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Ernest Jones IV Finds a New Home in Seattle with $33 Million Extension

Former South Carolina Gamecock Ernest Jones IV has secured a permanent spot with the Seattle Seahawks, agreeing to a three-year, $33 million contract extension.

Although the official start of the NFL’s new league year is on Wednesday, March 12, teams can begin negotiating extensions with their current free agents before that date. Jones IV’s deal with Seattle falls within this window.

The past nine months have been a whirlwind for Jones IV. After failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams, he was traded, along with a 2026 sixth-round pick, to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick. However, Jones IV’s stint in Nashville was short-lived, lasting just two months before landing in Seattle.

Despite only starting 10 games for the Seahawks in 2024, Jones IV managed an impressive 94 combined tackles (ranking third on the team), one tackle for loss, and half a sack. Clearly, Seattle saw enough promise in him to make him one of the league’s ten highest-paid linebackers, placing him above Indianapolis’ Zaire Franklin.

As more contracts are expected to roll out throughout the week, stay tuned for updates on all former Gamecocks making moves in this year’s free agency frenzy.

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SEC Tournament Semifinals: South Carolina Defeats Oklahoma 93-75

The 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.

Breaking news, former South Carolina football standout Javon Kinlaw has officially agreed to a major free-agent deal with the Washington Commanders. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Kinlaw’s new contract is worth a whopping $45 million over three years. This deal propels Kinlaw into the top-20 highest-paid defensive tackles in the league, both in total contract value and annual earnings.

Kinlaw’s journey to Washington comes after a brief, one-season stint with the New York Jets. The Jets, opting not to re-sign him, let him hit free agency. Prior to his time in New York, Kinlaw spent four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Now with the Commanders, Kinlaw will reunite with former South Carolina Gamecocks teammate Deebo Samuel. The two played together in college during the 2017 and 2018 seasons before Samuel was traded to Washington earlier this month. The reunion in Washington adds an exciting layer to the Commanders’ defensive lineup.

Though Kinlaw’s career has been hindered by injuries, he’s shown glimpses of his immense potential when healthy. The Commanders are clearly optimistic about his ability to return to form. His healthiest and most productive seasons were in 2023 and 2024, where he racked up eight sacks combined, proving to be a disruptive force on the interior defensive line for both San Francisco and New York.

Kinlaw’s path to the NFL was solidified during his time at South Carolina, where he earned All-American and All-SEC honors. While his college stats may not have been flashy, they don’t tell the full story. Opposing teams often schemed away from him, recognizing him as one of the most dominant defensive tackles in Gamecock history. His stellar play led to his selection as a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, marking a historic moment as no other defensive tackle from USC had been drafted that high before.

A major move for Javon Kinlaw, and certainly one to watch as he looks to make his mark with the Washington Commanders.

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Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

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

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

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

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

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

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley made it clear that her team has more than earned its place as the top overall seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Following a dominant performance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament, capped off by a convincing 64-45 win over No. 1 Texas in Sunday’s championship, Staley expressed her belief that the Gamecocks deserve the No. 1 spot.

The Gamecocks, now 30-3, entered the SEC Tournament ranked fifth nationally, with many predicting they would secure a No. 2 seed. However, after thrashing three SEC opponents by margins of 18, 21, and 19 points, it seems a No. 1 seed is now firmly within reach.

But for Staley, this isn’t just about a No. 1 seed—it’s about what her team has truly earned. “When you win this tournament and play the schedule that we play, I do think we’re the No. 1 overall seed,” Staley remarked. “We manufactured our schedule to put ourselves in this situation. So I hope the committee doesn’t discount our entire resume. There isn’t anybody in the country that has played the schedule that we have played, that had a share of the regular-season title, won this tournament, and beat the No. 1 team in the country… there is no one.”

