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Category: South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Dawn Staley Cites ‘South Carolina Fatigue’ as a Factor in Women’s Basketball Setback to Texas

    Dawn Staley Cites 'South Carolina Fatigue' as a Factor in Women's Basketball Setback to Texas

    Dawn Staley made an intriguing comment on Tuesday that may have hinted at her frustration with South Carolina’s recent drop in the AP rankings.

    The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team suffered their second loss of the season on February 9, falling to the Texas Longhorns. This defeat, however, doesn’t warrant any shame for Coach Staley or the program. The Longhorns are undeniably one of the top teams in the nation, particularly when they play at home.

    Earlier this season, South Carolina had dominated Texas on their own court. But when the latest AP rankings were released on February 10, the Longhorns surged to No. 3, while the Gamecocks slipped two spots to No. 4.

    During a February 11 appearance on The Carolina Calls Show, a weekly program sponsored by the University of South Carolina, Staley seemed to express some irritation about how the women’s basketball community responds to her team’s losses.

    “Any time we lose, it elevates everybody else. When we win, it’s par for the course. That’s part of it. Like, I think there is some South Carolina fatigue around, around women’s basketball. But I mean, I’m okay with it,” Staley shared on the show, according to an X post from The State Newspaper reporter Michael Sauls.

    It’s not entirely clear what Staley meant by “South Carolina fatigue,” but it appears she may be addressing how the NCAA women’s basketball community tends to overreact to her team’s occasional setbacks, given their prolonged dominance. This could suggest that she’s not thrilled with the Gamecocks’ current ranking.

    Regardless of where they stand in the polls, South Carolina remains one of the nation’s premier teams and is still a strong contender to win the 2025 NCAA Tournament—whether critics agree or not.

    More news…..

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

    T.J. Sanders

    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

  • CFB Insider Uncovers Shane Beamer as Troubling Patterns Emerge in South Carolina’s Struggle for Support

    Shane Beamer has earned significant praise for his performance during the 2024 season, with the Gamecocks finishing at a solid 9-4, a huge improvement from their 5-7 record last year. However, while his success on the field is a point of celebration for South Carolina fans, his off-field actions are also making headlines – and not always in a positive light. Let me tell you why. Beamer has found himself in the center of several controversies, including accusations of Ole Miss misusing injuries and recent remarks about the SEC's dominance over other conferences, which have caused frustration among analysts, journalists, and fans alike. In a conversation with On3, Beamer shared his thoughts on the SEC’s standing above other conferences. "Look, I’ve got great respect for other conferences. I’ve been to other conferences. I’ve been [a] part of the ACC, I’ve been [a] part of the Big 12. There’s no question that there [is] good football everywhere… But when you just talk about the teams in this league, and the teams you play week in and week out, it’s different. And you look at the NFL draft every single year, It’s 20 straight years that the SEC has led the nation in draft picks. People can say, ‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’ Well, yeah, it does. We’re playing the best players in the country..." So far, that was typical praise for the SEC. But Beamer didn’t stop there. His next comments stirred up controversy. “I’ve been a part of other leagues where you go into a stadium, and there are 20,000 people in the stands, and you’re in a Power Four conference. Not at this conference. Every road venue you go in[to], you’re playing in front of 70,000, 80,000, 90,000, 100,000 people every single Saturday,” Beamer added. While some of his comments hold truth, they didn’t sit well with many supporters of other conferences. Drake C Troll, host of the Locked on Big 12 podcast, immediately challenged Beamer’s statements. "Everything Shane Beamer said, the SEC is good no doubt no one’s trying to take it away from you. The SEC is the best conference in college football. Guess what? We’re actually giving it to you in the form of money. We’re giving you more money. But now you have to come to a podium and tell me that we’re so good. You know who does this: Head coaches whose teams won’t make the NCAA tournament." Troll pointed out the irony, noting that while Beamer's team may have come close to making the playoffs, they still didn’t qualify, making Beamer’s remarks less than ideal. Drake also raised a few concerns about the Gamecocks’ shortcomings that Beamer seemed to ignore. One key issue was South Carolina's loss to Illinois in the Citrus Bowl. Illinois, a Big Ten team, doesn’t compete in the SEC, yet Beamer wasn’t addressing the defeat. Troll also pointed out the danger of excessive self-promotion: “Anyone who tells you they’re number one probably isn’t number one. Anybody you ask to go in there and say hey, we’re the best ever, and everybody who has continued to tout themselves in the resume is doing it because one reason that’s because they have a deficiency somewhere they want you to ignore.” Indeed, despite their successful season, the Gamecocks did have some glaring weaknesses. Early turnover issues were a problem, and their penalty yards per game were among the highest in the SEC, ranking as low as 15th by Week 6. Though they improved over the course of the season, they finished 10th in penalties. Their sack totals also left much to be desired, with the team finishing 13th in that department. In the end, it’s clear that while Beamer's 2024 season was a success in many ways, some weaknesses are still present. If Beamer continues to make bold, headline-grabbing statements, analysts and fans may begin to scrutinize those gaps in his team’s performance more closely. Only time will tell if he can address these issues as effectively as he handles his public persona.

