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  • Massive 4-star prospect set to visit South Carolina again

    In a busy week for South Carolina football, the Gamecocks have been making moves. On Tuesday, the team held its annual Pro Day, followed by the start of spring practice on Wednesday. Throughout the week, the program has been ramping up plans for more spring and summer visits.

    One of the most anticipated upcoming visits—both figuratively and literally—is that of 4-star offensive lineman Joshua Sam-Epelle. According to his social media, the towering 6-8, 305-pound prospect will be on campus for an unofficial visit on March 27th. In addition to his trip to South Carolina, Sam-Epelle has also scheduled unofficial visits to Georgia, Clemson, and Alabama this spring.

    Sam-Epelle, a standout from the class of 2027, had an impressive visit to the Gamecocks earlier this winter, and the team hopes to build on that momentum when he returns next week.

    Ranked as the No. 61 overall player in the nation by the On3 industry rankings, Sam-Epelle is also listed as the No. 6 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 7 prospect in Georgia’s 2027 class. His impressive skill set has attracted attention from top programs across the nation, but the Gamecocks are considered one of the favorites in his recruitment at this early stage. Other schools making an early push include Georgia, Auburn, and Pittsburgh. However, with over two years before his high school graduation, there’s still a long way to go before his decision.

    Sam-Epelle is widely regarded as one of the most complete offensive tackle prospects in the country. As he continues to refine his technique and physicality, his potential to become an elite collegiate lineman grows by the day.

    More news…

    South Carolina football commit and top target making waves at OT7 showcase

    This weekend, Dallas, Texas, hosted some of the top football prospects from the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 at Overtime’s 7-on-7 league. For those unfamiliar, 7-on-7 is a mostly non-contact football format that focuses on skill positions and quarterbacks. Among the standout performers were a South Carolina football commitment and a major target for the Gamecocks.

    According to On3’s Cody Bellaire, 4-star safety commit J’Zavien Currence was one of the top performers on Saturday. Bellaire described Currence as “One of, if not the, most physically impressive prospects on the defensive side of the football.” Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Currence’s physical tools at safety are exceptional, but it’s his movement skills that truly set him apart. Bellaire added, “He’s such a smooth mover that he almost glides when covering ground.”

    4-star cornerback target Samari Matthews also had a standout weekend. The North Carolina native has had the Gamecocks among his top choices for some time. Matthews, who played for the City Reapers (the same team as Currence), made an impact on Sunday with an interception in the end zone and another pass breakup in the red zone. On Saturday, he impressed with his physicality and athleticism. At 6-foot-1, Matthews not only boasts long arms but also shows off remarkable athleticism.

    As of now, both Currence and Matthews rank among the top-75 overall prospects in the On3 industry rankings. Currence is listed as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 1 prospect in South Carolina. Matthews is ranked as the No. 11 corner and the No. 6 player in a loaded North Carolina class.

    South Carolina currently holds five commitments in the class of 2026. Along with Currence, the Gamecocks have 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star cornerback Peyton Dyer, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, and 4-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter in the fold.

  • March Madness brings the same benefits to South Carolina and Columbia, including fresh funding for women.

    March Madness offers same perks for South Carolina and Columbia. That includes new money for women

    This Wednesday, the excitement surrounding the tournament is undeniable as fans eagerly await the big game on Thursday night. It’s set to be a major event, and the anticipation is building.

    The journey to this point has been exhilarating, and now, with a paycheck in sight, there’s a sense of fulfillment.

    Page shared her thoughts on the team’s progress, saying, “We’ve been enjoying the whole season.” She went on to emphasize the significance of the moment, stating, “It’s great we can make money for the school now.”

    Patterson, who has played for the Virginia Cavaliers, Stanford Cardinal, and is now with the UNCG Spartans, perfectly captured the essence of the occasion, remarking, “It’s great for women’s basketball.”

    The Associated Press, in collaboration with Pivotal Ventures, continues to highlight the role of women in both the workforce and state government. AP is solely responsible for all the content it produces. For further details on their partnerships with philanthropies and a full list of supporters, visit AP.org.

    For live updates on the tournament, you can stay informed with AP March Madness: AP March Madness and get alerts on the AP Top 25 throughout the season.

    More news……

    South Carolina football commit and top target making waves at OT7 showcase

    This weekend, Dallas, Texas, hosted some of the top football prospects from the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 at Overtime’s 7-on-7 league. For those unfamiliar, 7-on-7 is a mostly non-contact football format that focuses on skill positions and quarterbacks. Among the standout performers were a South Carolina football commitment and a major target for the Gamecocks.

