Category: South Carolina Gamecocks

  • South Carolina basketball commit excels in first two games of OTE championship

    The Overtime Elite Championship, South Carolina basketball commit Eli Ellis and his YNG Dreamerz squad are making waves in a thrilling series against the City Reapers. Alongside fellow Gamecock commit Hayden Assemian and class of 2026 targets Isaac Ellis and Kohl Rosario, Eli has been a standout, with all four players contributing significantly in the first two games. However, it’s Eli Ellis who has truly stolen the spotlight.

    In this best-of-five series, which is currently tied 1-1, Ellis has been the top offensive force, outshining numerous other elite college prospects. In Game 1, despite a controversial ejection, Ellis still managed to rack up 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting in just 20 minutes of play. The ejection followed some heated exchanges, including a confrontation with Amari Evans, a Tennessee commit, after a few City Reapers players threw elbows. As a result, both Assemian and Ellis were ejected from the game.

    Game 2 saw Ellis elevate his performance even further, scoring a remarkable 47 points while shooting 63%. He and his younger brother Isaac Ellis combined for 72 of their team’s 79 points. Unfortunately, the rest of the team struggled, making only three field goals in total, which led to a loss.

    Across the first two games, Eli has shown an incredible ability to score in various ways—whether it’s finishing inside, hitting 8-of-15 from beyond the arc, or knocking down shots off the dribble with defenders tightly guarding him. If he can translate this offensive brilliance to the collegiate level, South Carolina fans can expect to see plenty of excitement in the coming years.

    As for the next chapter of the series, the Ellis brothers will have to wait until March 13th for the next game. The remaining matches—Games 3 through 5—will be streamed live on Overtime Elite’s YouTube channel.

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    Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

    The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

    Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

    “They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

    As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

    The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

  • South Carolina’s Projected March Madness Bracket Following Win Over Oklahoma in SEC Tournament

    South Carolina's Projected March Madness Bracket Following Win Over Oklahoma in SEC Tournament

    South Carolina women’s basketball has made history by advancing to its sixth consecutive SEC Tournament championship game, setting a new conference record. The No. 1 seed Gamecocks defeated No. 5 Oklahoma 93-75 on Saturday, securing their 29th win of the 2024-25 season. South Carolina will face second-seeded Texas (31-2) in the championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN.

    Following the victory, Coach Dawn Staley spoke to the ESPN College GameDay team and made her feelings clear regarding the NCAA Tournament seeding, which will be finalized on March 16.

    “We play the best schedule in the country, we have the toughest schedule,” Staley said. “Did we have a bad game vs. Connecticut? Sure. But don’t discount what we did all season long.”

    How the Win Affects South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Seed

    Right after Staley’s comments, ESPN’s Charlie Creme, who has been tracking NCAA Tournament projections for the past two months, weighed in on the Gamecocks’ seeding. “Coach, your No. 1 seed is solidified,” Creme said. “Don’t worry about it, get a good night’s sleep, try to win tomorrow’s game, but it won’t matter if you win Sunday as far as the No. 1 seed goes.”

    Initially, Creme had projected South Carolina (29-3) as a No. 2 seed in Spokane, Washington, after their loss to UConn on February 16. However, he has since moved them back to a consistent No. 1 seed in the Birmingham region.

    As of 5:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, ESPN’s latest projections placed South Carolina as a No. 1 seed, with the Gamecocks hosting in Columbia for the Birmingham 4 Region. Creme’s bracket had Illinois (No. 8), Richmond (No. 9), and the winner of a First Four game between UNC Greensboro and High Point (No. 16) set to join South Carolina in the region.

    With Oklahoma (25-7) ranked No. 10, South Carolina’s dominant win over the Sooners was a significant factor in impressing bracketologists, but a third straight SEC Tournament championship would likely seal the Gamecocks’ No. 1 seed for March Madness.

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    South Carolina Women’s Basketball Preview of SEC Game Against Oklahoma

    The South Carolina Gamecocks breezed through their first-round matchup against Vanderbilt, but Saturday’s contest against Oklahoma promises to be a much tighter affair.

