South Carolina Gamecocks Poised for Historic Draft Year
South Carolina Gamecocks fans have been treated to some of the best talents to eve wear the garnet and black in recent years. From football to baseball to basketball, athletes across the board have earned recognition and accolades. But 2025 could be a year for the history books for the University of South Carolina.
For the first time ever, South Carolina could see football, baseball, women’s basketball, and men’s basketball all have a player selected in the first round of their respective drafts within the same calendar year. It’s a groundbreaking possibility for the Gamecocks that could change the landscape of the program’s history.
While there have been instances where two or even three sports have had first-round selections in a given year, 2025 could mark the first time all four will be represented in such a way.
Football: Nick Emmanwori Leads the Charge
In football, four different Gamecocks have earned at least one first-round grade during the pre-draft process. However, it’s Nick Emmanwori, the All-American safety, who has the most realistic chance of hearing his name called in the top 32. With an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine, Emmanwori has solidified himself as a strong first-round candidate. Meanwhile, defensive lineman TJ Sanders has garnered first-round attention, but it’s likely he’ll be selected in the second or third round. Other Gamecocks like EDGE Kyle Kennard and linebacker Demetrius Knight have been mentioned as potential high picks but are more likely to be chosen in the later rounds. This year, the Gamecocks also have a solid chance to break their record for most players selected in a single draft, which currently stands at seven, set in both 2009 and 2013.
Baseball: Ethan Petry Shines Bright
On the baseball diamond, Ethan Petry has long been considered a first-round talent. Since a stellar freshman season in 2023, the right-handed slugger, who plays both outfield and first base, has been destined for a top pick. Now, with his best offensive season to date in 2025, his draft stock is soaring. While right-handed pitcher Eli Jerzembeck and infielder Nolan Nawrocki have also seen their names in higher draft projections, neither seems likely to be first-round selections this year.
Women’s Basketball: Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson in the Mix
For Dawn Staley’s South Carolina women’s basketball team, Te-Hina Paopao has the potential to hear her name called in the first round of the WNBA Draft. The senior guard, who has become a more complete player and earned All-SEC honors for a second straight year, is a common name in the back half of many mock drafts. Raven Johnson, a redshirt junior point guard, has also garnered some WNBA Draft attention and could even leave school early. However, her draft projections have been less consistent, and she has yet to make a public decision about her future.
Men’s Basketball: Collin Murray-Boyles’ Stock Soars
On the men’s side, Columbia native Collin Murray-Boyles looks to be one of the “safest” bets for a first-round pick. Universally projected as a top-30 selection, some analysts are even predicting he could land in the lottery. With elite defensive skills and a polished offensive game, Murray-Boyles also has considerable untapped potential, making him an attractive prospect for NBA decision-makers.
A Historic Year Ahead?
South Carolina has seen first-round picks in three of these four sports in the same year only once before. That came in 2020, when Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Ty Harris were selected by the Minnesota Lynx and Dallas Wings, respectively, in the WNBA Draft. Meanwhile, Javon Kinlaw went 14th overall in the NFL Draft to the San Francisco 49ers, and pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski was taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the MLB Draft. In 2024, Kamilla Cardoso, Xavier Legette, and Devin Carter all earned first-round picks, though Carter transferred from USC before his selection.
Looking ahead, the 2025 draft calendar is set with the WNBA Draft on April 14th, the NFL Draft beginning April 24th, the NBA Draft on June 25th, and the MLB Draft starting on July 13th.
The Gamecocks may soon be celebrating a truly historic year, with first-round talent across multiple sports and the possibility of making history like never before. Stay tuned as we watch the drafts unfold and see if South Carolina can make history in 2025.
The Lady Gamecocks are heading to the SEC Championship game after a dominant 93-75 win over the Oklahoma Sooners in the semifinal round. This victory further solidifies their impressive season in the SEC, with their only loss being to Texas during the regular season. South Carolina will face the winner of the LSU vs. Texas matchup in the final.