    According to On3’s Cody Bellaire, 4-star safety commit J’Zavien Currence was one of the top performers on Saturday. Bellaire described Currence as “One of, if not the, most physically impressive prospects on the defensive side of the football.” Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Currence’s physical tools at safety are exceptional, but it’s his movement skills that truly set him apart. Bellaire added, “He’s such a smooth mover that he almost glides when covering ground.”

    4-star cornerback target Samari Matthews also had a standout weekend. The North Carolina native has had the Gamecocks among his top choices for some time. Matthews, who played for the City Reapers (the same team as Currence), made an impact on Sunday with an interception in the end zone and another pass breakup in the red zone. On Saturday, he impressed with his physicality and athleticism. At 6-foot-1, Matthews not only boasts long arms but also shows off remarkable athleticism.

    As of now, both Currence and Matthews rank among the top-75 overall prospects in the On3 industry rankings. Currence is listed as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 1 prospect in South Carolina. Matthews is ranked as the No. 11 corner and the No. 6 player in a loaded North Carolina class.

    South Carolina currently holds five commitments in the class of 2026. Along with Currence, the Gamecocks have 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star cornerback Peyton Dyer, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, and 4-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter in the fold.

  • Four Gamecocks Receive All-America Honors

    COLUMBIA, S.C. – In a remarkable achievement for South Carolina women’s basketball, four Gamecocks have earned All-America honorable mention honors. Junior Chloe Kitts and freshman Joyce Edwards were recognized by both the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and the Associated Press (AP). Meanwhile, senior Te-Hina Paopao and sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley received the distinction from the AP.

    This marks the second time in the past three seasons and the third time in program history that four Gamecocks have received All-America honors. It’s also the 12th consecutive season a Gamecock has earned an All-America nod, continuing the legacy since Dawn Staley’s first South Carolina All-Americans, Tiffany Mitchell and Aleighsa Welch, in 2013-14.

    Chloe Kitts has been a standout all season, leading the team in rebounding and showing off her all-around game in recent weeks. Ranking ninth in the SEC for rebounding with a career-best 7.88 boards per game, she raised that figure to 8.25 rebounds per SEC game, ranking fourth in the conference. Among her team-high nine double-doubles is a historic triple-double at Ole Miss (Feb. 27), just the second in SEC game history for the program. That performance—16 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists—kicked off a five-game stretch, including three straight double-doubles, as she averaged 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. This stretch helped Kitts earn SEC Tournament MVP honors and led the Gamecocks to their third consecutive SEC Tournament title.

    Joyce Edwards, the third Gamecock freshman to receive First-Team All-SEC recognition, led the team in scoring for much of the season, averaging 13.2 points per game. Her performance included 14.4 points per SEC game and 12.3 points per game against ranked opponents. Edwards also ranks fourth in the SEC in field goal percentage at .550 and 10th in free throw percentage at .777. She’s led the Gamecocks in scoring in 14 games this season, with a team-high 24 double-figure scoring games and four 20-point performances. Edwards also boasts three double-doubles, including one against a ranked opponent and two in SEC play.

    Te-Hina Paopao has been the steadying leader for the Gamecocks, especially in the early part of the season. Her leadership and court vision helped South Carolina solidify its position as a contender for both SEC and NCAA titles. Paopao’s 9.8 points per game increase to 10.5 against ranked opponents, where she shoots 46.6 percent from the field. As the team’s top distributor, she averages 3.0 assists per game, which rises to 3.44 in SEC play, ranking 12th in the conference. Paopao’s 2.48 assist-to-turnover ratio is the 16th-best in the nation. In addition to improving her defense, she has diversified her offensive game this season, contributing 4.4 points from 3-point range, 3.5 from the paint, and 1.3 from midrange.

    MiLaysia Fulwiley, the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year and a Second-Team All-SEC selection, continues to impress with her athleticism and creativity on the court. Her contributions go beyond just scoring, as she’s added a defensive element to her game, showing significant improvement in decision-making throughout the season. Fulwiley is second on the team in scoring, with an average of 12.0 points per game, including 13.4 in SEC play and 11.0 against ranked opponents. Defensively, she ranks 10th in the SEC in blocks (0.94 per SEC game) and ninth in steals (1.94 per SEC game). Most recently, she earned a spot on the SEC All-Tournament Team with an impressive 14.7 points, 3.33 assists, and 2.67 steals per game during the tournament.