    As the SEC Women’s Tournament enters its semifinal phase, the No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks are set to face off against the No. 5 overall seed, Oklahoma. Both teams are ranked in the top-10 in women’s college basketball, making this game a highly anticipated showdown.

    South Carolina vs. Oklahoma Prediction: ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Gamecocks an 86.6% chance to win, while the Sooners are given a 13.6% chance.

    South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Betting Line Update: According to FanDuel, South Carolina enters as a 12.5-point favorite, with the total set at 152.5 points.

    Oklahoma’s head coach, Jennie Baranczyk, shared her thoughts on how to slow down the powerhouse Gamecocks, saying, “Well, I don’t know that. I don’t know, they are so good. It’s a game of runs and South Carolina is so good. And how many times have they played in this building, I just want us to come out here to compete.” She continued, “You don’t stop them, you just try to do the best you can.”

    How to Watch: South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma

    • GameDay: Saturday, March 8th
    • Game Time: 4:30 PM EST
    • Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
    • Broadcast: SEC Network+
  • SEC Tournament Semifinals: South Carolina Defeats Oklahoma 93-75

    SEC Tournament Semifinals: South Carolina Defeats Oklahoma 93-75The Lady Gamecocks are heading to the SEC Championship game after a dominant 93-75 win over the Oklahoma Sooners in the semifinal round. This victory further solidifies their impressive season in the SEC, with their only loss being to Texas during the regular season. South Carolina will face the winner of the LSU vs. Texas matchup in the final.

    Having finished the regular season with a 15-1 conference record, South Carolina shared the SEC regular season title with Texas. A coin flip ultimately awarded the Gamecocks the No. 1 seed in the tournament.

    In the semifinal clash, Joyce Edwards was a standout, scoring 21 points and grabbing five rebounds. MiLaysia Fulwiley contributed 19 points, while Sania Feagin added 14 points to the scoreline.

    South Carolina is now in pursuit of their third consecutive conference title, having won four of the last five championships, with the exception of the 2022 season. As the defending national champions, the Gamecocks are positioning themselves for a strong NCAA Tournament run.

    The SEC Championship game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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    Recent Ranking Changes Elevate South Carolina Football Target to 4-Star Status

    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.

  • South Carolina Women’s Basketball Preview of SEC Game Against Oklahoma

    The South Carolina Gamecocks breezed through their first-round matchup against Vanderbilt, but Saturday’s contest against Oklahoma promises to be a much tighter affair.

    As the SEC Women’s Tournament enters its semifinal phase, the No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks are set to face off against the No. 5 overall seed, Oklahoma. Both teams are ranked in the top-10 in women’s college basketball, making this game a highly anticipated showdown.

    South Carolina vs. Oklahoma Prediction: ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Gamecocks an 86.6% chance to win, while the Sooners are given a 13.6% chance.

    South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Betting Line Update: According to FanDuel, South Carolina enters as a 12.5-point favorite, with the total set at 152.5 points.

    Oklahoma’s head coach, Jennie Baranczyk, shared her thoughts on how to slow down the powerhouse Gamecocks, saying, “Well, I don’t know that. I don’t know, they are so good. It’s a game of runs and South Carolina is so good. And how many times have they played in this building, I just want us to come out here to compete.” She continued, “You don’t stop them, you just try to do the best you can.”

    How to Watch: South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma

    • GameDay: Saturday, March 8th
    • Game Time: 4:30 PM EST
    • Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
    • Broadcast: SEC Network+

    More news…..

    Recent Ranking Changes Elevate South Carolina Football Target to 4-Star Status

    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.

  • South Carolina Women’s Basketball Climbs in AP Rankings

    The latest developments in South Carolina women’s basketball. Head coach

    The latest developments in South Carolina women’s basketball. Head coach Dawn Staley and her Gamecocks have clinched a share of the SEC regular season title for the fourth consecutive year and the fifth time in the last six seasons. In a twist of fate, the University of South Carolina secured the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament through a coin flip against the Texas Longhorns, a team they tied with in the SEC standings.

