecocks this past season.”

    Should the Ravens secure Emmanwori, pairing him with Hamilton could solidify the back end of the defense, potentially eliminating threats in the third level of the field. This is a key consideration, especially after the Ravens allowed 58 plays of 20 or more yards in 2024—the third most in the league.

    With his exceptional combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills, Emmanwori is certainly a player to watch during this week’s NFL Scouting Combine. It’s clear the Ravens will be keeping a close eye on his performance, as they look to add more depth to an already improving defense.

  • Shane Beamer Announces Major Recruitment Move for His Son, Sparking Outrage Among Gamecocks Fans Over Dabo Swinney Revelation

    Trust can be a fragile thing, and in the world of college football, it can cut deep. Just ask Dabo Swinney, who’s feeling a bit of friendly fire from none other than his former ally, Shane Beamer. Their rivalry is intense—everyone remembers last season when South Carolina players came close to planting their flag on the Clemson paw. But that wasn’t the biggest snub—Beamer’s latest recruiting tactic has caused a stir, and it involves none other than Swinney.

    Let’s cut to the chase: Marcus Freeman, much like Shane Beamer and Dabo Swinney, has a solid relationship with the Gamecocks head coach. Freeman recently posted a snapshot of a meeting with Beamer and his son, Hunter Beamer, all smiles and laughing on social media. But then, Shane Beamer added a little spice to the situation with a cheeky caption about recruiting, saying, “BIG recruiting battle coming over the next 7 years for this young prospect!”

    And, as if to add more intrigue, Beamer picked his winner, saying, “I think his mom will be key to the decision, so I like ⁦@GamecockFB’s chances. 🤙🏻😀.” Though this is all in good fun, it’s noteworthy that Beamer’s son, Hunter, was once a big fan of Dabo Swinney.

    This admiration started back when Beamer coached at Oklahoma, a time far removed from the intense rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina. Beamer even shared a video of Hunter excelling in flag football, dreaming of playing for Swinney. The respect was mutual, with Swinney and Hunter sharing a warm hug before a game last season. But things changed after a tough 30-0 defeat in 2021, and Hunter’s admiration for Clemson quickly diminished.

    Shane Beamer himself admitted, “I think there’s still a good, healthy respect for Dabo. My son doesn’t like to lose. So he liked Dabo a lot better before we got beat last year.” Even so, Swinney continues to check in on Hunter, and there’s no bad blood between them. But, as Beamer said, “He realized pretty quick what this rivalry is about, so there’s a healthy respect, but the love fest, I think, isn’t what it was.” A tough loss can indeed end childhood fandom, and the rivalry has clearly taken hold.

    But there’s a bigger concern brewing for Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks, and it’s not just about the rivalry.

    While Beamer’s squad enjoyed a 9-game winning streak last season, which included a victory over ACC champion Clemson, they were still snubbed by the College Football Playoff committee. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, SEC Mike from That SEC Football Podcast raised some real concerns. He pointed out that despite South Carolina‘s offensive success, with 54% production, their defense has taken a major hit, losing over half of their production—including star edge rusher and Bronco Nagurski winner Kyle Kennard.

    Mike also pointed out that their schedule last year didn’t show true dominance. While wins over teams like Akron and Old Dominion were solid, losses to Alabama and Ole Miss exposed a gap between South Carolina and the SEC’s top-tier teams. If Beamer wants to lead his team into the playoff conversation, it’s clear they’ll need more than just a winning record—they’ll need significant, statement victories.

    Still, let’s not overlook the strength of South Carolina’s squad. LaNorris Sellers, a Heisman hopeful, leads a dynamic offense, and Dylan Stewart, one of the top edge rushers, anchors a defense that ranked third in the SEC last season. Cousin Shane put it boldly, saying, “I feel like South Carolina can move up this list; they’ve got a Heisman quarterback, and they’ve got one of the best defenses in the country.” It’s a bold statement, but if Beamer wants to make a statement of his own, this is his chance to turn things around.

    The road ahead is tough, but if anyone can rise to the challenge, it’s Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks.

  • South Carolina and Dawn Staley’s Position in March Madness Bracket After Vanderbilt Victory

    South Carolina and Dawn Staley's Position in March Madness Bracket After Vanderbilt Victory

    In the latest NCAA Tournament projections, South Carolina women’s basketball is still slated as a No. 1 seed, with the No. 6 Gamecocks (25-3, 13-1 SEC) expected to host the first round of play in Columbia and compete in the Birmingham Region once again. Despite a setback against UConn, which briefly shifted projections toward Spokane, Washington, ESPN analyst Charlie Creme now has the Gamecocks back in the Birmingham Region.

    After securing two recent wins against Arkansas and Vanderbilt, Coach Dawn Staley’s squad now prepares for their final regular-season games—Ole Miss on Thursday at 9 p.m. (ESPN) and Kentucky on Sunday at 2 p.m. (ESPN).

    According to the latest projections, South Carolina will host a First Round game against either UNCG or High Point, with the winner moving on to face Illinois or South Dakota State.

    Charlie Creme’s most recent bracket analysis places South Carolina in the Birmingham 3 Region, with a match-up against the winner of a First Four game between UNCG and High Point and eventual competition against either Illinois or South Dakota State.

    The Gamecocks are currently ranked second in the NCAA’s NET rankings, as UConn took over the No. 1 spot last week. South Carolina has been impressive on the road with a 7-2 record, 5-0 on neutral courts, and 13-1 at home. They’ve also excelled in Quad 1 games with an 11-3 record, while maintaining perfect records in Quads 2 (4-0), 3 (3-0), and 4 (7-0).

    Historically, South Carolina has been a powerhouse in NCAA women’s basketball. The Gamecocks have won three national championships under Dawn Staley since 2017, including their most recent undefeated season in 2023-24, where they went 38-0. With six Final Four appearances, seven Elite Eight finishes, and 14 Sweet 16s, South Carolina has firmly established itself as a dominant force in women’s college basketball. Additionally, they have claimed the SEC tournament title eight times and are an eight-time SEC regular-season champion.

    A SPECIAL BOND—The special connection between MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards continues to evolve into one of South Carolina’s strongest assets on and off the court.

    More news….

    Paul Mainieri Optimistic About Close Wins to Begin South Carolina Baseball Season

    Paul Mainieri Optimistic About Close Wins to Begin South Carolina Baseball Season

    South Carolina’s head coach Paul Mainieri is feeling positive about the Gamecocks’ early challenges on the field. Though the team remains undefeated, their performance hasn’t been flawless. The Gamecocks had a close call against Winthrop, which left some fans scratching their heads, even after dominating Sacred Heart in the season opener. But for Mainieri, the tight game is no cause for concern. He values these gritty victories, a perspective he’s held for years thanks to advice from his father.

    “I remember my dad vividly saying to me on the phone, ‘Hey, don’t ever be upset about winning close games, because you’re better off having those kinds of games. Your team will grow from it. They’ll learn how to be composed and poised at the end of the game. Down the road when they need to win that close game against a really tough opponent, they’ll have been there and done that, and that makes their confidence even that much better,’” Mainieri reflected.

    The Gamecocks aren’t alone in facing tough matchups. Even the no. 8 Georgia Bulldogs experienced struggles, losing to UNC Wilmington on Sunday, only to later pull off a dramatic 9th-inning comeback against Kennesaw State. Not every team, however, has had the dominance displayed by Tennessee, who easily handled both Hofstra and UNC Asheville with lopsided victories.

    Looking ahead, the Gamecocks are aiming to continue their perfect streak, with a weekend series against the Milwaukee Panthers on the horizon as they strive for a 6-0 record.

  • South Carolina Athletics Struggles Financially Despite Increase in Football Revenue

    In a live update on South Carolina athletics, the department has reported a slight financial loss for the 2024 fiscal year, despite generating $31 million from football. Men’s basketball posted a profit, but women’s basketball ended the year with a deficit, and overall contributions to the department experienced a decline.

    According to financial documents reviewed by The Greenville News, the total operating revenue for South Carolina athletics was $183.4 million, while expenses amounted to $183.6 million, leaving the department with a deficit of $194,175. This follows a pattern of fluctuating financial results, including a $3.7 million deficit in 2022 and an $11 million shortfall in 2021.

    Football, as expected, remained the department’s primary source of revenue, bringing in $78.5 million while spending $47.6 million. Key sources of this revenue included $19.8 million from ticket sales, $15.4 million in media rights, and $5.2 million in parking and concessions. Despite a disappointing 5-7 season in 2023, football revenue saw a $5 million increase from the previous year.

    In the basketball programs, the men’s team reported a solid $3.48 million profit, generating $13.3 million in revenue against $9.8 million in expenses. However, women’s basketball faced a $5.7 million deficit, earning $5.8 million in revenue but incurring $11.5 million in expenses.

    Another concerning development was a decline in contributions to USC athletics, dropping from $34.6 million to $33.8 million. While donations to football and men’s basketball increased, non-program-specific contributions fell by nearly $4.4 million, and donations to women’s basketball also saw a slight decrease.

    Despite these financial challenges, South Carolina athletics continues to depend on football revenue as its primary source of income and is actively exploring strategies to balance expenses across all sports programs.

    More news…..

    South Carolina basketball recruit earns All-American honors

    South Carolina Football Recruiting Target Tamarion Watkins Boosted to 4-Star Status

    We’re closely following South Carolina’s pursuit of Tamarion Watkins, one of the top football recruits in the Palmetto State. The Northwestern High School standout is a physical force on the field, standing at an imposing 6’4″ and weighing 201 pounds. His combination of size and athleticism has caught the attention of major programs, including Georgia, who have shown interest in potentially using him as a linebacker. However, USC defensive backs coach Torrian Gray sees him more as a versatile, long safety for the Gamecocks’ secondary. On3, along with other major recruiting outlets, currently ranks him as a safety.

    Recent updates to the 2026 rankings have propelled Watkins to a prestigious position. He now holds a fourth-star ranking in the On3 industry composite rankings—a weighted average from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. This jump comes after On3, 247Sports, and Rivals all updated their rankings in recent weeks. Watkins is now placed at No. 312 nationally, No. 7 in South Carolina, and No. 26 among safeties nationwide. Rivals is especially high on Watkins, ranking him as the No. 125 player in the nation and the top recruit in South Carolina.

    Notably, GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark recently included Watkins on a list of prospects who could soon earn South Carolina’s On3 RPM picks. Clark reports that despite a competitive offer list, South Carolina has positioned itself well in Watkins’ recruitment.

    As of now, the Gamecocks have five commitments in the 2026 class, currently ranked 14th overall. This group includes 4-star safety J’Zavien Currence, 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, 3-star defensive back Peyton Dyer, and 3-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter. Interestingly, both Currence and Baxter are from Rock Hill, just like Watkins.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this rising prospect and South Carolina’s recruiting efforts.

  • South Carolina’s Oscar Adaway III appointed to SEC Football and SAAC Leadership Councils

    Paul Mainieri Optimistic About Close Wins to Begin South Carolina Baseball Season

    In a significant development for the SEC, four student-athletes from member schools have been appointed as the new leaders of the SEC Football and Student-Athlete Advisory Councils, giving a stronger voice to student-athletes in the conference.

    South Carolina’s Oscar Adaway III and Vanderbilt’s Bryan Longwell have been selected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the SEC Football Leadership Council. On the other hand, Barry Evans from Alabama and Ethan Doehler of Texas will serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).

    Adaway, a native of North Little Rock, Arkansas, had an impressive season last year, appearing in 13 games for the Gamecocks and securing two starts. Notably, he scored a 36-yard touchdown during the Citrus Bowl against Illinois. This marks his first year on the SEC Football Leadership Council.

    Longwell, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, is entering his second year on the SEC Football Leadership Council. Last season, he played all 13 games for Vanderbilt, leading the team with 89 tackles.

    Evans, a sophomore from Mascoutah, Illinois, is returning as SAAC Chair for a second consecutive year. He was active last year, attending SEC Spring Meetings and representing the conference at the NCAA Convention earlier this year. Evans is a key member of Alabama’s nationally-ranked track and field team.

    Doehler, a junior from San Antonio, Texas, is a standout member of the top-ranked Texas swimming and diving team. He has been recognized on the CSCAA Scholar All-America Team and has earned a spot on the Big 12 Academic Honor Roll.

    These appointments mark a critical moment for the SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Councils, which serve as an essential platform for student-athletes to collaborate with campus leaders and conference staff. With councils focused on football, men’s and women’s basketball, and SAAC, they will play a crucial role in addressing key issues surrounding student-athlete wellness, playing rules, and overall representation.

    More news…..

    Paul Mainieri Optimistic About Close Wins to Begin South Carolina Baseball Season

    Paul Mainieri Optimistic About Close Wins to Begin South Carolina Baseball Season

    South Carolina’s head coach Paul Mainieri is feeling positive about the Gamecocks’ early challenges on the field. Though the team remains undefeated, their performance hasn’t been flawless. The Gamecocks had a close call against Winthrop, which left some fans scratching their heads, even after dominating Sacred Heart in the season opener. But for Mainieri, the tight game is no cause for concern. He values these gritty victories, a perspective he’s held for years thanks to advice from his father.

    “I remember my dad vividly saying to me on the phone, ‘Hey, don’t ever be upset about winning close games, because you’re better off having those kinds of games. Your team will grow from it. They’ll learn how to be composed and poised at the end of the game. Down the road when they need to win that close game against a really tough opponent, they’ll have been there and done that, and that makes their confidence even that much better,’” Mainieri reflected.

    The Gamecocks aren’t alone in facing tough matchups. Even the no. 8 Georgia Bulldogs experienced struggles, losing to UNC Wilmington on Sunday, only to later pull off a dramatic 9th-inning comeback against Kennesaw State. Not every team, however, has had the dominance displayed by Tennessee, who easily handled both Hofstra and UNC Asheville with lopsided victories.

    Looking ahead, the Gamecocks are aiming to continue their perfect streak, with a weekend series against the Milwaukee Panthers on the horizon as they strive for a 6-0 record.

  • South Carolina recruit rises to four-star ranking in updated On3 list.

    South Carolina recruit rises to four-star ranking in updated On3 list.

    Breaking news for South Carolina recruiting, cornerback Peyton Dyer is officially in the Blue Chip club, receiving a four-star ranking in On3’s latest update to the class of 2026. This marks a significant jump for the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder, who committed to the Gamecocks last October. Dyer’s recruiting stock has surged since his commitment, with his latest performance at the Under Armour camp in Atlanta showcasing his talent at one of the most prestigious camps in the country.

    Previously ranked as the No. 25 cornerback in the nation, Dyer has climbed to No. 20 in his position and No. 189 overall, boasting an impressive rating of 90. However, South Carolina will face some tough competition to keep Dyer on board, as the former three-star recruit has already planned official visits to Georgia and Southern Cal, alongside his scheduled trip to Columbia.

    Dyer is part of a small but strong group of South Carolina commitments in the On300 rankings. Alongside him is J’Zavien Currence, a four-star safety from Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe. Currence, who holds a rating of 91, experienced a slight slip in the overall rankings, now sitting at No. 111. This drop is likely a result of new players entering the top 100 rather than any significant decline in his performance. Currence remains the No. 10 safety in the country and the No. 3 player in South Carolina.

    Also making his mark is Jamel Howse, a four-star tight end from Newberry (S.C.). Howse holds a rating of 90, is ranked No. 188 overall, and is the No. 11 tight end in the class. He remains firmly in the On300 rankings.

    These updates come as part of On3’s latest rankings, which are compiled by the company’s in-house evaluators, differing from the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average of the four major recruiting sites. This is the first major update since October and has seen some of the biggest shifts in the entire recruiting cycle.

    Charles Power, On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, explains that the changes reflect deeper analysis of the 2026 class, including a review of junior seasons, film, and recent national all-star game performances. In total, 56 new prospects have entered the On300 with this update, which often leads to more volatile rankings early in the cycle.

    Here’s a quick look at South Carolina’s latest On3 rankings:

    • S J’Zavien Currence: 91 Rating, No. 111 overall, No. 10 safety
    • TE Jamel Howse: 90 Rating, No. 188 overall, No. 11 tight end
    • CB Peyton Dyer: 90 Rating, No. 189 overall, No. 20 cornerback
    • LB/EDGE Keenan Britt: 87 Rating, No. 80 EDGE
    • OL Anthony Baxter: 83 Rating, No. 87 interior offensive lineman

    Stay tuned as these rankings continue to evolve throughout the cycle!

  • Several South Carolina Gamecocks Featured on Top-100 Players List

    The South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for the 2025 College Football season with high expectations and significant talent on their roster. Coming off a solid 9-3 regular season, the Gamecocks are ready to face off against some of the toughest competition in the Southeastern Conference.

    With the season ahead, there’s plenty to be excited about in Columbia. The Gamecocks not only boast one of college football’s most promising quarterbacks in LaNorris Sellers, but they also have a roster filled with talent that head coach Shane Beamer has meticulously built.

    The latest Top-100 Returning College Football rankings have just been released, and several Gamecocks have made their mark.

    Here’s a closer look at the Gamecocks on the top-100 player list:

    No. 88 – WR, Nyck Harbor
    The former track star has committed himself fully to football this offseason, focusing exclusively on the sport. This dedication could lead to significant progress in Harbor’s game. The wide receiver’s raw talent is undeniable, and if he can refine his skills, the Gamecocks could see a breakout year from him.

    No. 11 – QB, LaNorris Sellers
    In just his first year as a starter, Sellers showed flashes of brilliance, earning considerable excitement as he enters his sophomore season. Sellers is arguably the best ball carrier on the Gamecocks roster, and his development as both a passer and a football IQ builder has fans eager to see his growth in year two.

    No. 2 – EDGE, Dylan Stewart
    As a freshman, Dylan Stewart made a name for himself with his incredible pass-rushing abilities, earning him a spot among the best at his position. The hype surrounding Stewart heading into his second year is palpable, with many believing he could be even more dangerous this season after an already impressive debut.

    The Gamecocks are in a strong position as they prepare for another exciting season, with these key players leading the charge. Fans are already anticipating what this talented squad will achieve on the field in 2025.

    More news….

    Brady Hunt Rejoins Garnet Trust, confirming his return to South Carolina Football

    Brady Hunt

    In a significant development for South Carolina football, Brady Hunt, a 6-foot-5, 253-pound tight end, has signed a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the Gamecocks’ official collective, The Garnet Trust, ensuring his return to the program for the upcoming season.

    Hunt, who transferred to South Carolina from Ball State last offseason, was part of the Gamecocks’ three-man tight end rotation in 2024 alongside Joshua Simon and Michael Smith. He made valuable contributions during the season, recording two receptions for 22 yards, including a key first-down grab late in the victory over Missouri. Known for his versatility both as a blocker and a receiver, Hunt is expected to take on an even larger role next season, especially with Simon having exhausted his eligibility.

    Before joining South Carolina, Hunt had an impressive 2022 season at Ball State, where he caught 46 passes for 498 yards and five touchdowns. His strong performance at Ball State and subsequent transfer to the Gamecocks highlight his potential to become a key player in South Carolina’s offensive game plan.

    This new NIL deal underscores the Gamecocks’ commitment to player retention, with The Garnet Trust playing a crucial role in securing such agreements. Retaining players like Hunt is essential for the program’s continued success, and head coach Shane Beamer has stressed the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining open communication to keep the team unified and motivated.