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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.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are looking to claim the series victory against the Oklahoma Sooners.

After falling to Oklahoma in the opening game on Friday, the Gamecocks bounced back on Saturday in impressive fashion, tying the series 1-1. South Carolina erupted offensively, racking up 14 hits and scoring 11 runs. The pitching staff also delivered a strong performance, allowing just five runs.

This sets the stage for Sunday’s pivotal game, which will serve as a rubber match. With a win, the Gamecocks could take their first conference series of the season.

For Sunday’s showdown, South Carolina is set to start Dylan Eskew (Sr. RHP), who has posted a 0-1 record with a 1.69 ERA over 16 innings so far this season. Eskew’s most recent performance was a solid outing, allowing just one run on three hits over six innings against LSU. His 19 strikeouts and 12 walks on the season demonstrate his ability to control the game.

For Oklahoma, Cam Johnson (So. LHP) is projected to start. Johnson brings a 2-0 record and a 3.93 ERA over 18.1 innings. The Sooners are hoping Johnson can deliver a strong start after a mixed series so far.

With both pitching staffs experiencing ups and downs, both teams will need to ensure their starters and bullpens deliver solid performances to secure the win on Sunday.

The game is scheduled for a 2:30 PM ET start and will be broadcasted on SEC Network+. Following this series, the Gamecocks will face Charleston on Tuesday at a neutral site before their weekend series against Arkansas.

Stay tuned as the Gamecocks aim for the series win!

In a week filled with significant NFL free agency moves, former South Carolina Gamecocks players have been making headlines with new contracts and changes to their teams. With the 2025 season on the horizon, teams have been busy bolstering their rosters, and Gamecock fans are keeping a close eye on where their former stars land. Let’s dive into the latest updates on ex-Gamecocks in the NFL.

NFL free agency is always a thrilling time for fans across the country, with excitement (and sometimes disappointment) over which transactions their teams did or didn’t make. For college football fans, it’s a chance to track the futures of their favorite former players. Fans of the Gamecocks are no different.

This week, four former Gamecocks signed new deals to continue their NFL careers, while two are still searching for their next opportunities. Here’s the breakdown of where they ended up:

Leading the charge is Javon Kinlaw, who has had a standout offseason. After starting 17 games last season for the New York Giants, the former Gamecocks defensive lineman has now landed with the Washington Commanders. Kinlaw signed a three-year, $45 million contract, which includes a hefty $30 million in guaranteed money.

Ernest Jones IV, the dynamic linebacker, has had a whirlwind year. After being traded from Los Angeles to Tennessee, he was once again moved midseason, this time to Seattle. Jones has seemingly found his new home with the Seahawks, as he inked a three-year extension worth $33 million.

Deebo Samuel Sr., a versatile weapon for the San Francisco 49ers during their recent championship runs, was allowed to seek a trade after the team faced salary cap constraints. The Washington Commanders are the lucky recipients of Samuel’s talents, hoping his ability to be used in multiple roles will help energize their offense.

Meanwhile, Rico Dowdle, who gave stability to the Dallas Cowboys running back group, has been rewarded for his excellent performance last season, which included rushing for 1,079 yards. Dowdle has signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Israel Mukuamu, known for his versatility as a defensive back and special teams standout, will return to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal. Mukuamu had a career-high 19 tackles and 2 interceptions last season, showing his value on the field.

One of the big winners this offseason is Jaycee Horn, the Carolina Panthers’ standout defensive back. Horn has secured a five-year, $100 million extension, which includes $70 million in guarantees, making him the highest-paid defensive back entering the 2025 season. Horn has shown when healthy that he’s one of the top cornerbacks in the league.

However, not all former Gamecocks have found new homes yet. Stephon Gilmore, once one of the league’s top defenders, is now in the twilight of his career but remains unsigned as he awaits the right opportunity. Similarly, Hayden Hurst, the tight end, is still searching for a new deal.

As NFL free agency continues, Gamecock fans will be keeping an eye on the futures of these players, hoping to see more of their former stars shine in the upcoming season.

Stay tuned for more updates and follow the latest coverage on Gamecock players as they make their mark in the NFL.

The Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of a difficult season, and it seems things may get even worse. NBA insider Shams Charania recently revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that the NBA has opened an investigation into the team due to a series of notable absences. “I’m told the Philadelphia 76ers are another team the NBA has started an investigation on and looked into,” Charania said, speaking on the Pat McAfee Show (6:13 mark). “Just based on, you’ve had Tyrese Maxey miss time, we know Paul George has missed time.”

The rise of load management has sparked controversy, as teams sit out star players for the sake of injury prevention. The league has cracked down on this practice, investigating injuries and fining teams found violating the policy. “I think with Philadelphia, it looks a little bit more legitimate, maybe,” Shams added. “Because you think about Tyrese Maxey, he’s been banged up all year. And Paul George, the five games before the All-Star break in February, I’m told Paul George was playing with pain-killing injections.”

Recently, the Utah Jazz were fined $100,000 for shutting down Lauri Markkanen for the remainder of the season, signaling the league’s serious stance against teams not playing their star players, even when there’s little left to compete for.

As for the 76ers, their season is essentially over. With a dismal 22-43 record, they sit 13th in the standings, five games behind the final play-in spot. The team’s hopes were high after acquiring Paul George last summer, but the 76ers have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Faced with a bleak future, it seems the 76ers have opted to rest their key players rather than risk any further injuries that could impact their chances next year.

It started with Joel Embiid, who has only played 19 games this season due to ongoing issues with his left knee. Despite averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 44% shooting, the 76ers made the decision to shut him down. Meanwhile, Paul George has also been sidelined by groin and knee injuries and is expected to be out until next October. The team is likely to attempt to trade him in the offseason.

Tyrese Maxey, the youngest of the star trio, is also dealing with injuries. Tonight marks his fourth consecutive missed game due to a lower back sprain and finger sprain, though doubts remain over whether his absence is purely injury-related. For a team with little left to play for this season, it seems the 76ers have made the decision to rest their top players, keeping their focus on the long-term future despite the penalties they may face. After all, for the 76ers, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on their stars may be worth any fine they incur.

In a live update, Charlie Creme from ESPN has projected the South Carolina Gamecocks as the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament, as of Sunday morning. According to the latest bracketology, the Gamecocks are set to host in Columbia, within the Birmingham 1 Region. Their bracket could include matchups against South Dakota State (No. 8), Georgia Tech (No. 9), and the winner of a First Four game between Southern and High Point (No. 16).

South Carolina has been consistently projected as a No. 1 seed for about a month, with a brief dip to a No. 2 seed following their loss to UConn on February 16. However, after securing victory in every game since then, they have reclaimed their spot as the No. 1 seed. The Gamecocks’ strong performance, including their recent win over Texas in the SEC Tournament championship, solidified their top position in March Madness projections.

If UCLA secures the No. 1 overall seed, South Carolina could land in the Birmingham 4 Region.

Looking at the Gamecocks’ NCAA Tournament resume, their NET ranking has dropped to second, with UConn maintaining the top spot. South Carolina’s impressive record includes an 8-2 performance on the road, 8-0 on neutral courts, and 14-1 at home. In terms of quad games, they’ve gone 16-3 in Quad 1, 4-0 in Quad 2, 3-0 in Quad 3, and 7-0 in Quad 4. No team has more Quad 1 wins than the Gamecocks, who also boast 11 victories over ranked opponents.

When it comes to NCAA Tournament history, South Carolina has been dominant under Dawn Staley, winning three national championships since 2017, most recently going undefeated with a 38-0 season in 2023-24. The Gamecocks have made six Final Four appearances, seven Elite Eight runs, and 14 Sweet 16 appearances. Additionally, they secured their ninth SEC Tournament title on Sunday, marking their third consecutive SEC tournament championship under Staley.

For further coverage, Lulu Kesin of The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network reports on South Carolina athletics. You can reach her via email at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @Lulukesin.

In a live update, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team is hosting an exciting watch party for the 2025 NCAA Tournament Selection Show at the Colonial Life Arena. This special event is happening on Sunday, March 16, and fans are encouraged to join the team for the live viewing of the Selection Show.