    This past Monday, the AP updated its top-25 rankings, and the Gamecocks saw a slight improvement, moving up to the No. 5 spot overall, a one-place jump from their previous No. 6 ranking.

    Here’s the latest AP Top 25 poll:

    1. Texas Longhorns (25)
    2. Southern Cal Trojans (6)
    3. UConn Huskies
    4. UCLA Bruins
    5. South Carolina Gamecocks
    6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
    7. NC State Wolfpack
    8. TCU Horned Frogs
    9. LSU Tigers
    10. Oklahoma Sooners
    11. Duke Blue Devils
    12. Kentucky Wildcats
    13. Ohio State Buckeyes
    14. North Carolina Tar Heels
    15. Maryland Terrapins
    16. West Virginia Mountaineers
    17. Baylor Bears
    18. Tennessee Lady Volunteers
    19. Alabama Crimson Tide
    20. Kansas State Wildcats
    21. Oklahoma State Cowboys
    22. Florida State Seminoles
    23. Creighton Blue Jays
    24. Michigan State Spartans
    25. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

    As we move into this week, the SEC Tournament will kick off in Greenville, South Carolina, with games starting on Wednesday afternoon. Thanks to their double-bye, the Gamecocks won’t take the floor again until Friday, when they will face either the Texas A&M Aggies, Tennessee Lady Volunteers, or Vanderbilt Commodores. In the first round, Texas A&M and Tennessee will clash, and the winner will face Vanderbilt in the second round. From there, the winner of that game will move on to face South Carolina.

    If the Gamecocks can secure a victory in the quarterfinals, they are likely to face the Kentucky Wildcats. Meanwhile, the Arkansas Razorbacks, Georgia Bulldogs, and Oklahoma Sooners will be fighting to advance from Kentucky’s side of the bracket.

    A highly anticipated rematch with the Texas Longhorns is expected to be on the horizon, with both teams potentially vying for the SEC Tournament title. Texas, now ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, split the season series with South Carolina earlier this year.

    Following their victory over Kentucky on Sunday, the Gamecocks improved to an impressive 27-3 overall, finishing with a 15-1 record in conference play. After enduring two top-10 losses within just eight days, South Carolina rebounded by winning four straight games to close out the regular season. The AP has certainly recognized this strong finish, rewarding the Gamecocks with their rise in the rankings.

    Stay tuned as we continue to follow South Carolina’s journey through the SEC Tournament.

  • South Carolina and Dawn Staley’s Position in March Madness Bracket Predictions Ahead of SEC Tournament

    In the final stretch of the regular season and just days away from the start of conference tournaments, the South Carolina women’s basketball team is poised to secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

    Currently ranked No. 6 with a 27-3 record (15-1 in the SEC), the Gamecocks are projected to host the opening round of the tournament before moving on to play in the Birmingham Region. Interestingly, just two weeks ago, after their loss to UConn, projections had the Gamecocks heading to Spokane, Washington.

    South Carolina enters the SEC Tournament as the No. 1 seed, with its first game slated for Friday at noon ET at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville.

    Here’s the latest update on where South Carolina stands in NCAA Tournament projections:

    South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Outlook

    According to ESPN’s Charlie Creme, the Gamecocks are still projected as a No. 1 seed, with the first-round games to be played in Columbia within the Birmingham 4 Region. The current bracket features Illinois (No. 8), Richmond (No. 9), and the winner of a First Four matchup between UNCG and High Point (No. 16). If the Gamecocks’ projections hold, they would face either UNCG or High Point, and the winner of that game would then meet Illinois or Richmond.

    South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Résumé and NET Ranking

    In terms of rankings, the Gamecocks fell to No. 2 in the NCAA’s NET rankings, with UConn overtaking them for the top spot last week. South Carolina’s impressive performance this season includes a strong 8-2 record on the road, 5-0 on neutral courts, and 14-1 at home. The Gamecocks are also dominant in Quadrant 1 matchups, boasting a 14-3 record. In addition, they are 3-0 in Quad 2, 3-0 in Quad 3, and 7-0 in Quad 4 games. Notably, South Carolina leads the nation with the most Quad 1 wins this season, having secured 11 victories over ranked opponents.