    As the Gamecocks continue their journey in the NCAA Tournament, they enter as the No. 1 seed in the Birmingham 2 Regional. South Carolina will host the first- and second-round games at Colonial Life Arena this weekend. The action begins on Friday, March 21, with No. 8 seed Utah facing No. 9 seed Indiana at 1:30 p.m., followed by South Carolina taking on No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech at approximately 4 p.m. The winners of these matchups will meet on Sunday, March 23, at a time to be determined.

    Ticket booklets for the first- and second-round games at Colonial Life Arena are available online.

  • Shane Beamer Sticks to Tradition as South Carolina Confronts Key Challenges and Uncertain CFP Future

    Shane Beamer’s Leadership: Steady Amid Challenges

    In a season where expectations often ran high, Shane Beamer concluded with a 9-4 overall record. While some might see this as a less-than-remarkable finish, Beamer’s steadfast leadership stands out, primarily defined by his refusal to bow to shifting trends. Instead of yielding to pressures such as canceling traditional spring games, Beamer remained committed to time-honored practices, even as many called for change.

    A Commitment to Tradition

    Beamer’s approach has earned the admiration of fans who value consistency and a deep respect for the program’s rich history. Despite growing calls to abandon conventional methods, Beamer has stayed true to what he believes fosters long-term success. His focus on maintaining a strong foundation rather than chasing quick fixes reflects his philosophy of stability, a perspective that many believe is crucial for the program’s future.

    Facing New Challenges

    While the team’s performance this season was respectable, questions still linger about its ability to compete at the highest levels. The 9-4 record hasn’t been enough to fully silence doubts about the program’s readiness for elite postseason play. As discussions continue, the program must confront significant challenges in order to determine its future direction.

    Looking Ahead: Tradition Meets Innovation

    As the team stands at a crossroads, the upcoming seasons will be pivotal in balancing the preservation of tradition with the demands of modern college football. The decisions made during this time will shape the program’s trajectory, with a delicate balance between honoring its legacy and embracing necessary innovation in pursuit of postseason success. The path forward will be crucial for Shane Beamer and the team as they look to secure a place among the nation’s football elite.

    Previous news……

    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.

  • South Carolina Women’s Basketball Comes Close to Reclaiming Top Spot in AP Rankings

     

    Earlier this season, Head Coach Dawn Staley made a statement that her team wins and loses “at the time [they] need to”—a comment that many questioned after the Gamecocks suffered back-to-back losses to Texas and UConn in February. But following a commanding 64-45 victory over the Longhorns to capture the SEC Tournament title this Sunday, it’s clear that Staley was right all along.

    The win marked South Carolina’s third consecutive season completing a full SEC Championship sweep, with the Gamecocks clinching both the SEC regular season and tournament titles for 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025.

    And there’s more news to share. On Monday, as the AP Poll updated its rankings, the Gamecocks saw a significant rise, securing the No. 2 spot. Last week, South Carolina ranked 5th, but now they are positioned just behind UCLA (1st), and ahead of UConn (3rd), Southern Cal (4th), and Texas (5th).

    Here’s how the AP Top 25 rankings look, including the first-place votes:

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

    Moving forward, the Gamecocks won’t be playing this week, as women’s basketball teams take a break while some smaller conference tournaments wrap up their championship finals. But mark your calendars for Selection Sunday, March 16th, when fans can tune in at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN (also available on the ESPN app) to see where South Carolina lands.

    Thanks to their stellar performance in the SEC Tournament, South Carolina is almost guaranteed to secure a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, with a strong possibility of earning the overall No. 1 seed as well. With the Gamecocks likely heading to the Birmingham region, USC fans will get the chance to support their team closer to home. The Gamecocks are set to play their first two NCAA Tournament games at Colonial Life Arena, before potentially heading to Birmingham for the rest of their March Madness journey.

    Stay tuned for more updates on the Gamecocks as we approach Selection Sunday

  • Horns’ Late Rally Falls Short in Heartbreaking SEC Championship Loss to Gamecocks

    The SEC Women’s Basketball Championship, the Texas Longhorns suffered a disappointing defeat to the South Carolina Gamecocks, falling 64-45. The game was plagued by mistakes, as Texas committed 17 turnovers, shot just 29.6 percent from the field, and racked up 11 personal fouls—certainly a recipe for disaster.

