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In an exciting development for South Carolina basketball, Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks are once again heading to the NCAA Tournament after the bracket was revealed on Sunday night. This marks the team’s pursuit of a second-consecutive national championship and a fifth-straight Final Four appearance.

South Carolina earned the No. 1 seed in the Birmingham 2 region after finishing the regular season with a stellar 30-3 record and dominating the SEC Tournament. However, the selection committee named UCLA (30-2) the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, a decision that has sparked some controversy.

The decision may have been influenced by the Gamecocks’ loss to the Bruins in November, where UCLA handed South Carolina their first defeat of the season with a decisive 77-62 victory. Despite this, Dawn Staley expressed her frustration with the committee’s decision shortly after the full bracket was released.

“I mean, obviously, it’s disappointing,” Staley remarked. “It really is. To get some feedback on how they came to that conclusion because we put together and manufactured a schedule that, if done right, it should produce the overall No. 1 seed. But I will say this: we are going to make adjustments to our schedule in the future… If that’s the standard, then we can play any schedule and get the No. 1 seed.”

Despite South Carolina’s tough competition, facing 15 top-25 teams this season compared to UCLA’s 12, the selection committee did take into account the strength of the Big Ten, which had a record 12 teams selected into the tournament field, compared to the SEC’s 10.

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks will begin their tournament run against No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech on Friday at 4:00 p.m. ET in Columbia, S.C.

As the defending national champions, South Carolina enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament with a No. 1 seed in the Birmingham 2 Region, marking their fifth consecutive year as a top seed and their ninth under head coach Dawn Staley. Although UCLA claims the overall No. 1 seed, the Gamecocks are poised to defend their crown as they open play against No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech on Friday at 4 p.m. (ESPN).

The road to back-to-back titles is lined with formidable challenges, including a regional bracket packed with powerful offenses and star players, along with a couple of familiar rivals. South Carolina’s first opponent is Tennessee Tech, guided by Kim Rosamond, who is making her second NCAA Tournament appearance in the past three years.

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks could face either Utah or Indiana in the second round. Both teams are known for their deadly 3-point shooting, and although they remain strong, South Carolina has already seen success against them in past seasons. The Gamecocks defeated Utah at home last year and overcame Indiana in the Sweet 16. With key players like Mackenzie Holmes (Indiana) and Alissa Pili (Utah) gone, this should be a more manageable matchup for South Carolina.

If South Carolina advances to the Sweet 16, the competition will intensify. No. 4 seed Maryland, with the 15th-best offense in the nation, could be their next challenge. The Terrapins are led by senior guard Shyanne Sellers, though her recent knee injury raises concerns about her availability. When healthy, Maryland is an elite contender, but if Sellers is limited, that could give the Gamecocks an edge.

The potential for a matchup with SEC rival Alabama in the second weekend is also looming. As a No. 5 seed, Alabama has its highest seed in over two decades. South Carolina defeated Alabama 76-58 earlier this season, although Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama’s star guard) missed that game due to injury. Alabama will be looking for redemption, with Barker back to full strength.

There are also two mid-major teams that could make a splash in the Birmingham 2 Region: Green Bay and Norfolk State. Norfolk State features Diamond Johnson, the MEAC Player of the Year, who could challenge Maryland’s defense with her ability to break down opponents off the dribble. Meanwhile, Green Bay is known for its ability to control the game’s pace and spread the floor effectively, making them a dangerous underdog.

As South Carolina progresses, a regional rivalry could heat up in the Elite Eight. Duke, the No. 2 seed, is coming off its first ACC Tournament title in over a decade, and the Gamecocks will be looking to defend their earlier season win over the Blue Devils. On the other hand, No. 3 North Carolina might present another threat. They have their highest seed since 2013, but the health of point guard Reniya Kelly, who has been a key contributor, will be pivotal for their tournament hopes. The Gamecocks have already bested the Tar Heels in last year’s tournament.

West Virginia, the No. 6 seed, is also a tough opponent with a pair of standout guards, JJ Quinerly and Jordan Harrison, who are complemented by one of the nation’s best defenses. With their experience from last year’s tournament run, they could prove dangerous. Similarly, No. 7 Vanderbilt boasts a potent scoring duo in Mikayla Blakes and Khamil Pierre, making them a potential threat if they get hot.

