Category: South Carolina Gamecocks

The South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for the 2025 College Football season, and the excitement surrounding the team is palpable. With the release of the latest Way-Too-Early Top-25 rankings, the Gamecocks find themselves ranked as a Top-10 program, setting the stage for a highly anticipated year.

In 2024, the Gamecocks wrapped up a solid regular season with a 9-3 record, though their postseason ended on a disappointing note with a loss to Illinois, concluding their year at 9-4. Despite the bowl setback, there are plenty of bright spots from the 2024 season. Much of the optimism for the upcoming season is tied to the return of LaNorris Sellers, the team’s starting quarterback. Additionally, Head Coach Shane Beamer recently signed an extension and received a raise, providing much-needed stability for the program moving forward.

That stability, combined with the promise of an exciting season ahead, has positioned the Gamecocks prominently in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top-25 rankings, where they’re seen as a Top-10 contender.

Here’s what ESPN had to say about the Gamecocks:

“As always, South Carolina’s annual showdown with in-state rival Clemson will serve as the key measure for the success of their season. But to surpass last season’s 9-4 record, the Gamecocks will likely need to secure a win in their season opener on Aug. 31 against Virginia Tech in Atlanta, and dominate at home in their seven scheduled games. However, their four SEC road matchups won’t be a walk in the park: Missouri on Sept. 20, LSU on Oct. 11, Ole Miss on Nov. 1, and Texas A&M on Nov. 15. Perhaps the toughest test of the season will be a home game against Alabama on Oct. 25.”

With the excitement of a new season on the horizon, the Gamecocks are set for another challenging and potentially rewarding campaign.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

South Carolina Lands JUCO Commit Dawson Harman Just Before Opening Day

Hours before South Carolina’s highly anticipated Opening Day, the Gamecocks received some exciting news with a commitment from JUCO third baseman Dawson Harman. And the energy around the announcement was electric, especially for Gamecock slugger Ethan Petry.

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

Harman, who spent 2024 at High Point before transferring to the College of Central Florida for the 2025 season, has a strong bond with Petry. Both hail from Florida, with Harman from Tampa and Petry from Land O’ Lakes. When Harman received his offer from South Carolina, he didn’t waste time reaching out to his good 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 explained to 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.’”

The timing of Harman’s commitment is intriguing. He began his JUCO season on January 26, committing just as South Carolina kicked off its 2025 season. So, the question arises—will Harman suit up for the Gamecocks this season? The answer, unfortunately, 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 go from there with being a Gamecock,” Harman confirmed.

For the remainder of the 2025 season, Harman will stay focused on playing for College of Central Florida, where he’s off to an impressive start with a .391 batting average, seven home runs, and 18 RBIs in just 12 games.

South Carolina has had its eye on Harman since the fall, when Monte Lee attended one of his games. Harman recently had a call with Lee and Coach Terry Rooney, which confirmed the Gamecocks’ interest. Then, after a standout performance on Thursday—where Harman went 3-for-5 with a home run and two doubles—the offer came through.

“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.”

Harman has been playing third base since his sophomore year of high school, but he’s also seen time 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 shared. “… 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 enters a new era under Mainieri, Harman said he wishes he could join Petry and the rest of the team this season. But he’s determined to finish strong with his current team before heading to Columbia in the 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 on Dawson Harman’s journey to South Carolina and the rest of the Gamecocks’ season!

From the world of South Carolina basketball, we have a major update on Eli Ellis, the highest-rated player in the Gamecocks’ 2025 signing class. Known for his exceptional skills and relentless work ethic, the dynamic combo guard will soon make his way to campus this summer with sky-high expectations.

But that’s not all—Ellis is now a high school All-American.

Though recently overlooked for the McDonald’s All-American Game, Ellis received recognition elsewhere. Last week, he was selected for the prestigious Iverson Classic All-American Game, cementing his place among the nation’s top 26 players. Named after basketball legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, this event boasts an impressive lineup of prospects, with seven On3 5-star players and 19 4-star recruits.

Interestingly, Ellis is the second-lowest-rated player in this game, which might suggest that his ranking is due for an upgrade. Currently, On3’s composite ranking—a combination of assessments from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals—places Ellis at No. 70 overall in the country. Additionally, he’s ranked No. 4 in North Carolina and No. 21 among all shooting guards nationally.

Adding to his growing list of accolades, Ellis is also the reigning Overtime Elite MVP, a title he’s favored to win again this year. No player has scored more points in OTE history than Ellis, further solidifying his status as a basketball phenom.

The Gamecocks also secured the commitment of Ellis’ teammate Hayden Assemian and are actively recruiting his class of 2026 teammates Kohl Rosario and Isaac Ellis, Eli’s younger brother.

The Iverson Classic All-American Game is set for Saturday, May 3rd, at the Hampton Coliseum in Iverson’s hometown of Hampton, Virginia. The final team rosters will be decided shortly before the event, as these 26 standout players prepare to showcase their talents.

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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South Carolina Extends Offer to In-State Wide Receiver Star

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.