Category: South Carolina Gamecocks

Report on a rising star in college football who’s on the verge of making history. Demetrius Knight, a linebacker for the South Carolina Gamecocks, may have only spent one season in Columbia, but his impact was undeniable. With an honorable mention All-SEC season, Knight became a pivotal leader for USC’s defense, most notably sealing the victory over their fierce rivals, the Clemson Tigers, with a crucial interception.

This April, Knight is virtually assured of being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’2” and weighing in at 245 pounds, he boasts a combination of size and athleticism that makes him one of the most intriguing off-ball linebackers in this year’s draft. But his journey to this point has been far from conventional.

SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic has called Knight “The Most Interesting Man in the SEC,” and recently had him on his Cube Show podcast to dive deeper into his remarkable path. For those not familiar with Knight’s story, it’s essential to note that he didn’t always play linebacker. In fact, during his high school days, the Georgia native was the starting triple-option quarterback at Strong Rock Christian School in Locust Grove, Georgia. Knight explained, “I played zero linebacker, not a snap…just playing [quarterback] in the triple option, I was letting my legs do the majority of the work.” His athleticism on the field certainly made him a dynamic quarterback, and watching him now as a linebacker, you can still see traces of that agility and speed.

Recruited as a quarterback, Knight caught the attention of several major programs, with Tennessee being one of his top choices. “Tennessee, that actually was going to be my landing place,” Knight shared, explaining that he had a strong connection with head coach Butch Jones—until the program fired Jones the week of his official visit. With his future at Tennessee uncertain, Knight eventually committed to Georgia Tech, his hometown school. However, shortly before his arrival, Paul Johnson, the Yellow Jackets’ head coach, retired. As a result, Knight’s scholarship was honored, but there wasn’t a place for him at quarterback. Instead, under new head coach Geoff Collins, Knight found himself making the switch to linebacker.

That shift was far from easy, and Knight admitted that there were moments when he almost walked away from football entirely. “My Lord and my Savior, Jesus Christ…my mom as well…and my strength coaches,” he says, crediting these sources of support for keeping him in the game. Though he spent four years at Georgia Tech as a reserve player, Knight’s versatility on special teams and occasional flashes of potential kept his hopes alive.

A game-changing decision came when Knight entered the transfer portal. Initially, he thought he might end up at Florida, but after that fell through, he wound up at Charlotte. His time with the 49ers proved to be a breakout success, as he earned All-Conference honors in the American Athletic Conference. To support his family, Knight and his wife even worked for DoorDash during this time.

Eventually, Knight made the move back to a Power Five program for his final college season, choosing South Carolina. The Gamecocks prioritized him during the recruitment process, and according to a previous conversation with GamecockCentral, Knight immediately connected with the program.

Despite being somewhat overshadowed by teammates like Kyle Kennard, Nick Emmanwori, and Dylan Stewart, Knight became a standout for USC, finishing second on the team with 82 tackles. His unique combination of size and speed—clocking in at just under 22 miles per hour—made him a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Now, Knight is gaining attention in the NFL Draft world, with most analysts projecting him to be picked in the third, fourth, or fifth round. However, PFF recently gave Knight a first-round grade, and some top analysts, including Mel Kiper of ESPN, have him pegged for a second-round selection.

Knight is one of 11 Gamecocks (or 12 if you count specialist Kai Kroeger) invited to the NFL Combine. Given his impressive athleticism and strong showing this season, his stock is expected to rise even further leading up to the draft in April.

When Knight is selected, he will be the first Gamecock linebacker drafted since Ernest Jones in 2021. If he manages to crack the first round, he will become the first full-time USC linebacker to reach that milestone. Stay tuned—Knight’s journey is just beginning.

Good evening, sports fans! I’m here to bring you breaking news from South Carolina women’s basketball.

Today, three Gamecocks guards—senior Te-Hina Paopao, redshirt junior Raven Johnson, and sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley—were named to the prestigious Later Season Watch List for the Dawn Staley Award. This watch list highlights 17 players who excel in the key areas that Dawn Staley herself mastered during her legendary career—ball handling, scoring, passing, defense, and overall competitiveness. For Paopao, this marks a repeat appearance, as she was also a top-5 finalist for the award last year.