    South Carolina’s Rich NCAA Tournament History

    South Carolina’s legacy in NCAA basketball under head coach Dawn Staley is undeniable. The Gamecocks have captured three national championships since 2017, including a perfect 38-0 season in 2023-24. In addition, they have made six Final Four appearances, seven Elite Eight runs, and 14 Sweet 16 appearances. On the conference level, South Carolina has claimed the SEC tournament title eight times and has been crowned SEC regular-season champion eight times as well.

    Stay tuned as the Gamecocks look to add another chapter to their storied program in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

  • South Carolina Gamecocks Shock Arkansas with Convincing Victory

    South Carolina Gamecocks Shock Arkansas with Convincing Victory

    In a stunning turn of events, the South Carolina Gamecocks have pulled off a commanding 72-53 victory over Arkansas, marking their biggest win of the season.

    Despite struggling this year, with only one conference win before this matchup, the Gamecocks delivered a performance to remember, potentially shifting the momentum as they head into the final stretch of their season. Arkansas, on the other hand, came into this game as a bubble team, with their postseason aspirations now at serious risk following this loss.

    Colin Murray-Boyles was absolutely unstoppable for South Carolina, finishing the game with 35 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Nick Pringle also had a standout performance, contributing 19 points and nine rebounds. For Arkansas, Karter Knox led the way with 11 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Gamecocks’ dominance.

    Looking ahead, South Carolina has a chance to close out the season with matchups against Georgia and Tennessee. Their postseason hopes now hinge on making a deep run in the SEC Tournament.

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    Kitts Guides Gamecocks to Victory Over Ole Miss with Triple-Double Performance

    Chloe Kitts

    No. 6 South Carolina wrapped up their final SEC road game of the season with a 75-59 victory over Ole Miss, extending their win streak over the Rebels to 20 consecutive games.

    Veteran players Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin were pivotal in the Gamecocks’ success, combining for an impressive 38 points in what turned out to be a historic night for the team.

    Chloe Kitts made history by recording South Carolina’s first triple-double since Aliyah Boston back in 2021. Kitts finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists—marking the first points/rebounds/assists triple-double for the Gamecocks since 2006 and the first ever against an SEC opponent. Kitts also added four steals and one block to her standout performance.

    Meanwhile, Sania Feagin delivered a career-best 22 points on an efficient 10-for-13 shooting performance, including 16 points in the first half, which was the second-most for any Gamecock in a half this season. She also contributed five blocks in a strong defensive showing.

    Joyce Edwards continued her consistent play, scoring 10 points to mark her fifth straight game in double figures. Edwards put up eight of those points in the final quarter, showcasing her clutch performance when the Gamecocks needed it most.

    MiLayisa Fulwiley found her rhythm in the second half, scoring seven of her nine points after the break and hitting a key three-pointer in the third quarter to help maintain South Carolina’s double-digit lead.

    The Gamecocks showed strong teamwork, assisting on 20 of their 29 field goals, and demonstrated their defensive prowess by out-stealing Ole Miss 10 to 6.

    In all, South Carolina executed on both ends of the floor, securing another dominant win in their quest for the top of the SEC.

  • South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts Named SEC Player of the Week

    South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts Named SEC Player of the Week

    In a standout performance on Monday, Chloe Kitts, forward for South Carolina women’s basketball, was named the SEC Player of the Week. This recognition follows her remarkable achievement of securing just the ninth triple-double in Gamecock history during a win against Ole Miss. Kitts then followed up with a dominant double-double against Kentucky, leading USC to victories in both games.

    In her historic triple-double, Kitts recorded 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, with the 10 assists marking a career-high — doubling her previous best. Her 13 rebounds were just one shy of her personal best. This triple-double is the first for South Carolina since Aliyah Boston achieved the feat during the 2020-2021 season.

    For the week, Kitts averaged 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, helping to propel South Carolina to a share of the SEC regular season title. This marks the third consecutive year Kitts has been part of a team that has claimed the regular season championship.