    Shane Beamer has earned significant praise for his performance during the 2024 season, with the Gamecocks finishing at a solid 9-4, a huge improvement from their 5-7 record last year. However, while his success on the field is a point of celebration for South Carolina fans, his off-field actions are also making headlines – and not always in a positive light. Let me tell you why.

    Beamer has found himself in the center of several controversies, including accusations of Ole Miss misusing injuries and recent remarks about the SEC’s dominance over other conferences, which have caused frustration among analysts, journalists, and fans alike.

    In a conversation with On3, Beamer shared his thoughts on the SEC’s standing above other conferences. “Look, I’ve got great respect for other conferences. I’ve been to other conferences. I’ve been [a] part of the ACC, I’ve been [a] part of the Big 12. There’s no question that there [is] good football everywhere… But when you just talk about the teams in this league, and the teams you play week in and week out, it’s different. And you look at the NFL draft every single year, It’s 20 straight years that the SEC has led the nation in draft picks. People can say, ‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’ Well, yeah, it does. We’re playing the best players in the country…”

    So far, that was typical praise for the SEC. But Beamer didn’t stop there. His next comments stirred up controversy.

    “I’ve been a part of other leagues where you go into a stadium, and there are 20,000 people in the stands, and you’re in a Power Four conference. Not at this conference. Every road venue you go in[to], you’re playing in front of 70,000, 80,000, 90,000, 100,000 people every single Saturday,” Beamer added. While some of his comments hold truth, they didn’t sit well with many supporters of other conferences.

    Drake C Troll, host of the Locked on Big 12 podcast, immediately challenged Beamer’s statements.

    “Everything Shane Beamer said, the SEC is good no doubt no one’s trying to take it away from you. The SEC is the best conference in college football. Guess what? We’re actually giving it to you in the form of money. We’re giving you more money. But now you have to come to a podium and tell me that we’re so good. You know who does this: Head coaches whose teams won’t make the NCAA tournament.” Troll pointed out the irony, noting that while Beamer’s team may have come close to making the playoffs, they still didn’t qualify, making Beamer’s remarks less than ideal.

    Drake also raised a few concerns about the Gamecocks’ shortcomings that Beamer seemed to ignore. One key issue was South Carolina’s loss to Illinois in the Citrus Bowl. Illinois, a Big Ten team, doesn’t compete in the SEC, yet Beamer wasn’t addressing the defeat.

    Troll also pointed out the danger of excessive self-promotion: “Anyone who tells you they’re number one probably isn’t number one. Anybody you ask to go in there and say hey, we’re the best ever, and everybody who has continued to tout themselves in the resume is doing it because one reason that’s because they have a deficiency somewhere they want you to ignore.”

    Indeed, despite their successful season, the Gamecocks did have some glaring weaknesses. Early turnover issues were a problem, and their penalty yards per game were among the highest in the SEC, ranking as low as 15th by Week 6. Though they improved over the course of the season, they finished 10th in penalties. Their sack totals also left much to be desired, with the team finishing 13th in that department.

    In the end, it’s clear that while Beamer’s 2024 season was a success in many ways, some weaknesses are still present. If Beamer continues to make bold, headline-grabbing statements, analysts and fans may begin to scrutinize those gaps in his team’s performance more closely. Only time will tell if he can address these issues as effectively as he handles his public persona.