Tickets are free for general admission seating in Sections 104-106, as shared by Gamecocks Online, but fans should arrive early to secure their spots. While the Selection Show officially begins at 8 p.m. Eastern, doors will open at 6:30 p.m. to allow fans to participate in a pre-Selection Show event. Parking is also free, but spots are on a first-come, first-served basis in Lots A and B.

At 7 p.m., an hour before the show begins, fans can enjoy a variety of games with the chance to win prizes. Then, at 7:30 p.m., head coach Dawn Staley and the team will host a Q&A session, offering fans a chance to interact directly with the coaching staff and players.

After the Gamecocks’ bracket is revealed, Staley will close out the event with remarks.

This year’s Selection Show is especially exciting for Gamecocks fans, as the team is guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Tournament following their dominant 64-45 win over the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Tournament final, securing their third consecutive SEC title.

For those unable to attend in person, the Selection Show will air live on ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern. The two-hour NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Special Presented by Capital One will be hosted by Elle Duncan, with Holly Rowe reporting, and bracket expert Charlie Creme offering insights, joined by analysts Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo, and Carolyn Peck. Fans can also stream the event on ESPN’s YouTube, Facebook, and the ESPN app.

If you’re also interested in the men’s NCAA Tournament bracket reveal, that will be announced at 6 p.m. Eastern, and can be viewed on CBS or ESPN, or streamed on Paramount+.

In a live report, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team is hosting a watch party for the 2025 NCAA Tournament Selection Show at the Colonial Life Arena. This exciting event will take place on Sunday night, March 16, and is open to all fans who want to join the team in watching the Selection Show.

Tickets for general admission seating in Sections 104-106 are free, according to Gamecocks Online, but fans should arrive early. While the Selection Show will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern, doors open at 6:30 p.m., allowing fans to participate in a pre-Selection Show event. Parking is free, though it’s first-come, first-served in Lots A and B.

At 7 p.m., an hour before the show, fans will have the chance to compete in games for prizes. Then, at 7:30 p.m., head coach Dawn Staley and the team will host a Q&A session.

Once the Gamecocks’ bracket is revealed, Staley will close out the event.

This Selection Show is particularly exciting for fans, as the Gamecocks are guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Tournament after clinching the SEC Tournament title with a dominant 64-45 victory over the Texas Longhorns. This win secured their third consecutive SEC championship.

For those unable to attend in person, the Selection Show will be broadcast live on ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern. The two-hour special, NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Special Presented by Capital One, will be hosted by Elle Duncan, with Holly Rowe reporting, and Charlie Creme offering bracket analysis, alongside analysts Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo, and Carolyn Peck. Fans can stream the event on ESPN’s YouTube, Facebook, or through the ESPN app.

If you’re also looking to catch the men’s NCAA tournament bracket reveal, that will air at 6 p.m. Eastern on CBS or ESPN, or you can stream it on Paramount+.

In a live report, McCoy shared that his exhaustion after the game was more mental than physical.

The majority of Oklahoma’s offensive push came during the third inning. They started strong with two base hits followed by a home run, regaining the lead at 3-1. However, South Carolina responded quickly in the fourth quarter with four hits and a single run, cutting Oklahoma’s lead down after three innings.

Oklahoma initially scored three runs in the first three innings, but after that, they could only add two more. Despite allowing seven hits early on, South Carolina’s defense tightened up, allowing just two more hits the rest of the way, including none between the sixth and ninth innings.

The Gamecocks’ offense didn’t ease up when Oklahoma brought in reliever Michael Catalano in the fifth. South Carolina took advantage of his second pitch, driving it to right field for a base hit. That hit set up a sacrifice fly by Jase Woita, pushing South Carolina’s lead to 6-4. The Sooners weren’t able to escape the inning without giving up another four runs, forcing another pitching change.

Overall, South Carolina scored seven runs, gathered six hits, and sent 16 batters to the plate over two innings. The Gamecocks continued to extend their lead, adding two more runs before the game ended.

“We’re trying to earn people’s respect, you got to go out there and earn that,” Mainieri said. “You earn it by playing well against good teams … There’s never been an ounce of negativity in the dugout, everybody’s been upbeat, positive, believing in themselves. And I think it shows the way our hitters are going up there and attacking the ball … We had some really really clutch hits today that allows you to put a crooked number up on the board.”

