Breaking Down the 2025 NFL Draft: South Carolina Gamecocks’ Standout Prospects

South Carolina Gamecocks’ Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft

The South Carolina Gamecocks are riding high after one of their best regular seasons since 2013. Under head coach Shane Beamer, who has excelled in recruiting both high school players and through the transfer portal, the Gamecocks have already surpassed any previous coach’s win count in their first four years. This success is evident in the 2025 NFL Combine, where South Carolina boasts a record 11 invites. With the potential to set a new record for NFL Draft selections, they could surpass the current school record of seven players drafted, a mark set in 2009 and 2013, and possibly even the all-time record of nine players taken in the 1954 draft.

So, how will this exceptional class of Gamecocks perform in the 2025 NFL Draft? Let’s break it down.

2025 NFL Draft: South Carolina Gamecocks’ Top Prospects

First Round
Safety – Nick Emmanwori (6’3”, 218 lbs)
Emmanwori stands out as a dynamic safety with excellent size, speed, and tackling ability. Known for his ball skills, Emmanwori may not be on the same level as Kyle Hamilton was at Notre Dame, but he’s not far behind. He even ranks ahead of Georgia’s Malaki Starks on some boards.

Second Round
EDGE – Kyle Kennard (6’3”, 248 lbs)
Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech, quickly became one of the SEC’s top pass rushers, recording 11.5 sacks this season. While he needs to improve as a run defender, his pass-rushing ability is among the best in this class. He could also add some bulk to his frame.

Defensive Line – T.J. Sanders (6’3”, 284 lbs)
Sanders is an effective interior pass rusher with strong versatility. After showing improvement every year, Sanders will be highly sought after as more teams focus on pressure up the middle.

Third Round
Linebacker – Demetrius Knight II (6’1”, 246 lbs)
Knight is a hard-hitting linebacker with great downhill speed. After transferring from Charlotte, he became a key contributor to the Gamecocks’ defense. Although he struggled in coverage at the Senior Bowl, Knight’s future hinges on whether teams see him as a three-down linebacker. If so, he could go early in round three; otherwise, expect him to be drafted on day three as a two-down linebacker and special teams player.

4th-5th Round
Running Back – Raheim Sanders (6’0”, 224 lbs)
After battling injuries at both Arkansas and South Carolina, Sanders showed promise in the latter part of the 2024 season. His versatility as both a pass-catcher and pass blocker should get him selected early on day three.

Cornerback – O’Donnell Fortune (6’0”, 188 lbs)
Fortune had a breakout season in 2024, recording three interceptions and three pass breakups. He shone at the Shrine Bowl, winning defensive MVP honors after picking off a pass and scoring a touchdown.

Defensive Line – Tonka Hemingway (6’3”, 295 lbs)
Hemingway is another formidable interior pass rusher. He posted four sacks this season and even had a fumble return for a touchdown. His performance at the Shrine Bowl was also impressive, making him a likely pick for an NFL roster.

6th-7th Round
Linebacker – Debo Williams (6’1”, 235 lbs)
Williams, who was not invited to the Combine or any All-Star games, should still be drafted. A strong leader with excellent instincts and burst, Williams can excel on special teams and could carry running backs and tight ends in coverage.

Linebacker – Bam Martin-Scott (6’2”, 241 lbs)
A former walk-on, Martin-Scott led the Gamecocks’ linebackers in tackles for loss. His versatility as an edge rusher and his heart make him a strong contender for an NFL roster.

Tight End – Joshua Simon (6’3”, 241 lbs)
Simon led the Gamecocks in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns last season. A reliable target for LaNorris Sellers, his main area for improvement is as a blocker.

Defensive Line – Deandre Jules (6’4”, 315 lbs)
Jules, a transfer from Pitt, was a valuable rotational piece for the Gamecocks’ defensive line. If drafted, he is likely to serve in a similar role in the NFL.

Undrafted Free Agents
Punter – Kai Kroeger (6’3”, 213 lbs)
Though not invited to the Combine, Kroeger is considered the best punter in this draft class. While specialists often aren’t drafted, expect him to be a valuable asset for any NFL team in need of a punter.

Defensive Line – Alex Huntley (6’4”, 301 lbs)
Huntley’s stock has fallen slightly, but as a rotational defensive tackle, he could make a team as an undrafted free agent.

Wide Receiver – Dalevon Campbell (6’4”, 220 lbs)
Campbell, a Nevada transfer, became a big-play threat for the Gamecocks, averaging 26 yards per catch. His future in the NFL depends on his ability to contribute on special teams.

Offensive Line – Torricelli Simpkins III (6’4”, 321 lbs)
Simpkins, a transfer from South Carolina State, started every game at guard for the Gamecocks. He will likely land on a 90-man roster with a chance to make the team.

Other Names to Know
Cornerback – David Spaulding (6’0”, 195 lbs)
Wide Receiver – Gage Larvadain (5’9”, 180 lbs)
EDGE – Gilber Edmond (6’4”, 250 lbs)
Running Back – Juju McDowell (5’9”, 185 lbs)
Offensive Line – Vershon Lee (6’3”, 310 lbs)

Stay tuned as these South Carolina Gamecocks continue their journey toward the 2025 NFL Draft. The future looks bright for this talented crop of players!