She emphasized that South Carolina’s 2024-25 resume, which includes 12 victories over Top 25 teams (two of which came against Texas), should carry significant weight. The Gamecocks’ 7-3 record against Top 10 teams is also noteworthy, with their only losses coming against Texas, No. 3 Connecticut, and No. 4 UCLA.

South Carolina’s challenging 30-game regular season also featured 13 matchups against teams in the AP Top 25—two more than any other ranked team faced.

Staley shared her surprise upon hearing that the Gamecocks were initially slated as a No. 2 seed heading into the tournament. “If you get so much credit for beating us, and yet when we have had some of the toughest stretches in the country and came out of it unscathed, you can’t discount that,” Staley remarked. “You can’t discredit that. I’m going to speak up about it because you have to hear the voice of the other side. Because if you don’t think our body of work deserves it, then you need to speak out on it.”

She further expressed her resolve, stating, “I’m going to go down fighting for what our team earned.”

As the NCAA Tournament approaches, Staley and the Gamecocks will be watching closely, hoping the committee recognizes the true value of their season..

South Carolina Gamecocks Poised for Historic Draft Year

South Carolina Gamecocks fans have been treated to some of the best talents to eve wear the garnet and black in recent years. From football to baseball to basketball, athletes across the board have earned recognition and accolades. But 2025 could be a year for the history books for the University of South Carolina.

For the first time ever, South Carolina could see football, baseball, women’s basketball, and men’s basketball all have a player selected in the first round of their respective drafts within the same calendar year. It’s a groundbreaking possibility for the Gamecocks that could change the landscape of the program’s history.

While there have been instances where two or even three sports have had first-round selections in a given year, 2025 could mark the first time all four will be represented in such a way.

Football: Nick Emmanwori Leads the Charge

In football, four different Gamecocks have earned at least one first-round grade during the pre-draft process. However, it’s Nick Emmanwori, the All-American safety, who has the most realistic chance of hearing his name called in the top 32. With an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine, Emmanwori has solidified himself as a strong first-round candidate. Meanwhile, defensive lineman TJ Sanders has garnered first-round attention, but it’s likely he’ll be selected in the second or third round. Other Gamecocks like EDGE Kyle Kennard and linebacker Demetrius Knight have been mentioned as potential high picks but are more likely to be chosen in the later rounds. This year, the Gamecocks also have a solid chance to break their record for most players selected in a single draft, which currently stands at seven, set in both 2009 and 2013.

Baseball: Ethan Petry Shines Bright

On the baseball diamond, Ethan Petry has long been considered a first-round talent. Since a stellar freshman season in 2023, the right-handed slugger, who plays both outfield and first base, has been destined for a top pick. Now, with his best offensive season to date in 2025, his draft stock is soaring. While right-handed pitcher Eli Jerzembeck and infielder Nolan Nawrocki have also seen their names in higher draft projections, neither seems likely to be first-round selections this year.

Women’s Basketball: Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson in the Mix

For Dawn Staley’s South Carolina women’s basketball team, Te-Hina Paopao has the potential to hear her name called in the first round of the WNBA Draft. The senior guard, who has become a more complete player and earned All-SEC honors for a second straight year, is a common name in the back half of many mock drafts. Raven Johnson, a redshirt junior point guard, has also garnered some WNBA Draft attention and could even leave school early. However, her draft projections have been less consistent, and she has yet to make a public decision about her future.

Men’s Basketball: Collin Murray-Boyles’ Stock Soars

On the men’s side, Columbia native Collin Murray-Boyles looks to be one of the “safest” bets for a first-round pick. Universally projected as a top-30 selection, some analysts are even predicting he could land in the lottery. With elite defensive skills and a polished offensive game, Murray-Boyles also has considerable untapped potential, making him an attractive prospect for NBA decision-makers.

A Historic Year Ahead?

