Category: South Carolina Gamecocks

Tonka Hemingway’s Journey to the NFL: A Draft Diary

As former South Carolina defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway (2020-2024) sets his sights on the NFL, he reflects on his five years with the Gamecocks, where he earned his degree and made significant contributions to the team. A two-time Second Team All-SEC honoree and a Third Team All-SEC selection, Hemingway shares his preparation for the NFL Draft in April, including his experiences playing in the Shrine Bowl.

Tonka’s Draft Diary (Part 1)

“The last few weeks have been all about focusing on the finer details—improving my techniques and being efficient with my movements, whether it’s making cuts or quick transitions. I’ve also been working on my understanding of the game, which is crucial for taking that next step,” Hemingway said. “I’m training in Pensacola, Florida, and when I’m not on the field, I’m studying film.”

After his bowl game, Hemingway returned home for a brief two-day break to pack before diving into his preparation. “I’ve been working hard since then, including my time at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and it’s been a grind ever since.”

Reflecting on his final season at Carolina, Hemingway shared how special it was to help the team win nine games. “It meant a lot. Our defensive line coach, Travian Robertson, always told us to leave the program better than we found it. It felt great to leave it in a good place, knowing the younger guys now have a standard to aim for.”

South Carolina was a formative experience for Hemingway. “The fans and the community were amazing. It was an honor to spend all five years there. The support from everyone was incredible.”

Regarding his time at the Shrine Bowl, Hemingway went in with a clear goal. “I just wanted to prove I belonged and that I could play at a high level, that my skill set could transition to the next level,” he explained. “The experience was fantastic. Meeting everyone and seeing how our team clicked was awesome. It was different from what we usually do, but we were all focused on making plays, having fun, and remembering that it’s still the game we’ve been playing our whole lives.”

Now, Hemingway is eagerly anticipating his next step. “I’m just looking forward to getting that phone call and getting my shot,” he said with excitement.

Off the field, Hemingway draws advice from his brother, Junior, who played in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

“He tells me to be myself, not to try to be like anyone else. Keep my head down and stay focused,” Hemingway shared.

He also reflected on the balance between college life and preparing for the NFL. “In college, you have practice, training, and school. Now, after workouts and film sessions, I’ve had to find something else to do with my extra time. It’s been a little different.”

Despite being ready for the NFL, Hemingway admits he doesn’t yet miss college life. “Not yet. I’ve got my degree in public health, and that means a lot to me. Being the youngest of four, it felt special to walk across that stage and make my parents proud. Having that degree to fall back on is important because, as they always say, the ball stops spinning for everyone eventually.”

As he waits for the NFL Draft, Hemingway remains calm but eager. “I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, just excited and ready to get started.”

For Tonka Hemingway, the journey is far from over. He’s simply awaiting the opportunity to prove himself at the next level.

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.

More 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

The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball scene, the committee has just revealed their early Top 16 rankings, making waves this Sunday afternoon. Let’s dive into three key takeaways from this intriguing update.

Note: These rankings were released before Sunday’s games took place.

1. UCLA
2. South Carolina
3. Texas
4. Notre Dame
5. Southern California
6. LSU
7. UConn 
8. NC State
9. TCU
10. Duke
11. North Carolina
12. Kansas State
13. Kentucky
14. Ohio State
15. Oklahoma
16. Tennessee

1. SEC Dominates the Rankings

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has once again proven its dominance, with six teams making the cut in the Top 16—outpacing all other conferences. While South Carolina and Texas were almost guaranteed No. 1 seeds, it was Oklahoma and Tennessee that surprisingly clinched the last two spots.

The SEC has stood as the most competitive league this season, and the committee’s rankings reflect that. Despite Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Tennessee enduring some tough losses, all three have secured hosting rights for now.

However, South Carolina’s ranking could change after suffering a surprising home defeat to UConn on Sunday. Still, barring an unexpected turn of events, they’re likely to stay in the top half of the rankings throughout the season.

As for Tennessee, despite their six losses, each defeat came by seven points or fewer against teams currently in On3’s Top 25, including three in the Top 10. The committee seems to have factored in these narrow margins, giving Tennessee the No. 16 seed, allowing them to host the first two rounds of the tournament.