Despite these challenges, South Carolina has a clear path to the Final Four. With their deep roster, extensive tournament experience, and proven ability to win tough games, the Gamecocks are well-positioned to make another deep run in March Madness and defend their national title.

Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses.

COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s women’s basketball team may be disappointed with being seeded as the No. 2 overall team, but they still claim one of the four coveted No. 1 regional spots.

The Gamecocks will begin their tournament journey on Friday at 4 p.m. (ESPN) at home in the Birmingham 2 Region, where they’ll face off against No. 16 Tennessee Tech (26-5).

At 30-3, South Carolina, the defending national champions, find themselves in unfamiliar territory compared to their undefeated season in 2024. Head coach Dawn Staley and her squad are hoping to recapture that championship magic in 2025. Will they pull it off?

Here’s a look at why South Carolina has the potential to become back-to-back national champions — and what could stand in their way.

Why South Carolina Can Win Their Fourth National Title

One of South Carolina’s biggest strengths is its depth. No team boasts a more productive bench than the Gamecocks, who average 41.5 points per game. This impressive statistic not only leads the nation but is nearly 10 points more than the second-best team, Illinois-Chicago (32.4).

Staley has successfully rotated players in and out, knowing that whoever steps onto the court can contribute both offensively and defensively. With a deep and versatile roster, South Carolina has been able to out-run opponents, leaving teams struggling to keep up.

What’s even more impressive is that Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley, the team’s two leading scorers, come off the bench. This dynamic can prove challenging for opponents, especially when they’re already fatigued from dealing with South Carolina’s starters.

South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Experience

The Gamecocks’ NCAA tournament experience is another major advantage. South Carolina has made it to the Final Four for the last four years. Unlike teams such as Texas and Southern Cal, who also hold No. 1 seeds but lack extensive tournament experience, South Carolina has three starters who have participated in three Final Fours and won two national titles. This wealth of experience could give the Gamecocks the edge when navigating the mental and physical demands of March Madness.

Additionally, South Carolina has already faced some of the top teams in the Birmingham Regions. The Gamecocks have defeated Texas (No. 1 in Birmingham 4), TCU (No. 2 seed), Duke (No. 2), Alabama (No. 5), and Michigan (No. 6). This familiarity with top competition will be crucial as they move toward a potential Sweet 16 or Elite Eight.

Inconsistent Offense Could Derail Title Hopes

Despite their dominance, South Carolina has struggled with offensive inconsistency, especially in their three losses this season. At times, the Gamecocks have appeared hesitant, not necessarily because of strong opposing defenses but due to their own lack of aggression. This changed during the SEC Tournament, when Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin began to take charge and demand the ball more.

South Carolina has been plagued by self-inflicted errors — one poor shooting night or a lack of offensive flow could lead to an early exit from the tournament.

South Carolina March Madness Prediction: Dawn Staley Claims Fourth National Title

The Gamecocks have had moments of brilliance, where they look unstoppable, but they’ve also shown signs of vulnerability. Still, they’ve managed to grow stronger with each game, particularly with their defensive prowess.

South Carolina possesses the talent and experience necessary to repeat as champions. Despite some critics who may be feeling “Dawn Staley fatigue,” the head coach could very well secure her fourth national title.

The NCAA women’s basketball tournament field is set, and for the third consecutive year, the regional rounds will be held at two neutral sites. The top 16 seeds in the 68-team bracket will host the first and second rounds. Spokane, Washington, will welcome half of the Sweet 16, while Birmingham, Alabama, will host the other eight teams.

The excitement will culminate in Tampa, Florida, where the Final Four will take place on April 4, with the national championship game scheduled for April 6.

Tournament Tidbits:

One major surprise this year is the absence of Stanford, ending the Cardinal’s remarkable 36-year streak of NCAA Tournament appearances. This marks the first time since 1987 that Stanford will not participate in the tournament. On the other hand, Tennessee keeps its streak alive, appearing in every NCAA tournament since its inception in 1982. The Lady Vols enter as a five-seed this year.

More news….

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.

Chloe Kitts: South Carolina’s Rising Star Making Waves Both On and Off the Court

South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley has built a powerhouse program, and when she praises a player, it’s a clear sign of their talent. One player who has already captured Staley’s attention is Chloe Kitts, a rising star who made the bold decision to skip her senior year of high school and join the Gamecocks early. Staley has called Kitts, “a dawg playing this game,” showing just how much she believes in the young forward’s potential.

Kitts is making a name for herself in both the basketball world and in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) space. Her dominant performances on the court, coupled with lucrative endorsement deals, are cementing her status as one of the top players in women’s college basketball.

At just 20 years old, the Oviedo, Florida native has already partnered with major brands such as Powerade and Marathon Fuel, highlighting her marketability beyond the hardwood. Despite enrolling nearly six months ahead of her recruiting class—making her ineligible for the McDonald’s All-American Game—Kitts has been highly ranked, finishing as the No. 17 recruit by ESPN in her class.

NIL Deals and Marketability

While her specific NIL valuation isn’t available, Kitts ranks as one of the top players in women’s college basketball. According to On3, she holds the 12th spot in the NIL rankings, with Flau’jae Johnson leading the pack at $1.5 million. Kitts has already secured partnerships with Excel Sports Management, Marathon Fuel, and Carolina Rise, an NIL collective for South Carolina athletes.

In 2023, Kitts made headlines by signing a deal with Powerade on March 27, 2023. This partnership, along with her other endorsements, is just the beginning of what looks like a promising financial future. Kitts was also part of a group of Gamecocks athletes who secured a deal with Marathon Fuel, showcasing the growing influence of the young star off the court.

Recently, on March 13, 2025, Mondelēz—a long-time partner of the NCAA—featured Kitts in a new TV spot alongside other rising stars like JuJu Watkins and Jackson Shelstad, further boosting her visibility. These partnerships demonstrate that Kitts is already preparing for a future beyond college basketball, with financial success potentially awaiting her before she even enters the WNBA.

High School and International Success

In high school, Kitts played her freshman year at The Master’s Academy in Oviedo, where she led the team to a Class 3A state title. She later transferred to DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she continued to dominate, averaging 18.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in her junior year. Her talent was undeniable, and her resume expanded with international accomplishments, including a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain and the 2022 FIBA Under-18 Women’s Americas Championship in Argentina.

 

As of now, Kitts’ net worth and salary remain unclear due to the nature of college athletics. However, the rise of NIL deals has drastically changed the landscape for student-athletes. Being ranked 12th in NIL valuations is an impressive feat for someone so young. On the court, she’s continued to dominate, earning SEC Tournament MVP honors this season after leading the Gamecocks to their third consecutive tournament title.

With her growing skillset, strategic NIL deals, and on-court dominance, Chloe Kitts appears to be on a path to follow in the footsteps of South Carolina legends who have seamlessly transitioned to the WNBA. Her future looks incredibly bright, and the basketball world is taking notice of this young player’s impressive trajectory. Keep an eye on Kitts—she’s quickly becoming one of the biggest names in women’s basketball.

South Carolina Eyes Another NCAA Women’s Basketball Title as Tournament Kicks Off

The NCAA women’s basketball tournament is set to begin this week, and South Carolina is hoping to add to its growing collection of trophies. The Gamecocks, along with UCLA, USC, and Texas, earned a top seed in the 68-team bracket. The tournament kicks off Wednesday and Thursday with the First Four matchups, followed by first-round action starting Friday.

South Carolina enters as the defending champion after claiming the title last year by defeating Iowa in a game watched by 18.7 million viewers, setting a record for a women’s college basketball game. South Carolina also won NCAA championships under coach Dawn Staley in 2022 and 2017.

This year’s Final Four will be held in Tampa, Florida, on April 4, with the national championship scheduled for April 6.

Ahead of the tournament, NBC News took a closer look at the teams and players to watch:

The Top Seed That Concerns Me

Nadkarni weighed in on his concerns, admitting that USC might be the top seed to watch closely. He acknowledged that the Trojans could make a strong case for the No. 1 overall seed after their competitive matchups against UCLA this season. His only concern? USC ranked sixth in the NCAA’s NET rankings with three losses in Quadrant 1, a statistic that he feels raises questions, even if other top seeds share similar numbers.

Greif pointed to Texas, which has excelled defensively, holding opponents to 55.9 points per game and earning the nation’s second-best scoring margin (23.0 points). Despite this, Texas’s 29.6% 3-point shooting, ranked 243rd out of 353 Division I teams, makes him cautious about their chances of advancing deep into the tournament.

Greif also noted that Texas faces tough competition in their region, specifically from No. 2 seed TCU and No. 3 seed Notre Dame. TCU’s experience in the tournament and Notre Dame’s strong season make this an especially challenging path for Texas.

The Cinderella Story of the Tournament

Nadkarni picked Iowa as a potential Cinderella team, citing their impressive 6-2 neutral-site record and six Quadrant 1 wins. While the field is top-heavy, Iowa has the pedigree, particularly with Caitlin Clark leading the way, making them a sleeper team capable of making a run.

Greif also sees South Dakota State as a team to watch. The Jackrabbits, a 10th-seeded team, have dominated their conference, going undefeated for three consecutive seasons and making it to the Sweet 16 in 2019. Their matchup against Oklahoma State could be a pivotal moment, and if they win, they will face the winner of the Connecticut vs. Arkansas State game.

Auerbach singled out Florida Gulf Coast, a team that has always been a tough draw in the tournament due to their strategic play. Under new head coach Chelsea Lyles, the Eagles remain formidable. Harvard, led by star Harmoni Turner, is another team to keep an eye on. A potential second-round upset over North Carolina State could thrust them into the spotlight.

Players I’m Most Excited to Watch

Nadkarni is keeping a close eye on Paige Bueckers from Connecticut. With Bueckers being the undisputed leader for the Huskies and the team looking to make their second consecutive Final Four, it’s expected that she will put on a show in what could be her final tournament.

Greif highlighted Harvard’s Harmoni Turner, who had a standout performance with 44 points in the Ivy League semifinals. Turner has been consistently dominant, and her performances have caught the attention of many.

Auerbach is excited about watching JuJu Watkins from USC, Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame, and Paige Bueckers from Connecticut. Watkins is a remarkable scorer and playmaker who is leading USC on a quest to reach the Final Four for the first time in nearly four decades. Hidalgo has impressed on both ends of the court, and her energy could propel Notre Dame back into form. Bueckers, despite her injury struggles, remains a must-watch player as she looks to go out with a bang in her final tournament.

Final Four and National Title Predictions

Nadkarni picked UCLA, UConn, South Carolina, and Texas to make the Final Four, with UCLA ultimately taking the title.

Greif chose Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, and South Carolina as his Final Four teams, with USC winning the national championship, citing their success against UCLA this season and the dynamic play of JuJu Watkins.

Auerbach predicted UCLA, Duke, Notre Dame, and USC for the Final Four, with USC emerging as national champions, thanks to Watkins leading the way.

The tournament promises to be an exciting ride with some intriguing matchups and standout performances expected. Stay tuned for more coverage as the action unfolds!

South Carolina’s Dawn Staley Speaks Out on Not Being the Top Overall Seed in NCAA Women’s Tournament

As the NCAA women’s tournament seedings were announced on Sunday, South Carolina earned a No. 1 seed. However, for the first time since 2021, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley and her team were not selected as the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. Staley expressed her disappointment and shared her thoughts on the situation.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing. It really is,” Staley commented, according to a post by Matt Dowell on X. She went on to question the reasoning behind the selection process, adding, “I’d like to get some feedback on how they came to that conclusion. Because we put together, manufactured a schedule that, if done right, it should produce the overall No. 1 seed.”

Staley did not hold back, stating that adjustments may be made to future schedules if this is indeed the standard the NCAA follows: “But I will say this. We’re gonna make adjustments to our schedule in the future if the standard is the standard. If that’s the standard, then we can play any schedule and get a No. 1 seed.”

This season, the Gamecocks faced 15 ranked teams, finishing with a 30-3 record. The three losses came at the hands of top-10 teams, including UCLA, the tournament’s overall No. 1 seed.

The Gamecocks will meet Tennessee Tech on Friday at 4:00 PM ET. Following that, they will face the winner of Indiana and Utah in the second round.

Stay tuned for further updates and follow the latest coverage of the South Carolina Gamecocks!

The brackets are officially out, and the three teams joining South Carolina in Columbia are now known. Let’s break down the Gamecocks’ upcoming opponents.

Schedule:

– #8 Utah vs. #9 Indiana – 1:30 ET, Friday, March 21 (ESPN2)
– #1 South Carolina vs. #16 Tennessee Tech – 4:00 ET, Friday, March 21 (ESPN)

#16 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (26-5, 18-2) NET: 128

– All-time series: 4-2
– Tournament series: 0-1 (Tennessee Tech won 77-73 in 1989)
– Best tournament finish: Second round (three AIAW Elite Eight appearances)

Coached by former Ole Miss player Kim Rosamond, the Golden Eagles cruised through the Ohio Valley Conference, and have not lost since January 9. However, their schedule was relatively weak, with no games in Quad 1 or 3 and a 0-2 record in Quad 2 matchups. Their other matchups were against Quad 4 teams. Tennessee Tech is known for its balanced scoring attack, with six players averaging at least 9.6 points per game, and Reghan Grimes leading the way with 12.9 points per game.

#8 Utah Utes (22-8, 13-5) NET: 26

– All-time series: 1-0
– Tournament series: Never met
– Best tournament finish: Elite Eight in 2006

Utah faced a major challenge this season after the loss of Alissa Pili to the WNBA. Then, head coach Lynne Roberts left just four games in to take a job with the LA Sparks, handing over the reins to Gavin Peterson. Under his guidance, the Utes have managed to stay competitive, including a shocking upset of Notre Dame in November. Gianna Kneepkens has been a standout for Utah, averaging 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while shooting 45% from three-point range.

#9 Indiana Hoosiers (19-12, 10-8) NET: 35

– All-time series: 4-2
– Tournament series: 1-0 (South Carolina won 79-75 in 2024)
– Best tournament finish: Elite Eight in 2021

The Hoosiers, dealing with the loss of Mackenzie Holmes to the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, have relied heavily on Yarden Garzon (14.5 points per game) and Sydney Parrish (11.9 points per game). Parrish notably gave South Carolina trouble last season, scoring 21 points to fuel a comeback attempt. Despite a rough start to the season with losses to Harvard and Butler, Indiana has improved significantly, including a notable win over 8 Ohio State and a couple of near upsets against Southern Cal.

Other teams to keep an eye on:

If things go according to plan, South Carolina could face either #4 Maryland or #5 Alabama in a potential Sweet 16 matchup. The Gamecocks already defeated Alabama 76-58 earlier this season in Tuscaloosa, and Dawn Staley has an undefeated record against the Crimson Tide. Meanwhile, Maryland started the season strong with a 14-0 record, but injuries hit them hard in January, and they finished the season 9-7.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we head into the tournament.

In a heartbreaking turn of events on Saturday, South Carolina State’s hopes of securing the MEAC’s automatic NCAA tournament bid were dashed in the final moments of their game against Norfolk State. With just eight seconds left in regulation, Caleb McCarty committed a costly reach-in foul on Norfolk State’s Christian Ings after McCarty had just tied the game at 65-65 with a layup. McCarty had capitalized on a steal attempt by Jayden Johnson, but in a critical lapse, he fouled Ings as he advanced the ball up the court, likely unaware that the score was tied.

Instead of sending Norfolk State to the foul line to stop the clock and potentially regain possession, McCarty’s foul gave Ings two free throws. Ings made one of two, putting Norfolk State ahead 66-65. The Bulldogs still had a chance, as Drayton Jones grabbed the rebound from Ings’ missed free throw, setting up Johnson for a potential game-winner. Unfortunately, Johnson’s shot fell short at the buzzer, handing Norfolk State the 66-65 victory and the MEAC’s automatic NCAA bid.

Christian Ings led Norfolk State with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Brian Moore Jr. added 16 points and seven rebounds, along with two steals. The Spartans, who finished the season 24-10 and 11-3 in the MEAC, now await their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2022.

For South Carolina State, who held a 34-25 lead at halftime, Wilson Dubinsky had a standout performance, scoring a game-high 24 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range. Omar Croskey was the only other Bulldog in double digits, contributing 10 points. Despite their strong performance, South Carolina State finishes the season with a 20-13 record, also 11-3 in the MEAC, and will have to wait another year to break their 22-year NCAA tournament drought.

Shane Beamer isn’t backing down—while many programs are opting to cancel their spring games, the South Carolina head coach is embracing the tradition. Instead of pulling the plug, he’s lighting the fuse for another exciting season of Gamecock football, and the stage is set to shine under the lights in Columbia. Beamer fully understands the pressure and expectations ahead, and at the heart of this pivotal season? LaNorris Sellers. The quarterback who led South Carolina to a thrilling six-game winning streak last year, igniting a fanbase in desperate need of a true game-changer. But with the tough schedule on the horizon, Sellers has to be more than just good—he needs to be exceptional. The kind of quarterback who doesn’t simply win games, but defines a season. And for South Carolina’s 2025 campaign, it may all hinge on one game.

Mark your calendars: October 25th, South Carolina vs. Alabama at Williams-Brice Stadium. This matchup is already shaping up to be one of the most crucial games of the year for both teams. J.D. PicKell, On3’s national analyst, didn’t hesitate to call it a potential playoff-deciding clash, saying, “I don’t want to be overly dramatic, but this could be a playoff game. October 25th could be a playoff game for both sides.” The SEC playoff race is as tight as it gets, with South Carolina, Alabama, and Ole Miss all battling for a spot. For the Gamecocks, this is a moment to prove they belong in the College Football Playoff conversation. And it’s not just about defeating Alabama—it’s about avoiding the same nightmare scenario they faced last year.

PicKell made it clear that South Carolina cannot afford to enter the Clemson game needing a last-minute résumé boost, saying, “Don’t leave it up to a spot like last year where you’re playing Clemson in the Palmetto Bowl and you’re like, ‘Okay, can we boost the résumé enough to get in?’ Don’t have that conversation. Just feel good enough that last game of the season because it took care of business against Alabama to get into the college football playoff that the Clemson game is gonna be is either for seeding or it’s going to be a game before the SEC title game.”

The road to that crucial Alabama game is no easy feat—LSU, Oklahoma, and Alabama stand in their way. After that, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Clemson loom large. This brutal stretch could either catapult South Carolina into elite territory or leave them fighting for air by season’s end. Beamer’s squad must be ready, and the key to their success? LaNorris Sellers.

PicKell raised the critical question: “Now the decider for this game for me is all about LaNorris Sellers. Is he Clark Kent or is he Superman?” The reality is, Alabama’s roster is as deep and battle-tested as ever, and while South Carolina has been closing the talent gap, Sellers needs to be more than just solid—he needs to be the best player on the field, stepping up in the biggest moments and turning this marquee matchup into his personal highlight reel.

The good news? Sellers has already proven he can carry this team. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and composure under pressure make him a star in the making. If he rises to the occasion, South Carolina could be an absolute force. And with Clayton White in his sixth year as defensive coordinator, there’s confidence building on that side of the ball too. PicKell noted the Gamecocks’ defense is in a better place this year, saying, “There’s a lot more confidence this year during the spring practice period around that defense.” That continuity, along with a stellar Sellers, could propel South Carolina into the national conversation, especially with Kalen DeBoer working with a group of fresh, five-star quarterbacks at Alabama.

For Beamer and the Gamecocks, the time for excuses and what-ifs is over. October 25th is coming fast, and with it, the chance to define a new era of South Carolina football.

In a time when many programs are scaling back or canceling their spring games, Beamer isn’t giving in. Talking with ESPN’s Heather Dinich, Beamer explained why he’s sticking to the tradition of a spring game. Despite the trend to move away from spring games, Beamer sees invaluable benefits, especially for his young players. “We don’t get preseason games in college football,” Beamer said. “I’ve got an opportunity with all of these freshmen—the last game they played in was in high school—and I’ve got an opportunity to let them play a game in front of tens of thousands of people.”

This exposure is critical. Instead of being thrown into the high-pressure season opener, Beamer is giving his players a chance to experience a game in front of a big crowd. “They get a chance to perform in front of a big crowd as opposed to the first time they’re playing a game in front of a crowd is the first game of the season over in Atlanta against Virginia Tech,” Beamer added.

For Beamer, the spring game is all about building confidence, gaining real game reps, and preparing for the challenges ahead. The Gamecocks are on the rise, and the path to success starts now.