The Dawn Staley Award honors the guard who best embodies the attributes of South Carolina’s iconic head coach. Players are evaluated based on their leadership, toughness, and ability to make plays in various aspects of the game.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Gamecock trio:

• Te-Hina Paopao is averaging 10.4 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds this season. Against ranked opponents, she’s been exceptional, averaging 11.4 points per game. She’s shooting a stellar 48.1% from the field and 41.1% from three-point range in those matchups.
• Raven Johnson leads with a standout 3.00 assist-to-turnover ratio, which ranks her second in the SEC and eighth in the nation. She’s also contributing 5.3 points, 3.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, including impressive performances with multiple steals in several games.
• MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina’s second-leading scorer at 11.5 points per game, has been a consistent force. In SEC play, she’s contributing 13.1 points per game and excels in multiple areas: ranking 8th in steals (2.00 per game), 10th in free throw percentage (.830), and 11th in blocks (1.00 per game).

South Carolina’s backcourt is undeniably one of the best in the nation, helping the Gamecocks secure a No. 6 ranking in the AP poll and a No. 2 spot in the NET rankings.

To give you some perspective, Tiffany Mitchell (2015) and Tyasha Harris (2020) are former Gamecock winners of the Dawn Staley Award, both multi-time nominees themselves.

Looking ahead, the finalists for this prestigious award will be announced in mid-March, with the winner revealed during the NCAA Final Four weekend in April 2025.

Now, as for the Gamecocks’ next game: they’ll be back at Colonial Life Arena this Thursday at 7 p.m., closing out a three-game homestand against Arkansas. Make sure to follow @GamecockWBB and GamecocksOnline.com for all the latest updates.

That’s all for now—stay tuned for more updates on this incredible season for South Carolina women’s basketball!

Shakeup in Women’s College Basketball as Top Teams Battle It Out

Big changes hit the Women’s College Basketball scene this week as multiple AP Top 25 teams clashed, leading to significant shifts in the rankings. The most impactful of these games was South Carolina’s loss to UConn, but that wasn’t the only game reshaping the AP rankings. A highly anticipated top-five matchup between Texas and LSU saw the Longhorns prove they’re a true contender. And in another surprising turn, UCLA lost its undefeated record to USC. These, along with several other key games, have sent ripples through the AP Poll.

Let’s dive into the updated AP Top 25 rankings:

1. Notre Dame
Notre Dame is on an unstoppable roll. After suffering two losses back in November, the Irish have strung together 17 consecutive wins, including notable victories over Texas, UConn, and North Carolina. This week, they added a commanding win over Pitt. Looking ahead, Notre Dame has a major challenge in Duke, who they face on Monday. With only five regular-season games left, the Irish lead the ACC, holding a 2-game advantage over Duke and 1.5 games over NC State.

2. Texas

The Longhorns have truly announced their presence. After knocking off South Carolina last week, Texas followed up with two big wins over AP Top 10 teams: a dominant victory over Kentucky, followed by a 65-58 win over LSU, marking the Tigers’ lowest point total of the season. With Texas now sitting at the top of the SEC standings, they are in prime position, though with a slight edge over South Carolina who they are tied with.

3. UCLA
The Bruins’ historic 23-game win streak came to an end when they fell to USC. It was a tough 11-point loss that shook up the AP Poll. However, UCLA rebounded with a victory over Michigan State. They’ll face Illinois next, and will have a chance at redemption when they take on USC later in the season.

4. USC
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Trojans, but Thursday’s win over UCLA proves they are a dangerous team when firing on all cylinders. After avoiding a letdown against Washington, USC now leads UCLA in the Big Ten standings. Their next challenge is a crucial game against Michigan State on Wednesday.

5. UConn
In one of the biggest shocks of the season, UConn went to South Carolina and dominated the Gamecocks with an 87-58 win. Following that, the Huskies had no trouble dispatching St. John’s. With four Big East games remaining, UConn is sitting comfortably ahead in the standings, but their lead is shrinking as Seton Hall and Creighton look to close the gap.

6. South Carolina

It was a tough loss for South Carolina when they hosted UConn. After bouncing back from a loss to Texas with a dominant win over Florida, they seemed primed to defend their home court, but UConn had other plans. That 29-point loss not only broke their 71-game home win streak, but now, head coach Dawn Staley and her team must regroup with only four games left in the regular season.