2. NC State: The Big Winner

When it comes to rising stars, NC State is undoubtedly the biggest winner here. The committee has ranked the Wolfpack at No. 8—higher than many, including the AP Poll at No. 10 and On3’s No. 14. With a 20-5 record this season and an impressive 16-2 run since a setback against LSU in November, NC State has been making waves.

Notable wins over teams like Ole Miss, Duke, Louisville, and Florida State bolster their resume, and all of their losses have come at the hands of ranked opponents. Sitting at No. 19 in the NET, with a 4-5 record in Quadrant 1 games, their strong performance has caught the committee’s attention.

3. Head-to-Head Results: Important, But Not Decisive

The committee has considered some head-to-head matchups, but it’s clear that they’re not the final word in the rankings. UCLA holds its spot ahead of South Carolina, thanks to a victory in their non-conference meeting. Notre Dame remains ahead of USC for the same reason, while UConn is ranked lower than both USC and Notre Dame, despite losses to them early in the season. Similarly, Oklahoma edges out Tennessee, having beaten them in a nail-biting one-possession game.

However, in other cases, head-to-head results don’t seem to carry as much weight. Duke is ranked just above UNC, while Kansas State falls behind TCU and Notre Dame is ranked lower than Texas. These rankings suggest that while head-to-head matchups matter, they don’t always determine the final order.

That’s the scoop from the latest NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee rankings—stay tuned as the season unfolds!

UConn erased any doubts about their status as title contenders with a dominant victory over South Carolina.

In a dominant display of skill and determination, UConn firmly silenced any remaining doubts about their championship aspirations this season. The Huskies delivered a commanding performance against Dawn Staley’s South Carolina team in a highly anticipated showdown on Sunday, securing a decisive 87-58 victory. From the very beginning, Geno Auriemma’s squad took control, building an early lead that they would never relinquish.

This victory is particularly significant for UConn, especially after their earlier season struggles, where they suffered three notable losses to Notre Dame, USC, and Tennessee. But Sunday’s win over the Gamecocks, who had entered the game as one of the NCAA’s top-ranked teams, was a major statement. South Carolina had been considered a title contender, but UConn made sure to showcase their championship credentials in stunning fashion.

Despite Paige Bueckers reaching a milestone by surpassing Rebecca Lobo on UConn’s all-time scoring list during the game, it was clear that the Huskies didn’t need a massive performance from their star player to dominate. Bueckers contributed 12 points but was equally impressive in her role as a playmaker, registering 10 assists.

The rest of the UConn roster stepped up, with Azzi Fudd delivering what could very well be her breakout performance in a Huskies uniform, igniting the offense. In addition, star freshman Sarah Strong showcased her all-around abilities, demonstrating that UConn has multiple players capable of stepping up in critical moments. This well-rounded effort showed that the Huskies are more than just a one-player team as they prepare for the crucial March stretch.

For South Carolina, this marks their second loss in just one week, while UConn looks to be peaking at the right time. With this impressive win over a top contender, it’s clear that the Huskies are a force to be reckoned with and could very well add another title to their storied legacy.

More 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

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!

As South Carolina gears up for spring practice next month, the spotlight is on several returning players from the 2024 roster who are poised to take their game to the next level ahead of the 2025 season.

In 2024, the Gamecocks lost several key players who used their final year of eligibility, leaving a void across all three phases of the game. However, head coach Shane Beamer and his staff prioritized retaining talent, and with spring practice on the horizon, the focus is now on the returning players who must step up and fill those big shoes.

Offensively, the Gamecocks will be without lead back Raheim Sanders, who’s expected to be drafted into the NFL after an impressive 2024 season. While the wide receiver corps also saw key departures, several players return to continue developing under the guidance of wide receivers coach Mike Furrey. On defense, the team will need to replace multiple defensive linemen and a trio of linebackers.

Let’s take a look at five returning players who could make significant strides this spring.