    At halftime, the Longhorns were already facing a 17-point deficit, having scored a mere 16 points—the fewest first-half points by the AP No. 1 team in the last decade. By the time the final buzzer sounded, South Carolina had cruised to victory.

    This was a shocking performance from a team that had dominated most of their season, with the only blemish being an earlier loss to South Carolina. The Longhorns’ turnovers, lackluster defense, and a noticeable dip in energy allowed the Gamecocks to control both ends of the court with ease.

    After the first quarter, Texas head coach Vic Schaefer emphasized the need to cut down on mistakes, something the team had improved upon during their semifinal win over LSU. However, they couldn’t correct enough issues to keep up with South Carolina’s consistent play.

    While South Carolina wasn’t flawless, the Gamecocks had a noticeable advantage in rest, having played their semifinal game earlier on Saturday, and their experience in SEC Championship play seemed to make a difference. South Carolina shot 42.9 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from beyond the arc—more than doubling Texas’ three-point shooting efficiency.

    Entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed despite being the No. 1 team in the nation (due to a coin toss), Texas had less rest between matchups, which appeared to take a toll on their performance. In contrast, South Carolina seemed to be the fresher team throughout the game.

    While this loss likely won’t knock Texas out of a No. 1 seed for the upcoming March Madness, it almost certainly secures that spot for South Carolina. NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Selection Sunday is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on March 16.

    More news…..

    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!

  • Prediction for SEC Tournament Championship: South Carolina’s Dawn Staley vs. Texas’ Madison Booker

    Live from Bon Secours Wellness Arena, we’re gearing up for a thrilling showdown between No. 1 seed South Carolina and No. 2 seed Texas in the SEC Tournament Championship, a matchup that holds even more weight this time around. These two powerhouse teams are set to face off for the third time this season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This game will decide the SEC tournament champion, with tipoff scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. (ESPN).

    Both teams finished the regular season as co-champions of the SEC, with a coin flip needed to determine the top seed between the Gamecocks (29-3) and the Longhorns (31-2). Here’s what you need to know heading into this crucial contest.

    What happened the last time South Carolina played Texas?

    The last time South Carolina met Texas was on February 9 in Austin, where the Gamecocks suffered their first conference loss of the season, falling 66-62. South Carolina struggled offensively, shooting just 21-of-57 from the floor and hitting only five of 19 attempts from beyond the arc. The team had a particularly tough time in the fourth quarter, finishing at a mere 26.67% with just four of 15 shots made. Despite tying the game six times, South Carolina never held the lead.

    Madison Booker’s performance against South Carolina’s defense

    Madison Booker, the standout sophomore for Texas, had a mixed bag of performances against South Carolina this season. In the first meeting on January 12, South Carolina held Booker to just seven points on 3-of-19 shooting, with the Gamecocks securing a 67-50 victory at home in Columbia. However, in the rematch in Austin, Booker found her rhythm, scoring 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Over two games, Booker has totaled 27 points, shooting 10-of-30 from the field. For the season, Booker averages 16.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and has been consistent, scoring in double digits in all but one game since that victory over South Carolina.

    Dawn Staley vs. Vic Schaefer: A history of competition

    When it comes to coaching head-to-head, South Carolina’s Dawn Staley has a clear upper hand over Texas’ Vic Schaefer, with a 14-4 overall record. While Schaefer did earn the most recent victory with Texas, Staley has a strong history against him, especially in SEC tournament matchups. Staley has beaten Schaefer in the SEC tournament finals four times—in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020—while Schaefer’s Mississippi State team got the better of South Carolina in the 2019 SEC championship game. Schaefer, who was recently named the 2025 SEC Coach of the Year, will need to find a way to crack Staley’s defensive schemes if Texas is to succeed again.

    Key factors for Sunday’s championship game

    • Defense in the post: In their previous loss, South Carolina struggled to contain Texas‘ taller post players. Dawn Staley had to make adjustments, pulling Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards due to post defense issues. On Sunday, Staley will need both forwards to step up and deliver defensively in the paint.
    • 3-point shooting: The Longhorns beat South Carolina without a single made 3-pointer in their previous encounter. As Texas ranks near the bottom of the SEC in 3-point attempts, forcing them into uncomfortable situations beyond the arc could disrupt their offensive rhythm.
    • Sania Feagin and Bree Hall in sync: One of the key defensive strategies for South Carolina in their earlier win was how Bree Hall kept Booker in check while Sania Feagin provided strong help defense. This combination made it difficult for Booker to create shots and set up her teammates, a tactic South Carolina will likely rely on again.
    • Consistent effort: The Longhorns are ranked No. 1 in the nation, and if South Carolina lets up at any point, Texas will make them pay. Rebounding and securing second-chance opportunities will be vital to South Carolina‘s success in this game. Every loose ball and rebound will matter.