  • Bree Hall of South Carolina responds to Aliyah Boston, Anthony Edwards, and others in inspirational ad by $47.56 billion worth company

    Feb 9, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Bree Hall (23) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

    Bree Hall Shares Aliyah Boston’s New Adidas Ad Featuring NBA Star Anthony Edwards

    In a heartwarming moment for fans of South Carolina basketball, senior guard Bree Hall took to social media on Tuesday to share an inspiring new Adidas advertisement featuring her former Gamecocks teammate Aliyah Boston, alongside NBA star Anthony Edwards.

    The commercial, released by the global sportswear giant valued at $47.56 billion according to Forbes, emphasizes the importance of those who encourage athletes and their significant impact. The message is clear: “We all need someone to make us believe,” the ad states, followed by an empowering “You got this.”

    Both Aliyah Boston and Anthony Edwards have lucrative endorsement deals with Adidas. In the ad, Boston, now with the Indiana Fever, offers some empowering pregame advice: “Just don’t forget what I said to you this morning,” she tells Edwards. “You are equipped. Don’t allow anyone or anything to tell you different.” Meanwhile, Edwards, the shooting guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is seen arriving for a game, radiating confidence and readiness.

    Bree Hall and Aliyah Boston: Their Journey at South Carolina

    Bree Hall is currently in her fourth year with the No. 4-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. This season, she’s averaging 6.4 points and a career-high 3.1 rebounds per game. Her shooting has been particularly sharp, with a 39.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc—her highest yet in college.

    Hall and Aliyah Boston played together at South Carolina for two seasons, making history as national champions in 2022. After her time at South Carolina, Boston was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. Now in her second season, she’s averaging 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, continuing to shine as one of the league’s top players.

    Despite their busy professional careers, Hall and Boston have remained close, frequently interacting on social media and celebrating each other’s milestones. Bree Hall’s recent post featuring Boston‘s Adidas ad is just one example of their continued bond.

    South Carolina Gamecocks’ Struggles in the AP Poll

    Meanwhile, South Carolina has dropped two spots in the latest AP Top 25 poll after a mixed week. The Gamecocks beat the Georgia Bulldogs in Southeastern Conference action, but a loss to Texas, ranked No. 4 at the time, set them back.

    In those two games, Hall contributed seven points in both matchups, shooting an impressive 50.0% from three-point range. However, she struggled against Texas, shooting only 33.3% from the field in 31 minutes of play.

    Despite the setback, the Gamecocks are still sitting at a strong 22-1 record (10-1 SEC). They’ll continue their conference play with a home game against Florida on Thursday before facing a major test against the No. 7-ranked UConn Huskies, who are 22-3 and undefeated in the Big East (13-0).

  • South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Dawn Staley’s Squad vs. Florida – Prediction and Scouting Report

    The No. 4 ranked South Carolina

    Live Update: South Carolina Women’s Basketball Aims to Rebound with Florida Matchup

    The No. 4 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (22-2, 10-1 SEC) are set to host Florida (12-12, 3-7) at 7 p.m. Thursday, marking their first game since falling to Texas on Sunday, 66-62. The Gamecocks are looking to bounce back and start a new winning streak after the disappointing loss.

    Florida enters this game on the heels of a loss to Alabama last Thursday. However, the Gators had a break on Sunday, providing them with a full week to prepare for their trip to Columbia.

    Historically, South Carolina holds a 24-20 advantage over Florida, and has dominated the recent matchups, winning the last 16 meetings. The last time South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley faced a defeat to the Gators was on January 9, 2011.

    Key Players and Storylines for Florida:

    Liv McGill, Florida’s standout freshman guard, has been a force this season. Averaging 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, McGill ranks No. 13 in the SEC for scoring. In Florida’s loss to Alabama, McGill posted 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Despite a less-than-stellar shooting performance (2-of-6 from beyond the arc), she remains a key offensive player for Florida, shooting 34.3% from three-point range.

    South Carolina’s guards, Raven Johnson and Bree Hall, will likely be tasked with guarding McGill. With so much of Florida’s offense running through her, the Gamecocks’ defense will need to stay focused on containing her.