Nyck Harbor

Wide receiver Nyck Harbor impressed during his first two years at South Carolina and is now in position to make a major leap. In 2024, Harbor caught 26 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns. This ranked second on the team in receiving yards, only behind tight end Joshua Simon but was first among the wide receivers. His freshman season was solid, with 12 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown, but it was his second year that showed his true potential, especially in the back half of the season. Over the final five games, Harbor posted 272 yards and two touchdowns on 15 receptions.

With a focus solely on football this spring, Harbor has the opportunity to build on the momentum he gained late in the 2024 season. ESPN’s Matt Miller noted Harbor’s exceptional upside, comparing him to DK Metcalf and highlighting his rare combination of size and skill.

“Harbor’s potential is off the charts; he is built like Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf and has rare skills for a 6-5, 235-pound player,” Miller said. “He has been more upside than production thus far, but he has a chance to significantly improve upon his 2024 production (26 catches, 376 yards, 3 touchdowns) and shoot up draft boards.”

Jawarn Howell

Running back Jawarn Howell, in his first year with the Gamecocks after transferring from South Carolina State, made an immediate impact, rushing for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Despite the departure of Raheim Sanders and Djay Braswell, Howell now finds himself in a competitive race for the starting role in 2025, alongside teammates Rahsul Faison, Oscar Adaway III, and Matthew Fuller.

Howell’s breakout moments included scoring a touchdown against Akron, Wofford, and Illinois. According to Beamer, Howell has shown significant potential, particularly in the bowl game.

“We lose Rocket, but we have really high expectations for Jawarn Howell at the running back position,” Beamer said after the season.

Spring practice offers Howell the chance to demonstrate he’s ready for a bigger role in 2025.

Vicari Swain

With the departure of O’Donnell Fortune, cornerback Vicari Swain is primed for a more prominent role in the secondary. In 2024, Swain was in competition with Judge Collier for the starting spot opposite Fortune, but Collier ultimately earned the job. Nevertheless, Swain contributed significantly, recording 13 tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.

Now, with Fortune gone, Swain has an opportunity to claim one of the starting cornerback positions. The competition will be tough, but a strong showing this spring could secure his spot in Clayton White’s defense. Swain has already built his confidence under cornerbacks coach Jimmy Gray, and he’s ready to fight for a starting role.

“My confidence has gotten a lot better,” Swain said. “Coach Gray has been harping on me at practice. When I first came in, I was more on the receiver side than the DB side, but listening to Coach Gray has definitely built my confidence.”

Monkell Goodwine

Defensive tackle Monkell Goodwine transferred from Alabama in 2024 and showed flashes of potential, finishing the season with 15 tackles and one tackle for loss over 13 games. Working behind established players like T.J. Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, and Alex Huntley, Goodwine now finds himself in a position to compete for a starting role.

Defensive line coach Travian Robertson has spoken highly of Goodwine’s potential, noting that he has “a bright future.”

“He’s twitchy. He brings some stuff to the pass rush room, and he will attack you,” Robertson said before the 2024 season. “Once he gets [his technique] done, I think he has a bright future.”

Now, with more opportunities in spring practice, Goodwine has the chance to prove he’s ready for a more prominent role in the Gamecocks’ defensive line.

Fred Johnson

Linebacker Fred Johnson made the most of his opportunities in 2024, playing in all 13 games, mostly on special teams, and recording six tackles. With the departure of Demetrius Knight Jr., Debo Williams, and Bam Martin-Scott, Johnson could be in line to earn a starting spot in 2025. He impressed teammates and coaches alike with his work ethic and his play during limited defensive snaps.

Pro Football Focus recorded that Johnson played 82 snaps across multiple games, showing he’s ready for more. Shane Beamer has voiced his high expectations for the young linebacker, and Johnson’s potential is undeniable.

“He’s not the most outspoken, but he has guys like me, Debo and Bam in the room that really rally the guys and bring people along,” said Demetrius Knight Jr. “As he transitions into that leadership role, I believe he can go through the ceiling with potential and his leadership.”

As spring practice unfolds, these players will look to solidify their place in the Gamecocks’ future plans. Keep an eye on them as they battle for starting roles and work to take their games to new heights in 2025.

In 2024, the South Carolina Gamecocks were on the cusp of making the College Football Playoff. They finished the season ranked 19th in the AP Poll and 15th in the CFP rankings. The standout performance of quarterback LaNorris Sellers was a key factor in their strong showing, and one analyst believes his future performances could help the Gamecocks secure a CFP spot.