7. LSU
LSU faced a setback this past weekend when they were defeated by Texas. This marks their second loss of the season, both coming in SEC play. As time runs out in the SEC race, the Tigers will need to play near-perfect basketball to stay in contention for the title. Their next matchup is against Georgia on Thursday.

8. Ohio State

After a tough road trip out west, Ohio State bounced back with a win over Minnesota, though they were taken into overtime after a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback by the Golden Gophers. With two games trailing USC in the Big Ten standings, it’s unlikely they’ll claim the regular-season title, but Ohio State aims to finish strong with upcoming games against Iowa, Indiana, and Purdue.

9. North Carolina
The Tar Heels earned a significant win over rival NC State, along with another strong performance against Virginia Tech, which helped propel them into the AP Poll. Now, they’re just 2.5 games behind Notre Dame in the ACC. North Carolina’s next challenge will be a road game against Syracuse.

10. TCU
After a tough loss to Kansas State, TCU has been on a roll, winning three straight, including key victories over BYU and Arizona. The Horned Frogs are currently tied for first in the Big 12, so every game is crucial for them, including upcoming matchups against Arizona State and West Virginia. The regular season ends with a critical game against Baylor.

As the season heads into its final stretch, these teams will continue to jockey for position in the rankings. Stay tuned as the race for the postseason heats up!

Jayreon Campbell, a 2026 running back from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, has recently expressed strong interest in the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Campbell has garnered attention from several prominent programs, including Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, and Texas A&M. Notably, he holds an offer from South Carolina, reflecting the Gamecocks’ interest in his talents.

Campbell’s recruitment is highly competitive, with multiple schools vying for his commitment. His recent official visit to North Carolina has intensified the race, making it a closely contested battle between the Tar Heels and the Gamecocks. His father mentioned that Campbell is still evaluating his options, indicating that a decision has not yet been made.

The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, including running backs coach Montario Hardesty, is actively involved in Campbell’s recruitment. Their efforts to engage with Campbell underscore their commitment to strengthening the running back position for the upcoming seasons.

As Campbell continues to explore his options, the University of South Carolina remains a strong contender in his recruitment process. The outcome of his decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as it has the potential to significantly impact the Gamecocks’ future offensive strategies.

More news….

South Carolina basketball recruit earns All-American honors

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.

In a commanding display of pitching, South Carolina’s staff wrapped up their season-opening weekend with an 8-0 victory over Sacred Heart on Sunday, completing the series sweep and marking a perfect debut for new head coach Paul Mainieri. The Gamecocks’ four pitchers combined for a two-hit shutout, showcasing their dominance throughout the series.

Sophomore left-hander Jake McCoy set the tone early, delivering five no-hit innings while striking out nine and walking just one. His efficient 78-pitch outing highlighted the Gamecocks’ consistent pitching prowess, which had been on full display all weekend.

The score remained 0-0 until the third inning when Will Tippett reached base on an error and used aggressive baserunning to move to third. Nathan Hall then brought him home with a sacrifice fly to left, scoring the first run of the game without a hit.

Sacred Heart starter Ryan Parker kept his team in the game for four innings, giving up just two hits and one run. However, the Gamecocks’ offense began to pull away in the fifth when Kennedy Jones was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in another run.

The game was effectively sealed in the sixth inning. After Blake Jackson hit an RBI double to right field, scoring Tippett to make it 3-0, Nathan Hall delivered a crushing three-run homer over the left field wall, extending the lead to 6-0.

Zach Russell, making his collegiate debut, left an unforgettable mark on the game. The freshman, who made the transition from shortstop at West Ashley High School, struck out all four batters he faced in relief of McCoy. Sacred Heart wouldn’t record a hit until the seventh inning when Tim McGuire doubled off reliever Ashton Crowther, and their only other hit came in the ninth, an infield single by Alex Ungar. By the end, the Gamecock pitching staff had racked up 15 strikeouts.