    In terms of team stats, Florida boasts a strong SEC standing in field goal percentage, ranked third in the conference with a 47% shooting average. South Carolina, by comparison, is slightly behind with a 46.7% shooting rate.

    Tough Test for Gamecocks’ Frontcourt:

    After struggling against the Texas Longhorns’ height last Sunday, South Carolina’s forwards—Sania Feagin, Chloe Kitts, and Joyce Edwards—face another challenge against Florida’s 6-foot-6 center Ra Shaya Kyle. Kyle has been a dominant force, averaging 15 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. She comes off a solid performance with 15 points and seven rebounds in her last outing. Kyle has registered 12 double-doubles this season and currently sits at No. 4 in the SEC for rebounds per game.

    Joyce Edwards Seeks to Bounce Back:

    Despite South Carolina’s loss to Texas, Joyce Edwards remains the team’s leading scorer with an average of 12.3 points per game. However, after a streak of eight consecutive games scoring in double figures, Edwards has seen a dip in her scoring, posting just six and nine points in her last two contests. Her most recent double-digit performance came on February 2 against Auburn when she notched 18 points.

    Injury Watch:

    South Carolina’s injury update will be available after the SEC report is released on Wednesday night. As of Sunday, Ashlyn Watkins was still out. No injury reports were noted for Florida, which had the weekend off.

    Score Prediction:

    South Carolina is expected to dominate in this matchup, with a projected final score of South Carolina 90, Florida 59. In the aftermath of their loss to Texas, Te-Hina Paopao warned that the next six opponents should expect a tough fight, and it all starts with a commanding win over the Gators.

    Stay tuned as the Gamecocks aim to bounce back and extend their winning ways on Thursday night.

  • South Carolina Women’s Basketball’s Position in NET Rankings After Second Loss

    South Carolina Women's Basketball's Position in NET Rankings After Second Loss

    Live from the court, we’ve got a major update for you on South Carolina women’s basketball. After a tough loss to the Texas Longhorns in Austin this past Sunday, the Gamecocks suffered their first regular-season SEC loss since December 2021. This marks the first time South Carolina has dropped two regular season games in a row since the season before that.

    As a result, the Associated Press has dropped South Carolina from the second to the fourth spot in their updated top-25 rankings. But, in a twist, the NET rankings present a different picture. For most of the season, the Gamecocks have held the No. 1 spot in the NET rankings, and they continue to do so. Meanwhile, UConn and Texas remain in the top three, with the Huskies ranked second and the Longhorns third. UCLA, undefeated and holding a unanimous No. 1 ranking, is fourth in the NET.

    For those who may be unfamiliar, the NET rankings are the key metric used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. The rankings consider factors such as the Team Value Index, which evaluates a team’s performance, game location, and strength of schedule, as well as adjusted net efficiency, which assesses a team’s performance against the quality of its opponents and the location of those games.

    Looking at South Carolina’s resume this season, it’s clear why the Gamecocks are still perched at No. 1 in the NET. They’ve racked up an impressive ten Quad 1 wins, the most of any team in the country. In fact, only one other team, Texas, has more than seven Quad 1 victories. On top of that, the Gamecocks lead the nation with 13 Quad 1 + Quad 2 wins combined.

    As South Carolina looks to bounce back from this loss, they have two important games coming up over the next week. One will present a Quad 2 opportunity, while the other gives Dawn Staley’s team a chance to add another Quad 1 win to their record.

    First up, the Gamecocks will face the Florida Gators in an SEC matchup at Colonial Life Arena. This game is part of the “Play 4 Kay” movement, a cancer awareness initiative in honor of coaching legend Kay Yow. The game will tip-off at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on the SEC Network and streamed on the ESPN app.

    Then, South Carolina will host the highly anticipated rivalry game against the UConn Huskies, a top-10 showdown. The Gamecocks have won four consecutive matchups against UConn and five of the last six. This exciting contest is set to tip-off at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday and will be broadcast on ABC, with streaming available via the ESPN app.

  • South Carolina Women’s Basketball: The 3-2-1 – Key Players, Key Questions, and a Go-To Play After the Texas Loss

    In a weekend split for South Carolina, the Gamecocks faced both Georgia and Texas, and we’re breaking down the clutch players, burning questions, and a standout play from their performances.