On Friday’s episode of “Always College Football,” Greg McElroy spoke enthusiastically about the Gamecocks’ prospects with Sellers leading the charge. (Start at 1:18)

“Most of the reason why people are bullish on South Carolina is due to LaNorris Sellers. Now, LaNorris Sellers, if you can get an improved threat of the pass, he becomes a super dynamic, borderline unstoppable piece,” McElroy said.

He went on to add that despite a challenging schedule in 2025, McElroy could envision Sellers and South Carolina winning 10 games, a record that he believes would be enough to secure a postseason berth.

In 2024, Sellers threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns. Additionally, he rushed for 675 yards and scored seven touchdowns on the ground—an impressive stat line, especially considering it was his freshman year. As he continues to develop, if he remains healthy and consistent, Sellers could emerge as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.

However, Sellers won’t be able to carry the team to the playoff on his own. The entire South Carolina squad will need to rise to the occasion, especially the defense, which struggled last season due to numerous departures.

A key player returning for the 2025 season is Dylan Stewart, a freshman standout in 2024. He recorded 23 tackles and 6.5 sacks last year and is expected to make significant strides, bolstering the Gamecocks’ defense as they aim for another strong season.

Still, South Carolina’s biggest hurdle in their pursuit of a 2025 playoff spot is their tough schedule. McElroy highlights the challenges, starting with their season opener against Virginia Tech, followed by an SEC matchup against Vanderbilt and a game against Missouri. If the Gamecocks can navigate these early tests, they’ll face an even more daunting challenge against LSU, led by Heisman Trophy contender Garrett Nussmeier.

The Gamecocks will then square off against Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Clemson—all likely playoff contenders. If South Carolina drops two or more of these games, their CFP aspirations would face a serious setback.

Nevertheless, McElroy is optimistic, stating that with Sellers at the helm, South Carolina has a shot at taking down LSU on the road and starting the season 7-0, which would keep their playoff hopes alive.

Breaking news from the 2025 NFL Draft cycle! The South Carolina Gamecocks are making a historic impact at the NFL Combine, sending an impressive 11 players to the event. This marks the fifth-most players from any school and ties for second among SEC teams, further proving the growth and talent within the Gamecock program.

In an unprecedented achievement, South Carolina is sending 11 players to the NFL Combine for the first time in school history. The players invited are:

• Rocket Sanders (RB)
• Josh Simon (TE)
• Torricelli Simpkins (IOL)
• Tonka Hemingway (DT)
• DeAndre Jules (DT)
• Kyle Kennard (EDGE)
• T.J. Sanders (DT)
• Demetrius Knight (LB)
• Bam Martin-Scott (LB)
• Nick Emmanwori (S)
• O’Donnell Fortune (CB)

This historic feat highlights a major milestone for Gamecock football, showcasing the program’s continued development of talent destined for the NFL. Coach Shane Beamer’s leadership and the team’s performance this season have placed South Carolina on the map as a growing powerhouse in the league.

The Gamecocks’ representation ties for second-most in the SEC, further solidifying their standing as one of the top programs in the conference. It also serves as a powerful recruiting tool, showing prospective players that South Carolina is a reliable pipeline to the NFL.

While this success is certainly worth celebrating, there have been some notable exclusions. Linebacker Debo Williams, a standout on defense, and punter Kai Kroeger, who was key on special teams, were surprisingly left off the invite list. Also, defensive tackle Alex Huntley was another player many believed deserved an invite after his strong performance. Nonetheless, the 11 Gamecocks heading to Indianapolis prove the program is developing top-tier talent that can compete at the highest level.

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks’ performance at the NFL Combine signals a bright future. With more and more players advancing to the pros, South Carolina is steadily building a reputation as a program that develops NFL-caliber talent. For future recruits, this is a clear message that they will have the opportunity to reach the next level and potentially make history.

The 2025 NFL Combine is set to be a showcase for South Carolina’s next generation of stars, as these athletes display their skills and prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft. The future of Gamecock football is looking extremely promising.