    Score prediction for the SEC Tournament Championship

    With everything on the line, I predict South Carolina will come out on top, winning 85-77. The Gamecocks are hungry for redemption and poised to take home the SEC tournament title. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament!

  • WATCH: Kyle Kennard of South Carolina Discusses Potential Move to the Chiefs

    The Chiefs Eye Potential Partner for George Karlaftis

    In a crucial move to strengthen their defense, the Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly eyeing former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard as a potential fit alongside George Karlaftis. Kennard, fresh from his meeting with the Chiefs at the NFL Scouting Combine, spoke candidly about his excitement over the possibility of joining the team and playing with Karlaftis.

    Kennard shared his thoughts on potentially becoming a part of the Chiefs’ defensive lineup and the prospect of teaming up with Karlaftis. His comments during the Combine highlight his eagerness and confidence about contributing to the Chiefs’ ambitions.

    The Chiefs need a powerful addition to their defense if they’re to reclaim their Super Bowl title, and Kennard could be the key piece they’re looking for.

    Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes, reflecting on the team’s recent Super Bowl LIX loss, expressed his thoughts on the impact of turnovers. When asked about them, Mahomes said, “Yeah, credit to the Eagles, man. They played better than us from start to finish. We didn’t start how we wanted to. Obviously, the turnovers hurt, and I mean, I just gotta, I take all the blame for that. Those early turnovers swing the momentum of the game, and then they capitalized on them, and they scored on the one, and then they got a touchdown immediately after, so that’s 14 points that I kinda gave them, and it’s hard to come back from that in the Super Bowl, and so, just didn’t play to my standard and I have to be better next time.”

    Discussing the interceptions he threw, Mahomes explained, “Yeah, the kid [Cooper DeJean] made a great play. He sat underneath [Xavier] Worthy, and I tried to reset back and throw it across the field to D-Hop [DeAndre Hopkins] and put it in a tight window, and he made a great play on it and then returned it for a touchdown. And then the second interception, I was trying to throw it to Hollywood [Brown], got bumped a little bit, but still can’t, gotta find a way to make the throw and it kind of sailed behind Hollywood and went right to the linebacker.”

    Reflecting on the Eagles’ defense, Mahomes continued, “Yeah, they played great. There’s no way around it, they played great from start to finish. They got after it, defensive line played really well. The DBs played well to complement them and linebackers as well. And so, like I said, I can’t turn the ball over early in the game when it’s not going our way, and I’ll have to learn from that and try to be better the next opportunity that I hopefully get.”

    Finally, comparing the loss to the Tampa Bay Super Bowl defeat, Mahomes admitted, “Um, I mean, both sucked. There’s no way around it. Anytime you lose a Super Bowl, it’s the worst feeling in the world. They’ll stick with you the rest of your career. I mean, these will be the two losses that will motivate me to be even better for the rest of my career because you only get so few of these, and you have to capitalize on these, and they hurt probably more than the wins feel good.”

    It’s clear that the Chiefs are looking to make necessary changes, and with Kennard possibly joining the ranks, the team may have the defensive boost it needs for another Super Bowl run. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring you the latest from the NFL Combine.

  • Top South Carolina football recruiting target named Player of the Year in basketball

    Darius Gray

    In the spotlight today is Darius Gray, a 4-star offensive lineman from St. Christopher’s School, who is quickly becoming one of South Carolina’s top targets in the 2026 football recruiting class. At 6’3″ and 285 pounds, Gray is known for his unique blend of size, strength, and athleticism, which he showcases both on the football field and the basketball court.

    This weekend, Gray was honored with a major achievement on the hardwood, earning Co-Prep League Player of the Year in Virginia after a standout junior season. His basketball team, St. Christopher’s, recently finished second in their conference tournament, and now they are gearing up for a chance to make a run in the state playoffs starting this week.

    Gray’s basketball numbers this February have been nothing short of impressive. In just a few games, he posted a 38-point, 15-rebound performance, followed by 23 points and 11 rebounds, and even 21 points and 19 rebounds in another game.