    Three Clutch Players:

    MiLaysia Fulwiley
    Against Georgia: 25 minutes, 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
    Against Texas: 21 minutes, 13 points, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 rebounds

    Fulwiley led the Gamecocks in scoring in both games. In the Texas matchup, she showed why she earned SEC Tournament MVP last season, showcasing her speed and athleticism on both ends of the court. If not for missing four minutes in the fourth quarter due to arm pain, I believe South Carolina might have secured a win.

    Chloe Kitts
    Against Georgia: 22 minutes, 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
    Against Texas: 24 minutes, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

    Kitts continues to prove herself as one of South Carolina’s most dependable players. Her relentless hustle was on full display against Texas, where she faced a significant size disadvantage but still delivered.

    Tessa Johnson
    Against Georgia: 23 minutes, 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
    Against Texas: 18 minutes, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

    After a brief slump, Johnson bounced back against Georgia. While she missed a crucial game-tying layup against Texas, she made key plays that allowed the Gamecocks to even be in that position.

    Two Burning Questions:

    1. Who is South Carolina’s crunch-time lineup?
    When the game is on the line, who do you want on the floor? Coach Dawn Staley turned to Raven Johnson, Te-Hina Paopao, Tessa Johnson, and Sania Feagin against Texas. She explained the decision as trying to provide Texas with a different look, and it did result in a good layup attempt for Tessa. But this left out MiLaysia Fulwiley, Joyce Edwards, and Chloe Kitts. With such a talented and deep roster, every player brings something unique to the court, which raises the question: who do you leave out in those high-stakes moments? While Staley and her staff have been working on end-game situations in practice, it’s clear a more defined crunch-time lineup would be beneficial.

    2. How badly is South Carolina going to beat Florida on Thursday?
    For a Florida team already struggling, the last thing they want to face is a motivated South Carolina squad. If the Gamecocks are feeling motivated after this weekend, this could turn into a lopsided affair.

    One Favorite Play:

    Chloe Kitts’ subtle tapped pass to a cutting Joyce Edwards for a smooth layup was a highlight-worthy moment that would’ve likely earned the top spot.

  • Emmanwori and Sanders Earn Positions in ESPN’s Top 50 Prospects for 2025 NFL Draft

    Nick Emmanwori

    In a live feed update, I’m bringing you the latest from ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who recently released his updated rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft. With the draft just around the corner, set for late April, several South Carolina players are on the radar, including two Gamecocks who made Reid’s list of top 50 prospects.

    At No. 33, Reid placed Nick Emmanwori, a safety known for his physicality and sharp instincts on the field. Emmanwori’s ability to cover well, along with his knack for making plays with six interceptions over the last two seasons, has put him in a strong position for the draft. Reid highlighted Emmanwori’s “rugged, physical” style, emphasizing that while he will be an asset in run defense, he’ll need to work with a creative defensive coordinator who can maximize his skill set. Reid also noted that Emmanwori could test well at the combine.

    Not far behind, T.J. Sanders secured the No. 34 spot on the list. Sanders, a defensive tackle, played a crucial role in South Carolina’s dominant defensive front. His agility and quick hands helped him dominate one-on-one matchups, and his “2.40-second average time to first pressure” made him the fastest among all defensive linemen in the FBS. Reid praised Sanders for his strong leverage and ability to get to the ball fast, adding that Sanders will need to bulk up and improve his consistency against double-teams as a run defender.

    In his three years with the Gamecocks, Emmanwori racked up 244 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and six interceptions. His standout year came in 2024, when he totaled 88 tackles, six pass breakups, and four interceptions. As for Sanders, his four-year tenure at South Carolina saw him record 109 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks, with his most impressive performance coming in 2024 with 50 tackles, seven for loss, and four sacks.

    In addition to the overall rankings, Reid also updated position group rankings. He placed Sanders as the No. 5 defensive tackle and Emmanwori as the No. 2 safety, with Demetrius Knight Jr. also making a mark as the No. 3 linebacker.

    Clearly, these Gamecocks are making waves, and we’ll be watching closely as the draft draws near.

    More news…..