South Carolina has seen first-round picks in three of these four sports in the same year only once before. That came in 2020, when Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Ty Harris were selected by the Minnesota Lynx and Dallas Wings, respectively, in the WNBA Draft. Meanwhile, Javon Kinlaw went 14th overall in the NFL Draft to the San Francisco 49ers, and pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski was taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the MLB Draft. In 2024, Kamilla Cardoso, Xavier Legette, and Devin Carter all earned first-round picks, though Carter transferred from USC before his selection.

Looking ahead, the 2025 draft calendar is set with the WNBA Draft on April 14th, the NFL Draft beginning April 24th, the NBA Draft on June 25th, and the MLB Draft starting on July 13th.

The Gamecocks may soon be celebrating a truly historic year, with first-round talent across multiple sports and the possibility of making history like never before. Stay tuned as we watch the drafts unfold and see if South Carolina can make history in 2025.

Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks have claimed their ninth SEC Tournament Championship with a dominant 64-45 win over Texas, securing their third consecutive title. After the victory, Staley shared a heartfelt moment with her family, captured by cameras as she wore the freshly cut net around her neck, holding the trophy.

Chloe Kitts led the Gamecocks with 15 points and nine rebounds, but it was the Gamecocks’ suffocating defense and strong second-quarter performance that sealed the victory. The first quarter saw a tight battle with South Carolina holding just a 12-10 edge, but they exploded in the second, outscoring Texas 21-6. The Longhorns were held to a mere 29.6% shooting from the field.

Staley, now in her 17th season at South Carolina, has a career record of 469-109 and has guided the Gamecocks to six Final Fours and three national championships. With the SEC Championship win, South Carolina has earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and is projected to be the top overall seed in the upcoming field.

While the Gamecocks are favored to repeat as champions, they know that seeding means little once the tournament begins. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament starts March 19 with the First Four, but South Carolina will play their first game on either March 21 or 22. The team will have a clearer picture of their path after Selection Sunday on March 16.

In a standout performance, Sania Feagin delivered a crucial 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter to extend South Carolina’s lead to 52-33. Staley was full of praise for her senior forward, noting her commitment and growth throughout the season.

“Proud. Proud. She stuck with us when it wasn’t popular,” Staley said. “You can see if she wants to play anything less than her standard, she probably should have transferred but she wanted to play to her standard, and she’s stepped up in a big way.”

Feagin finished the game with 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists, shooting 5-7 from the field. She has been a key contributor throughout the SEC Tournament, scoring in double figures in all three games, despite averaging only 8.0 points per game during the season.

Feagin’s performance will be critical to South Carolina’s postseason success—this season, the Gamecocks have yet to lose a game when Feagin scores eight or more points.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the Gamecocks’ journey toward another championship run.

Live from the recruiting scene, the 2026 class is starting to heat up as top prospects are locking in their official visits for the summer and lining up spring trips. One of the biggest names in the class, Rodney Dunham, has narrowed his list down to five schools, and the South Carolina Gamecocks are on that list.

Joining South Carolina in the mix are Georgia, Tennessee, Duke, and Notre Dame.

Dunham, a four-star recruit, is ranked as the 33rd-best player in the nation, the fourth-best EDGE in the class, and the third-best player from the state of North Carolina, according to composite rankings. What’s worth noting here is that the Gamecocks were the first Power Five program to offer him back in January of last year.

Previously, Ohio State, Alabama, and Florida State were also in the running for Dunham, but those schools have since been cut from his list. South Carolina, with a strong recent track record of developing EDGE players like Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard, is now in pursuit of adding Dunham to that impressive list.

Looking at the 2026 Gamecocks recruiting class so far, South Carolina has already secured commitments from:

• J’Zavien Currence (S)
• Jamel Howse (TE)
• Keenan Britt (EDGE)
• Peyton Dyer (CB)
• Anthony Baxter (OL)

This class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years, and with Dunham still in the mix, the Gamecocks could be adding a major talent to their defense.

Stay tuned for more updates as recruiting heats up

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Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

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

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

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

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

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