In a major achievement for South Carolina women’s basketball, MiLaysia Fulwiley has been named a finalist for the prestigious Dawn Staley Award. The announcement was made on Friday, and Fulwiley now finds herself in elite company, alongside Paige Bueckers of UConn, Juju Watkins from Southern Cal, and Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame.

Named after the Gamecocks’ head coach, Dawn Staley, the award honors the top NCAA Division I women’s basketball player who best exemplifies Staley’s signature qualities on the court: exceptional ball-handling, scoring, passing, and competitiveness. Previous winners of the award from South Carolina include Tiffany Mitchell and Ty Harris.

This season, Fulwiley has been instrumental to the Gamecocks’ success, averaging 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Her growth as a defender has been notable, making her one of the top contributors for South Carolina.

From the South Carolina Athletics release:

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley is officially one of four finalists for the Dawn Staley Award, as announced by the Phoenix Club of Philadelphia. This honor is awarded annually to the NCAA Division I women’s basketball player who embodies the qualities Staley displayed throughout her legendary career – a combination of ball-handling, scoring, distributing the ball, and a relentless will to win.

Earlier this month, Fulwiley was recognized as the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year and earned a spot on the All-SEC Second Team, as voted by the league’s coaches. Her strong performance continued as she was named to the SEC Tournament All-Tournament Team, helping lead the Gamecocks to their third consecutive SEC title. The Columbia, S.C., native is currently second on the team in scoring with 12.0 points per game, including an impressive 13.4 points per game in SEC regular-season play. She has reached double figures in 11 of her last 13 games, with a career-high 24 points scored against Vanderbilt. Fulwiley has been the leading scorer for the Gamecocks in seven games this season.

Fulwiley’s influence grew significantly during SEC play, where she embraced a strong defensive role. She ranks 10th in the league in blocks per conference game, making her the top shot-blocking guard in the SEC, and she also stands 9th in steals per game. She has posted eight games with at least three steals, including a standout performance with five steals against a top-15 opponent.

The No. 2-ranked South Carolina team is awaiting the announcement of their seeding and first-round opponent for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, which will be revealed on Selection Sunday, March 16th, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Fans can follow GamecocksOnline.com and the team’s social media accounts (@GamecockWBB) for the latest updates.

The Dawn Staley Award Finalists:

• Paige Bueckers, UConn
• MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina
• Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
• Juju Watkins, Southern Cal

In an exclusive conversation with host Brad Muller, South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley shared exciting insights about the Gamecocks’ quest to break new attendance records. South Carolina has been the leader in national attendance since the 2014-2015 season, the year A’ja Wilson joined the team, and this year, they have already set new all-time records for both total and average attendance, achieved during their undefeated 2023-2024 national championship campaign. As March approaches, it looks like the Gamecocks could be on track to break those records again.

It’s important to note that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the attendance figures from the 2020-2021 season are considered unofficial.

Staley expressed confidence in the fans, calling the record-breaking feat “easy” for the dedicated Gamecock supporters, known as the FAMs. She emphasized, “If you challenge the FAMs, they’ll come through.”

As of now, the total attendance record stands at just over 273,000. With Colonial Life Arena expecting a crowd of 18,000 for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, South Carolina is poised to break that record. The Gamecocks will host the first two rounds, and barring any unexpected setbacks, a victory over a likely 16-seed in the opener will likely help the team surpass the total attendance mark. However, it’s worth noting that the NCAA Tournament doesn’t always sell out due to unpredictable schedules and rising ticket prices.

The second round of the tournament will also be a significant milestone, marking USC’s 17th game of the 2024-2025 season, which equals the number of contests played in last year’s record-breaking campaign. If the Gamecocks can surpass 273,133 fans in total attendance this season, they’ll not only set a new record for overall attendance but also beat their previous average attendance record.

For fans wondering when to buy tickets, the exact dates for South Carolina’s games in the NCAA Tournament are still up in the air. However, fans can tune into ESPN’s Selection Sunday show at 8:00 p.m. on March 16th to find out more. The show will also be available for streaming on the ESPN app.