    Looking ahead, Kitts and the Gamecocks will head to Greenville, South Carolina, for the SEC Tournament. Thanks to a coin flip tiebreaker, USC will enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and will have a double-bye, meaning their first game will be on Friday.

    If they secure the SEC Tournament title, it would be the fourth consecutive championship for the program and likely solidify their spot as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

    Stay updated on South Carolina women’s basketball over at The Insiders Forum!

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    Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

    The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

    Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

    “They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

    As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

    The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

  • South Carolina Tight End Josh Simon Delivers Impressive NFL Combine Performance

    South Carolina Football’s Nick Emmanwori Shines at NFL Combine, While Tight End Josh Simon Also Impresses

    South Carolina football safety Nick Emmanwori stole the spotlight at the NFL Combine on Friday, posting a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash (second-best among safeties), an 11-6 broad jump (best overall), and a 43-inch vertical (best overall), boosting his already impressive NFL Draft stock.

    But Emmanwori wasn’t the only Gamecock to stand out on Friday. Tight end Josh Simon also had a standout performance.

    The Dalzell, South Carolina native posted some of the top athletic testing numbers among all tight ends. At 6-4, 239 pounds, Simon ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash among tight ends at 4.65 seconds, had a 38-inch vertical jump (second-best), and his 10-4 broad jump also ranked second. Additionally, Simon recorded solid marks in the 20-yard shuttle (4.4) and three-cone drill (7.22).

    Earlier in the day, Simon spoke highly of his time at South Carolina, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to move from Western Kentucky. He shared how the transition helped him grow as a player, particularly under the coaching of offensive coordinator Coach Loggains, where he got to experience a pro-style offense and improve his skills in route-running and the run game.

    Simon’s strong day, both on the field and in interviews, could significantly enhance his chances of being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Heading into the combine, he was ranked No. 17 among tight ends on NFL.com, and his performance may help improve his draft stock. If drafted, Simon would become the sixth Gamecock tight end selected in the last 13 years.

    More news…..

    Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

    The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

    Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

    “They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

    As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

    The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

  • Shane Beamer of South Carolina to testify at NIL hearing on Capitol Hill

    In a live session today, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is set

    South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is set to testify at a pivotal House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing focused on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and its impact on college sports. The hearing, titled “Moving the Goalposts: How NIL is Reshaping College Athletics,” is scheduled by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who chairs the subcommittee.

    Other key witnesses include Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, Duke track athlete Emily Cole, Abilene Christian’s Anthony Egbo, and Justin Falcinelli, a former Clemson offensive lineman and vice president of the College Football Players Association. These experts will share their perspectives on how NIL is changing the landscape of collegiate athletics.

    This hearing marks the first one since Republicans gained full control of Congress and the White House. According to On3, in November, Sen. Ted Cruz was reported to be working on new NIL legislation and has met with Power Four schools to refine a potential bill.

    The hearing is expected to serve as a forum for gathering opinions as Bilirakis works through the complex issue. Earlier this year, he introduced the FAIR College Sports Act in January 2024, a move aimed at addressing these challenges.

    Meanwhile, Cruz, who recently won his Senate race in Texas against Democrat Colin Allred (a former Baylor linebacker), plays a significant role in the Senate Commerce Committee as chair, which influences legislation regarding college sports. In the past, Cruz has hosted roundtables with notable figures like Nick Saban and the Cavinder Twins.

    The hearing also coincides with the NCAA’s ongoing efforts to establish a new enforcement entity to curb the influence of NIL collectives, as outlined in a recent House v. NCAA settlement. This initiative, however, will require Congress to act, as state laws continue to override the settlement without federal legislative intervention.

    NCAA president Charlie Baker, the former Massachusetts governor, has been actively lobbying lawmakers in Washington, D.C., since June 2022, attempting to steer the conversation. Both Republicans and Democrats have diverging views on the future of college sports legislation. Democrats generally favor a revenue split and health and safety provisions for athletes, while some Republican bills aim to ensure athletes are not classified as employees.

    Stay tuned as the hearing unfolds to shed more light on the future of NIL in college athletics.