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Breaking news: Steve Spurrier, Jr., the former offensive coordinator for South Carolina football, is making his return to the Florida Gators—a move initially reported by legendary Florida sports reporter Buddy Martin back in January and now confirmed by several outlets. Spurrier, Jr. is set to join the Gators’ staff as an offensive assistant, likely taking on an off-field analyst role. His return to Florida marks a full-circle moment, having previously worked here from 1994 to 1998 as a graduate assistant.

Spurrier, Jr., the son of iconic coaches Steve Spurrier Sr. (who led both South Carolina and Florida), has followed in his father’s footsteps throughout his career. He worked with his father at both South Carolina and Florida, and even made the jump to the NFL, joining the Washington Redskins. Most recently, he served as associate head coach and offensive coordinator at Tulsa, where he was involved in coaching both running backs and quarterbacks.

During his 11 years with South Carolina, Spurrier, Jr. had a significant impact on the Gamecocks’ offense. He coached wide receivers throughout his tenure, served as passing game coordinator for seven years, co-offensive coordinator for four, and held the position of recruiting coordinator for five. Spurrier, Jr. was a key part of the staff that led South Carolina to its best-ever stretch in football history. In 2010, the Gamecocks won their only SEC East title. From 2011 to 2013, the Gamecocks posted three consecutive 11-win seasons and finished in the AP Top 10 each year. Under Spurrier, Jr.’s guidance, South Carolina appeared in the AP poll in nine of his 11 seasons.

One of Spurrier, Jr.’s most lasting legacies in Columbia is his development of elite wide receivers. Some of the best players to ever wear South Carolina’s garnet and black were coached by him, including Sidney Rice, Kenny McKinley, Alshon Jeffery, Tori Gurley, Ace Sanders, Bruce Ellington, Damiere Byrd, