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  • Shane Beamer, South Carolina Football’s Icon, Faces Backlash Over Clemson-Colored Hat During Heartfelt Father-Son Moment

    Shane Beamer, South Carolina Football’s Icon, Faces Backlash Over Clemson-Colored Hat During Heartfelt Father-Son Moment

    Shane Beamer’s Heartwarming Father-Son Moment Sparks Controversy Over Clemson Hat

    Good evening, reporting live from Columbia, South Carolina. The buzz surrounding South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has been impossible to ignore lately, especially after the Gamecocks extended his contract through 2030, securing him a hefty $8.15 million per year. Beamer now ranks as the 9th-highest-paid coach in the SEC, right alongside Brent Venables. But despite all the attention from his recent football success, it’s not a victory on the field that has everyone talking today—it’s a father-son fishing trip.

    The Clemson-Colored Hat Controversy

    On February 16, Shane Beamer shared a touching post on Twitter, showcasing his heartwarming fishing day with his son. Captioning the photos with, “What a great day in the Low Country of SC…”, Beamer expressed his love for the state, adding, “Once again, there’s nothing better than living in South Carolina (especially living in Columbia and playing football!!)”.

    But it wasn’t just the sentiment that caught attention. In one of the images, Beamer was spotted sporting a bright orange hat—an unfortunate shade for South Carolina fans, as orange is closely associated with their archrivals, Clemson.

    The Historic Rivalry Between South Carolina and Clemson

    As any South Carolina fan knows, the rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina runs deep. Dating back to 1896, the two schools have clashed on the field in what is known as the Palmetto Bowl. Their rivalry is more than just a game—it’s an annual battle for state supremacy. A particularly infamous moment in the rivalry occurred in 2004, when a brawl broke out between the teams, leading both schools to turn down bowl invitations. The rivalry extends beyond the field, with legendary figures like Jadeveon Clowney adding fuel to the fire by mocking Clemson QB Tajh Boyd in 2013.

    The Rivalry’s Lasting Impact

    Even in more recent years, with Clemson winning national titles in 2016 and 2018, Gamecock fans have kept up their passionate opposition, often downplaying Clemson’s success. But in 2022, South Carolina shocked everyone with a dramatic 31-30 victory, ending a painful seven-game losing streak against their rivals. The celebrations in Columbia were nothing short of electric, a true catharsis for Gamecock Nation.

    Beamer Clears the Air on the Hat

    Naturally, the sight of the orange hat left some fans uneasy. With the rivalry in full force year-round, even a minor slip-up like this could raise eyebrows. Shane Beamer, aware of the stir he caused, quickly took to Twitter to reassure the fanbase, saying, “And don’t worry #GamecockNation, this is the ONLY time we’ll be wearing orange.”

    Fans React: A Mixed Response

    Despite the coach’s clarification, fans didn’t take the gesture lightly. Social media lit up with passionate comments, urging Beamer to ditch the orange once and for all. For many, it wasn’t just about the hat—it was a symbol of loyalty to their team. However, some fans lightened the mood with humor. One joked, “We’ll allow it this time, Coach. Looks like a grand time.” It seems that despite the little slip, Beamer’s bond with Gamecock Nation remains unshaken.

    A Deeper Meaning Behind the Moment

    Ultimately, for many, the focus wasn’t on the color of the hat, but on the memories made during a special day outdoors. Whether the orange sparked rivalry or simply nostalgia, Beamer’s gesture has resonated with fans in a way that transcends the typical football rivalry. After all, moments like these—father and son spending quality time together—are priceless, regardless of the color.

    Denny Hamlin’s Adorable Family Moments: From Christmas Cart Rides to NASCAR Legal Issues

    Jim Dedmon

    Shane Lowry’s Unintended Mishap at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am
    Shane Lowry, a skilled golfer renowned for his accuracy, experienced an unexpected event during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am when a wayward shot caused a volunteer to stumble.

    Shane Waldron’s New Role as Jacksonville Jaguars Pass-Game Coordinator
    After a controversial period as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron is starting fresh with the Jacksonville Jaguars as their pass-game coordinator, following a career marked by mixed reviews from various teams.

  • South Carolina vs. Florida: Key Factors to Watch, Opponent Breakdown, and Injury Updates

    Good evening, Gamecock fans. Here’s a live update on South Carolina basketball as they continue to struggle in SEC play, sitting at 10-14 overall and winless in league action at 0-11. Coach Lamont Paris’ team has been in close games all season but has just not been able to close them out. To add to their frustration, South Carolina has suffered seven losses this year by just one or two possessions, with six of those coming in SEC matchups.

    In an ironic twist, South Carolina’s next chance to turn things around comes on the day after Valentine’s Day. This Saturday, they travel to Gainesville to face the No. 3-ranked Florida Gators (21-3, 8-3). The game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. in the O’Connell Center and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

    Let’s break down three key things to watch for in this matchup, along with a quick scouting report on the Gators and the latest injury updates.

    Playing for Pride? Seeking Revenge?

    South Carolina’s season hasn’t gone as hoped, but they are not as bad as their record suggests. The Gamecocks have been on the losing side of several heartbreaks, and frustration is mounting. While many teams in similar situations might have packed it in by now, South Carolina continues to fight.

    What’s left to motivate this team? In a tough season, personal pride and commitment are key. If the Gamecocks want any chance at making a run in the SEC Tournament, they have to keep pushing, working on fixing mistakes, and maintaining that competitive edge.

    This game also offers a chance for some on-court revenge after a crushing one-point loss to Florida earlier this season. In that game, South Carolina led but lost it late. A Will Richard layup gave the Gators the lead, and the Gamecocks had an ill-advised 30-foot attempt at the buzzer rather than a quality shot. South Carolina had outplayed Florida but turnovers and a poor finish let the game slip away. Will the Gamecocks come out ready to play a full 40 minutes this time?

    An Unfamiliar Road Struggle

    While South Carolina has shown more life at home, their road struggles have been well-documented. On the road this season, they are just 1-6, with their only victory coming against a struggling Boston College in December. The losses have been brutal: by 16, 35, 3, 20, 11, and 23 points. That’s an average loss margin of -18 points per game. Meanwhile, Florida has scored 73 or more points in every home game this season, so South Carolina will have to find a way to not just compete but possibly outscore them.

    That said, in a strange turn of events, the Gamecocks have won three of their last four visits to the O’Dome. Could they make it four out of five? This game kicks off a tough stretch for South Carolina, with three of the next four games being on the road.

    Florida’s Uncertainty: Who’s Playing?

    A big storyline heading into this game is the health of Florida’s roster. The Gators announced on Friday that Micah Handlogten, their 7’1” center, will return after recovering from a leg injury. However, two of their other key post players, Alex Condon and Sam Alexis, are out for the game. Additionally, starting guard Alijah Martin has been sidelined for about two weeks with a hip issue. While he’s listed as “probable,” his status is still up in the air, with head coach Todd Golden calling him “questionable.”

    Even with these personnel issues, Florida remains a formidable team. Thomas Haugh, one of the best bench forwards in the nation, could fill in if needed. If not, expect Handlogten to slide in as a seasoned veteran. For South Carolina, Collin Murray-Boyles (CMB) will be key. The Gamecocks’ star has been solid against Florida in his career, missing just five shots across two games, recording a double-double in one, and dishing out a career-high eight assists in another. Could CMB carry the Gamecocks to a much-needed win?

    Injury Report

    For South Carolina, Myles Stute is OUT due to a blood clot.

    For Florida, Alex Condon and Sam Alexis are OUT, while Alijah Martin is listed as PROBABLE.

    Game Details

    • Who: South Carolina (10-14, 0-11 SEC) vs. No. 3 Florida (21-3, 8-3 SEC)
    • When: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 8:30 p.m.
    • Where: O’Connell Center, Gainesville
    • How to watch: SEC Network/107.5 The Game
    • ESPN gives South Carolina an 8.2% chance of winning.

    As we look ahead to Saturday, the Gamecocks will need to pull off a monumental upset against one of the top teams in the nation. Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the action in Gainesville!

  • South Carolina vs. Florida: Betting odds, win chances, score prediction, and viewing details

    In a live update, on Saturday, South Carolina (10-14, 0-11) will face off against

    In a live update, on Saturday, South Carolina (10-14, 0-11) will face off against No. 3 Florida (21-3, 8-3) inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The last meeting between these two teams on January 22 was a thrilling contest, with Florida narrowly escaping with a 70-69 victory.

    South Carolina is still seeking its first conference win of the season, but the Gamecocks have shown promising signs. Most recently, they came close to upsetting Ole Miss, but ultimately fell short, losing 72-68. With less than a month left in the regular season, South Carolina faces a crucial challenge if they hope to turn their season around.

    On the other hand, Florida’s focus isn’t on making a late-season turnaround but on maintaining their momentum. It’s been a standout year for the Gators, who are currently riding a three-game win streak. However, the Gators will be missing key players on Saturday, including Alex Condon (ankle) and Sam Alexis (undisclosed), although Micah Handlogten will make his season debut.

    Odds for South Carolina vs. Florida
    Florida is favored by 16.5 points against South Carolina, according to FanDuel. The Gators are also a strong -2500 on the money line, with an over/under set at 143.5 points. In their previous matchup, the two teams combined for 139 points, but Florida will need to step up its offensive game to meet expectations this time around.

    Predictions for the Game
    ESPN’s BPI model predicts that Florida will come out on top, with a projected point differential of 15.1 points. The Gators have a 91.8 percent chance of winning, with the matchup quality rated at 75.2.

    KenPom’s model is also confident in Florida’s chances, predicting a final score of Florida 80, South Carolina 62. With a 95 percent win probability for the Gators, KenPom projects an 18-point victory.

    How to Watch the Game
    Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
    Channel: SEC Network, FuboTV (streaming)
    Location: Gainesville, Fla.

    Fans can tune in to the SEC Network at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday or stream the game on FuboTV. With Florida playing at home, the Stephen C. O’Connell Center is sure to be packed with eager Gators fans supporting their team.

    More related news…..

    First-Round Projections Have South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders As a Top NFL Draft Pick

    T.J. Sanders

    The 2025 NFL Draft process is in full swing, and former South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is now considered a potential first-round pick.

    Although Sanders might have flown under the radar this season due to the dominant performances of South Carolina’s EDGE rushers, Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard, he is gaining recognition as the draft approaches. National analysts, including NFL Network’s lead draft expert, Daniel Jeremiah, are starting to take notice of Sanders’ impressive tape.

    Jeremiah recently released his updated NFL Mock Draft, where he has Sanders going 31st overall to the Philadelphia Eagles. Regarding the potential selection, Jeremiah commented:

    “There has not been a lot of buzz for Sanders, but I thought his tape was outstanding. He’s really twitchy and would fit right in with the bevy of talented defensive linemen in Philly.”

    T.J. Sanders’ accolades include:

    • 2024 Third-Team All-America (College Football Nation)
    • 2024 First-Team All-SEC (College Football Nation)
    • 2024 Second-Team All-SEC (AP, Phil Steele)
    • 2024 SEC Interior Defender of the Year (College Football Nation)
    • 2023 Third-Team All-SEC (College Football Network)
    • 2023 Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
    • 2023 Nutrition Award
    • 2023 Rex Enright Defensive Player of the Spring
    • 2023 co-South Carolina Spirit Award – Defense

  • South Carolina secures commitment from JUCO power hitter. Here’s when he’ll be eligible to play.

    Live from South Carolina: Exciting News for the Gamecocks as JUCO Transfer Dawson Harman Commits

    Just hours before the highly anticipated Opening Day, South Carolina received a major boost with the commitment of JUCO third baseman Dawson Harman. And no one seemed more thrilled about the news than Gamecock slugger Ethan Petry.

    “When I didn’t think opening day could get any better! Welcome home, brother,” Petry shared on his Instagram story, expressing his excitement.

    Harman, who spent 2024 at High Point before transferring to the College of Central Florida for this season, shares a close bond with Petry. Both hailing from Florida—Harman from Tampa and Petry from Land O’ Lakes—the two have been friends for years. Upon receiving the offer from South Carolina, Harman immediately reached out to his friend.

    “I told him, I was like, ‘Hey, (Paul) Mainieri’s about to call me. Monte (Lee) and Coach (Terry) Rooney said they’re getting an offer ready or whatever,’” Harman told GamecockCentral. “I don’t know for sure, I think he jumped out of bed and was just super excited for me. He was like, ‘Dude, this is what we wanted. Like, this is what you told me was going to happen, and this is exactly what I wanted with you.’”

    Harman’s commitment comes at an interesting time—just after he began his JUCO season on January 26, and on the very day South Carolina’s 2025 season kicked off. But could Harman potentially play for the Gamecocks this season? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

    “I’ll finish the year here with JUCO ball down here, and then I’ll be able to get on campus in the fall, and then I’ll go from there with being a Gamecock,” Harman said.

    For now, Harman will continue his strong performance with the College of Central Florida, where he’s been on fire to start the season, boasting a .391 average, seven home runs, and 18 RBIs in just 12 games.

    South Carolina has been watching Harman closely since the fall, when Monte Lee attended one of his games. A few weeks ago, Harman connected with Lee and Terry Rooney over the phone, and after his strong performance on Thursday—where he went 3-for-5 with a home run and two doubles—they extended him an offer.

    “They were like, ‘Yeah, we’re getting (Paul) Mainieri on the phone with you,’” Harman recalled. “It was just like, wow. I’m talking to a college coach who’s been around college baseball for a while with LSU and all that. It was honestly eye-opening for me. It was like, wow. This is insane.”

    Currently playing third base for College of Central Florida, Harman has been stationed at the position since his sophomore year of high school. However, he’s also gained experience in the outfield during his college career.

    “Last year we had a sixth-year at third base, so the only opportunity for me was to move over to the other hot corner, first base, or play the outfield, which I was totally fine playing,” Harman explained. “So here it’s playing third, and then if they needed me to go somewhere else, I’m more than capable of doing so.”

    As South Carolina embarks on a new era under Mainieri, Harman admits it’s tough to not be suiting up with Petry and the rest of the team this season. However, he’s excited to finish his JUCO season strong before heading to Columbia this fall.

    “If I could step on campus now and be a part of that team, that’d be the dream,” Harman said. “But to have the ability of finishing my JUCO season out with a great team we have down here, College of Central Florida, is going to be awesome, as well.”

    Stay tuned for more updates as the Gamecocks‘ season progresses!

  • South Carolina Gamecocks overpower Florida Gators in 101-63 win

    In a dazzling display of dominance, the South Carolina Gamecocks crushed the Florida

    In a dazzling display of dominance, the South Carolina Gamecocks crushed the Florida Gators 101-63 in a one-sided affair. This victory boosts South Carolina’s impressive record to 23-2 for the season, while Florida slides to 12-13.

    The Gamecocks were in full offensive form, shooting 46.2% from the field (36-78) and 32.0% from beyond the arc (8-25). However, it was their near-perfect free throw shooting that stood out, sinking 21 of 22 attempts for a stellar 95.5%, while Florida managed just 66.7% from the charity stripe (14-21).

    Joyce Edwards delivered a career-high performance with 28 points, surpassing her previous best of 21, set against Alabama in January. Her outstanding contribution was a key factor in South Carolina’s overwhelming victory.

    On the boards, the Gamecocks completely dominated, pulling down 51 total rebounds, including 17 offensive and 34 defensive. In contrast, Florida managed just 37 rebounds. South Carolina’s ball movement was also top-notch, dishing out 23 assists to Florida’s 11.

    Defensively, the Gamecocks overwhelmed the Gators with 12 steals and 3 blocks, converting those turnovers into 24 points. Florida struggled with ball control, turning the ball over 17 times, while South Carolina committed only 6 turnovers.

    Fast breaks were another area where the Gamecocks excelled, scoring 8 points off transition plays, matching Florida’s fast break output. Dominating the paint, South Carolina outscored the Gators 52-28 inside.

    Foul trouble wasn’t a significant factor in the game, as South Carolina committed 15 fouls and Florida 17, with no technical fouls called.

    The Gamecocks’ commanding lead grew to as much as 41 points, further cementing their place as one of the nation’s premier teams.

    More news…..

    South Carolina Extends Offer to In-State Wide Receiver Star

    Jaiden Kelly-Murray

    South Carolina football arguably secured its best-ever wide receiver recruiting class in the 2025 cycle. The Gamecocks are bringing in six skilled receivers, including five 4-star recruits, with four hailing from South Carolina.

    Malik Clark, Jordon Gidron, Donovan Murph, and Jayden Sellers will represent their home state for the first time this fall, and all four have promising futures at USC.

    It seems that wide receivers coach Mike Furrey is eyeing another strong in-state group for the 2027 class. USC has already extended offers to Ridge View wideout Khristian Jackson and Indian Land athlete Sequel Patterson (who also plays receiver). On Tuesday, a third 2027 receiver, Jaiden Kelly-Murray, announced via social media that he had received an offer from the Gamecocks.

    Currently unranked, Kelly-Murray is unlikely to stay that way for long. The Summerville product had a standout sophomore season, racking up over 1200 yards receiving and delivering a notable performance in the state championship game against the elite Dutch Fork team.

    His offer list is expanding, with South Carolina being one of six current Power Four offers. Additionally, MaxPreps named Kelly-Murray a Sophomore All-American.

    A smaller receiver, Kelly-Murray’s strength lies in his route-running and agility. His impressive shake-and-release techniques make him a tough matchup against man coverage.

    Summerville uses him in the quick game and as a rusher, both on jet sweeps and as a wildcat quarterback. He excels with his speed and vision, gaining significant yardage after the catch. Despite his size, Kelly-Murray runs with more power than expected and often makes his biggest plays across the middle.

    In addition to his offensive role, Kelly-Murray also plays some free safety for Summerville, but his future is most likely at receiver.

  • Shane Beamer calls out “a team” for faking injuries, and it’s pretty obvious who he’s referring to

    Shane Beamer calls out "a team" for faking injuries, and it's pretty obvious who he's referring to

    In the ongoing SEC drama, Shane Beamer’s feelings toward Lan Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels are no secret.

    Had Shane Beamer’s South Carolina Gamecocks avoided their dismal performance against Ole Miss, there’s a good chance they could have made it into the College Football Playoff. Both teams ended the season with identical 9-3 (5-3) records, just shy of the playoff cut. South Carolina, playing some of their best football late in the season, was left on the outside looking in.

    However, months after the season ended, Beamer is still airing his grievances about the Rebels’ tactics.

    “A team that we played this season — it’s amazing how many times they had an injury on defense after the opposing offense made a first down on an explosive play and had some momentum,”

    Beamer shared with Pete Nakos of On3. It’s clear who Beamer is referring to, as Ole Miss has had a reputation for faking injuries to slow down the game — a tactic often employed by their defense.

    Under Kiffin, Ole Miss has typically been a high-powered offensive team, but defensively, they’ve struggled. Beamer’s frustration stems from this, as it seems the Rebels’ injury antics came at the most inconvenient times for his Gamecocks, typically after big plays that shifted momentum.

    Looking ahead, South Carolina might be a stronger team next season, but Ole Miss still has a formula to beat them, particularly when they find themselves in high-scoring shootouts. With LaNorris Sellers being a significant part of the Gamecocks’ offensive game, it can be difficult for them to come from behind once they’re trailing in a fast-paced game.

    With the SEC schedule flipping this season, South Carolina is set to face Ole Miss again this fall, and this rivalry is one that’s bound to get even more interesting.

    Lane Kiffin is no stranger to controversy, and his reputation as a troll is well-known. While his antics may have sometimes overshadowed Ole Miss’ playoff aspirations, there’s no denying his ability to elevate the program. Yet, some argue his personality might also hold them back from reaching their true potential.

    On the other hand, while Beamer has restored South Carolina to relevance, his team has still faced a few tough losses each season. The game against Ole Miss last year was arguably their worst, and while the Gamecocks have pulled off some impressive wins, Beamer’s aggressive attitude might sometimes be more bark than bite.

    At the end of the day, there’s something special about these teams — two that don’t meet often enough in SEC play — showing a little extra edge. Rivalries in the SEC are legendary, and while some secondary rivalries may be more compelling than others, the emergence of this Ole Miss-South Carolina feud is one that adds more excitement to the league.

    In the end, only one of these teams will come out on top when they face off this season, and that’s what makes this rivalry so compelling.

  • South Carolina vs Ole Miss: Do the Gamecocks Have What It Takes to Upset the Rebels?

    As we roll into February, the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball

    Can South Carolina finally secure their first conference win and take down the Ole Miss Rebels?

    As we roll into February, the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team is still looking for their first conference victory of the season. On Wednesday, they face a tough challenge against the 19th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Though South Carolina will have the advantage of playing at home, the question remains—can they shock the Rebels with an upset?

    According to ESPN analytics, South Carolina’s chances of winning stand at just 32.4 percent. Meanwhile, Ole Miss holds a 7-4 record in conference play, though they’ve stumbled with a 3-4 record in their last seven games. However, all of those losses have come at the hands of ranked opponents.

    For the Gamecocks, there is some hope. Ole Miss recently scraped by with a narrow two-point victory over LSU, a team that has only one conference win this season. South Carolina, on the other hand, has shown they can compete with ranked teams, falling by just four points to Texas A&M and pushing Mississippi State to overtime in a recent matchup.

    It’s clear—if South Carolina is going to pull off a major upset, they’ll need to play their most complete game yet. The opportunity is there, but the stakes have never been higher.

    More news….

    First-Round Projections Have South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders As a Top NFL Draft Pick

    T.J. Sanders

    The 2025 NFL Draft process is in full swing, and former South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is now considered a potential first-round pick.

    Although Sanders might have flown under the radar this season due to the dominant performances of South Carolina’s EDGE rushers, Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard, he is gaining recognition as the draft approaches. National analysts, including NFL Network’s lead draft expert, Daniel Jeremiah, are starting to take notice of Sanders’ impressive tape.

    Jeremiah recently released his updated NFL Mock Draft, where he has Sanders going 31st overall to the Philadelphia Eagles. Regarding the potential selection, Jeremiah commented:

    “There has not been a lot of buzz for Sanders, but I thought his tape was outstanding. He’s really twitchy and would fit right in with the bevy of talented defensive linemen in Philly.”

    T.J. Sanders’ accolades include:

    • 2024 Third-Team All-America (College Football Nation)
    • 2024 First-Team All-SEC (College Football Nation)
    • 2024 Second-Team All-SEC (AP, Phil Steele)
    • 2024 SEC Interior Defender of the Year (College Football Nation)
    • 2023 Third-Team All-SEC (College Football Network)
    • 2023 Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
    • 2023 Nutrition Award
    • 2023 Rex Enright Defensive Player of the Spring
    • 2023 co-South Carolina Spirit Award – Defense

  • Shawn Murphy’s Quest: Achieving Health, Growth, and a Major Role at South Carolina

    Shawn Murphy

    It’s time for Shawn Murphy to step up as the new linebacker for South Carolina.

    As a redshirt junior, the former standout from Manassas, Virginia, joins a Gamecocks linebacking unit in need of a fresh start, replacing its top three players. At the same time, Murphy is focused on advancing his own development as a player.

    In a recent interview on 107.5 The Game’s Gamecock Club Hour, Murphy shared why he chose South Carolina: “I know one of the main things I was looking for was to be developed and to have a great culture with great people,” Murphy explained. “And I think South Carolina really embodied all those factors. There is also opportunity there, and I was just happy with what I saw on my official visit—just talking to all the coaches. The staff, how intentional they are, and how everything is the same way I saw it when I first visited them. I think that was very important to me in making the decision.”

    Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 230 pounds, Murphy began his college career at Alabama, where he joined Nick Saban’s team as the No. 6 linebacker and No. 65 overall prospect in the class of 2022.

    During his redshirt freshman season in 2023, Murphy saw action in all 13 games, registering three tackles while contributing on special teams and as a reserve defender.

    However, after Saban’s sudden retirement, Murphy transferred to Florida State, which had just completed an undefeated regular season. Though an offseason injury slowed his progress, Murphy finished the season strong, playing in the Seminoles’ final four games. He recorded 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.

    In the latest chapter of his journey, Murphy entered the transfer portal once again and joined South Carolina last month, hoping to unlock his potential in Clayton White’s defensive system, where he’s expected to contribute immediately.

    “He’s very aggressive with his linebackers and his defense as a whole,” Murphy said of White’s approach. “And he kind of lets his players play ball, and I really like that. Another thing I noticed was he has a lot of things that could be built around the team he has. He has a lot of tools to be able to use, and I feel like it’s going to be really hard for people not to fit in this scheme. I think I could fit a lot of things he does, and that’s what made it real easy to decide here as well.”

    With two years of eligibility left, Murphy is ready to take on a larger role, and he’s clear about the first step: staying healthy. A hamstring injury nearly derailed his entire season at Florida State, so Murphy is determined to prioritize his physical condition.

    “The biggest thing for me is, one, focusing on staying healthy, taking care of my body, and doing a lot of prehab and rehab,” Murphy said. “Even when my body’s feeling great, I think that’s the best time to really prep your body for everything you’re doing. I think that’s very important.”

    But physical preparation is only part of the equation. Murphy also emphasizes the mental side of the game.

    “But another thing is just focus—just focus on myself. Stack days, worry about the little things, improve the little things, and just learn the knowledge. Learn the language they speak and play my best ball. That’s it. Just connect with people as much as I can, give as much knowledge as I can, and take in as much knowledge as I can. Nothing crazy—just do the little things.”

    Murphy will get his chance to prove he’s ready for a bigger role when the Gamecocks begin spring practice next month.

  • Report: Ex-UConn, South Carolina player Eric Cobb accused of murdering his mother

    Tragic News from Jacksonville, Florida

    Good evening, I’m reporting live with breaking news out of Jacksonville, Florida, where former South Carolina and UConn basketball player, Eric Cobb, has been arrested and charged with the second-degree murder of his mother, Erika Winford. According to the Florida Times-Union, Cobb, a Jacksonville native, was taken into custody after his mother was found deceased in their backyard on Tuesday morning, wrapped in blankets and towels.

    The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were called to the home for a wellness check after a family friend noticed “a large area of blood outside and what appeared to be a body wrapped in a blanket.” The friend had visited the home following concerns about Winford’s safety. It was reported that on Monday evening, a neighbor heard a woman screaming, “He’s going to kill me”, and another neighbor reported hearing multiple gunshots in the same time frame.

    Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found Cobb alone inside the house. When they uncovered the body of Erika Winford, they discovered multiple gunshot wounds to her head, stomach, and left leg. Further examination revealed blood stains and bullet marks in the hallway, along with signs that the area had been partially cleaned.

    Authorities also found disturbing evidence inside the home. At the foot of Cobb’s bed, officers discovered a soft case containing an AR-style rifle and a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, both with live rounds inside. Additionally, a trash bin nearby contained 14 spent 9mm shell casings.

    A friend of Winford’s, who had spent Sunday with her, shared that she seemed fearful when he dropped her off at home. The following day, when the friend returned to check on her, there was no answer at the door. It was only after inspecting the rear of the property that he found the blood and blankets, prompting him to call authorities.

    Reports reveal that Winford had previously expressed fear of her son, describing him as “possessed” and suffering from schizophrenia. She had also reportedly been worried about Cobb’s inability to afford his medication. Cobb’s other son disclosed that he had moved out over a month ago after an altercation with their mother, during which Cobb “cursed out” Winford.

    Cobb, 28, had a tumultuous career in basketball. Standing at 6-foot-9, he played for both UConn and South Carolina between 2015 and 2019. His time at South Carolina ended abruptly in 2016 after he was dismissed following an arrest for shooting vehicles with a BB gun. Cobb then transferred to Chipola College and later rejoined UConn, where he played in 47 games, averaging 3.7 points and 3.8 rebounds during the 2018-19 season.

    This is a developing story, and we will continue to follow any updates on this tragic incident.

  • South Carolina women’s basketball achieves record season viewership.

    In a stunning turn of events on Sunday, South Carolina’s women’s basketball team suffered a defeat to the Texas Longhorns in Austin. This marked the Gamecocks’ first regular-season conference loss since 2021. However, despite the loss, USC managed to deliver a victory for ESPN.

    The South Carolina-Texas game, competing against pregame Super Bowl coverage, garnered impressive viewership. The game averaged over 1 million viewers, with the peak audience reaching 1.3 million, as announced by ESPN PR on Tuesday. These numbers stand as the highest for an ESPN-broadcasted women’s basketball game this season, with only Fox broadcasting games drawing larger audiences.

    South Carolina’s games have always drawn significant attention. Last season, the Gamecocks’ showdown with UConn surpassed 1 million viewers, while the 2022-2023 match against LSU nearly hit 1.5 million. And this weekend, Dawn Staley’s squad could replicate that success.

    USC will renew its heated rivalry with the UConn Huskies on Sunday afternoon, as College GameDay makes its way to Colonial Life Arena. The highly anticipated matchup between two top-10 teams will tip off at 1:00 p.m., broadcast live on ABC. The pregame show will be split between ABC and ESPN, and fans can also catch the action via the ESPN app.

    Both South Carolina and UConn are ranked in the AP Top 10, but they hold even stronger positions in the NET rankings, sitting at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. While the Gamecocks have accumulated two losses this season, a win over Geno Auriemma’s squad would enhance USC’s case for having the nation’s top resume.

    Before the Sunday showdown with UConn, South Carolina will host an SEC contest against the Florida Gators this Thursday night. The 7:00 p.m. game at CLA will air on the SEC Network, with streaming available through the ESPN app.

    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.