    South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart Selected Very Early in One-of-a-Kind NFL Mock Draft

    Dylan Stewart

    With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, sports media outlets are full of mock drafts, each with different predictions. Earlier this week, Fox Sports’ Rob Rang presented a unique mock that included all college football players, regardless of draft eligibility. In this mock, the first pick was Ohio State’s standout true freshman receiver, Jeremiah Smith.

    This approach led to some surprising selections, including South Carolina’s EDGE Dylan Stewart being picked eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers. Stewart made a significant impact during his freshman year with his explosive playstyle, frequently disrupting opposing backfields. Rang compared him to Gamecock legend Jadeveon Clowney, noting that Stewart is “surprisingly polished for a true freshman.” Despite having only one season of play, Rang believes Stewart would make an immediate impact in the NFL, thanks to his impressive build and unmatched wingspan.

    While the scenario is hypothetical, it’s clear that Stewart’s standout freshman year has caught the attention of scouts and evaluators at the next level. Although his selection in this particular mock may have been a surprise, it’s widely expected that he will be a top-ten pick when he declares for the draft and become a key player in the NFL for years to come.

  • Former Gamecock Teammates Reunite for Super Bowl Moment

    Former Gamecock Teammates Reunite for Super Bowl Moment

    South Carolina Alumni Reunite After Super Bowl LIX

    Former South Carolina teammates Darius Rush and EJ Jenkins found time to catch up this past Sunday, despite playing for different teams in the Super Bowl. While their respective squads, Kansas City and Philadelphia, faced off in Super Bowl LIX, the bond between these two Gamecocks remained strong.

    In a heartfelt post shared on Tuesday morning, Rush, who spent a brief time with Kansas City’s practice squad, praised Jenkins for his perseverance over the last year. Rush wrote, “I’m proud of you (EJ Jenkins)! You overcome a lot of adversity in the last year and you never gave up. You have always kept the faith and for that you’re a WORLD CHAMP! I’m excited to see what next year has in store for you. Love you bro always…”

    Rush joined Kansas City’s practice squad in October, following a stint with Pittsburgh and a previous short-lived return to the Chiefs earlier in 2023. A fifth-round draft pick by Indianapolis in 2023, he and Jenkins were teammates at South Carolina during the 2021 season. However, Jenkins transferred to Georgia Tech in 2022.

    Jenkins made his NFL debut with the New York Jets in 2023, spending time on the practice squads of both Las Vegas and Philadelphia. In the 2024 season, he played in eight regular-season games, even catching his first touchdown—a 7-yard pass against the New York Giants in Week 18. Jenkins was also active in all four playoff games for the Eagles, contributing during their Super Bowl LIX appearance.

    Meanwhile, former South Carolina tight end Nick Muse, who spent time on the Philadelphia practice squad this season, didn’t see game action for the Eagles. However, he previously played 16 games over three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings between 2022 and 2024. Muse made waves online after the Super Bowl when he and Saquon Barkley were caught shot-gunning beers in the locker room. The video quickly went viral, and Muse shared a comment about the memorable moment.

    More news…..

    South Carolina Extends Offer to In-State Wide Receiver Star

    Jaiden Kelly-Murray

    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.

  • Four South Carolina Football Players Receive Strong Projections in NFL Draft Mock

    This week, the College Football Network (CFN) released its latest 2025 NFL Draft projections, and South Carolina football is well-represented with several players expected to be early selections. According to CFN, four Gamecocks are projected to be drafted within the first 55 picks.

    Leading the charge is safety Nick Emmanwori, who CFN has going to the Buffalo Bills at No. 30. The All-American safety has been a standout in his role, particularly with his growth in coverage. CFN’s Will Helms highlighted Emmanwori’s evolution, noting, “While Emmanwori’s always been a thumper in the back, unafraid of coming downhill to stop the run, he showcased elite ball skills in 2024.” If selected in the first round, Emmanwori will join the ranks of Rick Sanford, another All-American and the only Gamecock safety ever taken that high.

    At No. 43, defensive lineman TJ Sanders is projected to go to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite a down year for the 49ers in 2024, the team could be primed for a strong comeback in 2025, especially with improvements to their interior defensive line. Helms believes Sanders, who was an All-SEC contributor for USC, could surpass his college success in the pros, stating he “could become a better pro than college player.” Although Sanders has received first-round draft grades, he’s most likely to go in the second round.