    On the football field, Gray is just as dominant. He earned Virginia All-State honors, excelling as both an offensive and defensive lineman. Additionally, he was named a Navy All-American as a junior. His basketball skills translate well to football, with his strong hands and quick feet aiding his pass protection and allowing him to maul defenders in the run game. Gray’s relentless motor is another key factor, evident in his game film filled with plays that go “until the whistle.”

    At the college level, Gray is expected to line up as an interior offensive lineman, though his experience as a high school tackle will undoubtedly help him transition to the next level.

    Gray is currently considering a variety of schools, with official visits scheduled to South Carolina, Georgia, Penn State, Virginia, Tennessee, Auburn, LSU, Clemson, and Virginia Tech. He’s also been in talks with Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon, and Alabama.

    In the most recent On3 rankings, which aggregate data from four recruiting services, Gray comes in at No. 40 nationally for the 2026 class, No. 2 in Virginia, and No. 3 nationally among interior offensive linemen.

    As it stands, South Carolina is currently favored to land Gray, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine. While the Gamecocks are positioning themselves strongly, Gray’s interest in other top programs remains significant.

    When asked about South Carolina this winter, Gray shared his admiration for the team, citing that *”the people there” *were a major factor in his growing affection for the program. He continued, “They’re doing everything the right way. They’re really starting to get the things they want and that’s winning a lot of games. It’s great to see them get what they want and [them] doing it the right way. The main thing is the people there. That’s the biggest thing.”

    For more updates on Gray’s recruitment, be sure to follow South Carolina football discussions on The Insiders Forum.

    This report was originally posted on On3.

  • Several South Carolina Gamecocks Featured on Top-100 Players List

    The South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for the 2025 College Football season with high expectations and significant talent on their roster. Coming off a solid 9-3 regular season, the Gamecocks are ready to face off against some of the toughest competition in the Southeastern Conference.

    With the season ahead, there’s plenty to be excited about in Columbia. The Gamecocks not only boast one of college football’s most promising quarterbacks in LaNorris Sellers, but they also have a roster filled with talent that head coach Shane Beamer has meticulously built.

    The latest Top-100 Returning College Football rankings have just been released, and several Gamecocks have made their mark.

    Here’s a closer look at the Gamecocks on the top-100 player list:

    No. 88 – WR, Nyck Harbor
    The former track star has committed himself fully to football this offseason, focusing exclusively on the sport. This dedication could lead to significant progress in Harbor’s game. The wide receiver’s raw talent is undeniable, and if he can refine his skills, the Gamecocks could see a breakout year from him.

    No. 11 – QB, LaNorris Sellers
    In just his first year as a starter, Sellers showed flashes of brilliance, earning considerable excitement as he enters his sophomore season. Sellers is arguably the best ball carrier on the Gamecocks roster, and his development as both a passer and a football IQ builder has fans eager to see his growth in year two.

    No. 2 – EDGE, Dylan Stewart
    As a freshman, Dylan Stewart made a name for himself with his incredible pass-rushing abilities, earning him a spot among the best at his position. The hype surrounding Stewart heading into his second year is palpable, with many believing he could be even more dangerous this season after an already impressive debut.

    The Gamecocks are in a strong position as they prepare for another exciting season, with these key players leading the charge. Fans are already anticipating what this talented squad will achieve on the field in 2025.

    More news….

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

    Brady Hunt

    In a significant development for South Carolina football, Brady Hunt, a 6-foot-5, 253-pound tight end, has signed a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the Gamecocks’ official collective, The Garnet Trust, ensuring his return to the program for the upcoming season.

    Hunt, who transferred to South Carolina from Ball State last offseason, was part of the Gamecocks’ three-man tight end rotation in 2024 alongside Joshua Simon and Michael Smith. He made valuable contributions during the season, recording two receptions for 22 yards, including a key first-down grab late in the victory over Missouri. Known for his versatility both as a blocker and a receiver, Hunt is expected to take on an even larger role next season, especially with Simon having exhausted his eligibility.

    Before joining South Carolina, Hunt had an impressive 2022 season at Ball State, where he caught 46 passes for 498 yards and five touchdowns. His strong performance at Ball State and subsequent transfer to the Gamecocks highlight his potential to become a key player in South Carolina’s offensive game plan.

    This new NIL deal underscores the Gamecocks’ commitment to player retention, with The Garnet Trust playing a crucial role in securing such agreements. Retaining players like Hunt is essential for the program’s continued success, and head coach Shane Beamer has stressed the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining open communication to keep the team unified and motivated.