South Carolina’s offense continued to pile on the runs in the eighth. Ethan Petry, a preseason All-American, hit an RBI triple to right-center field, and Jones followed with an RBI single, pushing the score to 8-0. Despite just six hits, the Gamecocks capitalized on three Sacred Heart errors and eight walks to keep constant pressure on the Pioneers’ pitching staff.

While Sacred Heart may not have posed the toughest challenge of the season, sweeping the opening weekend is no small feat—especially when several SEC programs, including Texas, Auburn, Kentucky, Missouri, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt, all dropped games to begin their seasons.

The sweep marks an ideal start for Mainieri in his first season with the Gamecocks, who now sit at 3-0. The weekend showcased strong pitching, timely hitting, and aggressive baserunning—traits that will likely define Mainieri’s style moving forward. The Gamecocks demonstrated their ability to take extra bases and steal bags, furthering the sense that this team could be dangerous as SEC play approaches.

Looking at the pitching stats for the weekend, the Gamecocks’ starting staff—led by Matthew Becker, Dylan Eskew, and McCoy—finished the series with an impressive 27 strikeouts, a sign of their ability to dominate on the mound.

South Carolina will aim to keep the momentum going when they face Winthrop on Tuesday, a game that will provide another opportunity to build on what’s already been a dominant start to the season. While this was a series they were expected to win, the manner in which they secured the sweep, particularly with their dominant pitching, suggests the Gamecocks could have the tools needed for a successful SEC campaign.

South Carolina Gamecocks’ Top Recruiting Targets for 2026

As the South Carolina Gamecocks approach the 2025 college football season, the excitement surrounding their recruiting efforts continues to grow. Under head coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks have become a consistent force in landing top-tier talent, including high-profile prospects like Nyck Harbor and Dylan Stewart. Now, with the class of 2026 on the horizon, the program has a prime opportunity to further bolster its roster with blue-chip recruits.

Here are the Top-5 Must-Have Prospects for the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2026:

1. Zion Elee, EDGE
   The Gamecocks’ top priority at EDGE rusher is Zion Elee, ranked as the No. 1 EDGE rusher in the 2026 class. Although there is stiff competition from in-state rivals, such as the Maryland Terrapins, the Gamecocks’ recent success with Dylan Stewart could work in their favor. Elee, a standout player with 64 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks during his sophomore season, is a dynamic, game-changing talent. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism positions him as one of the most dominant defenders in high school football.
2. Aiden Harris, DL
   Ranked among the country’s top 50 prospects, Aiden Harris is an essential target for the Gamecocks. While South Carolina has a strong EDGE group, including the returning Dylan Stewart, there is a clear need for reinforcements in the interior defensive line. Harris, a key defensive force, is a top priority for the Gamecocks, though they’ll face stiff competition from other powerhouse programs as they vie for his commitment.
3. Ryan Mosely, WR
   At wide receiver, the Gamecocks’ primary target in 2026 is Ryan Mosely, a 6’3″, 200-pound playmaker from Carrolton, Georgia. Recently, head coach Shane Beamer personally visited Mosely, signaling South Carolina’s serious interest in the 4-star prospect. Mosely has proven to be a versatile athlete, even playing safety for his high school team. His physicality and polished skill set, honed in one of Georgia’s top football programs, make him a crucial recruit for the Gamecocks.
4. Rodney Durnham, EDGE
   Rodney Durnham, another highly sought-after EDGE rusher, is expected to be part of a fiercely competitive recruiting battle. The Charlotte, North Carolina prospect has drawn interest from top schools like Tennessee and Alabama. However, it’s the Volunteers who are likely to pose the biggest challenge for the Gamecocks in securing Durnham’s commitment. Still, South Carolina remains in the race for this potential five-star prospect.
5. Samari Matthews, CB
   Samari Matthews, a 6’0″, 185-pound cornerback from Hough High School in North Carolina, is a prospect the Gamecocks feel optimistic about. Matthews, who has already scheduled official visits to Florida State and South Carolina, is making Columbia his final stop this summer. His visit to the Gamecocks could prove pivotal in securing his commitment.

As we head into the 2025 season, these five prospects represent some of the biggest priorities for Shane Beamer and his staff as they look to continue building a powerhouse roster for the future of Gamecocks football. Stay tuned as this recruiting race heats up!

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.

More news…..

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.

More news…..

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.