    Demetrius Knight, a linebacker, slots in at No. 46 in CFN’s mock draft, where the Atlanta Falcons are expected to pick him. Known for his combination of size and speed, Knight would be a great addition to the Falcons’ defense. Helms suggests Knight’s draft stock could rise further after the NFL Combine, with recent projections ranging from the second to the sixth round, but trending upward as of now.

    Finally, EDGE Kyle Kennard rounds out the Gamecocks in the CFN mock, with a projected pick at No. 55 by the Green Bay Packers. Kennard’s versatility, having been effective as both a stand-up EDGE rusher and a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, aligns with the Packers’ needs. After winning the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Kennard has earned NFL Draft grades ranging from the first to the fourth round, though he is most often projected as a second or third-rounder.

    These four players are just the beginning, with several other Gamecocks also expected to hear their names called during the 2025 NFL Draft. With strong representation, South Carolina could break its all-time record for players selected in a single draft, which was set at seven in both 2009 and 2013.

    The 2025 NFL Draft will be held from April 24th to April 26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with coverage across ABC, NFL Network, and ESPN.

  • Jared Curtis Names His Top Three Schools, Featuring South Carolina Gamecocks

    Jared Curtis

    Jared Curtis, the nation’s top-ranked quarterback, has officially named his top three favorite schools, and South Carolina made the cut.

    Although early signing day is still ten months away, the competition to secure Curtis, the #1 QB in the class of 2026, is already fierce. Speaking to On3, Curtis revealed, “I really like three schools; Georgia, Oregon, and South Carolina.”

    In a surprising twist, South Carolina has stayed in the mix, even after Dowel Loggins, the Gamecocks’ primary recruiter for Curtis, accepted the head coaching position at Appalachian State. Just weeks ago, Head Coach Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Mike Shula visited Curtis in Nashville, TN, where Curtis shared that the visit was “great.”

    Despite decommitting from Georgia in November 2024, the Bulldogs are still seen as the frontrunner to land the five-star quarterback. However, South Carolina has no plans of backing down in their pursuit of Curtis. The standout QB is set to take an official on-campus visit to Columbia, SC, on June 20th. That weekend will also feature several high-profile recruits, including current commit CB Peyton Dyer, OL Darius Gray, and S Tamarion Watkins. Along with South Carolina, Curtis has official visits lined up with Georgia, Oregon, Auburn, and Alabama.

    While the Gamecocks are also actively recruiting other top 2026 quarterbacks like Landon Duckworth and Brady Smigiel, it’s clear that Curtis remains their number one target. Securing him would be a major boost to South Carolina’s 2026 class.

    Curtis is ranked as the 24/7 Composite’s number two player in the upcoming class and is a consensus top-ten recruit across all major recruiting platforms.

    More news…..

    Ryan Mosley, 2026 WR, Schedules Official Visit with South Carolina Gamecocks

    Ryan Mosley

    Ryan Mosley, a 2026 wide receiver, has confirmed an official visit with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

    With National Signing Day for the 2025 recruiting class approaching on February 5, attention from college football programs is shifting toward the 2026 cycle. South Carolina has made a strong push with their 2025 class, and they aim to continue that success this year. One of the top prospects for the upcoming class, Ryan Mosley, has already scheduled an official visit with the Gamecocks.

    Mosley, a four-star wide receiver from the 2026 class, will visit Columbia from June 6th to 8th. Before that, he plans to visit Georgia and will travel to Texas A&M after his trip to South Carolina. Mosley is ranked as the 236th-best player in the country, the 39th-best wide receiver, and the 28th-best player in Georgia.

    Texas A&M was the first SEC school to extend an offer to Mosley, followed quickly by Georgia, giving those programs a head start in his recruitment. However, South Carolina has made a strong push since joining the race, meaning these upcoming official visits will be crucial to Mosley’s decision.

    South Carolina Gamecocks 2026 Recruiting Class:

    • J’Zavien Currence, CB
    • Peyton Dyer, CB
    • Keenan Britt, Edge
    • Jamal Howse, TE
    • Anthony Baxter, OL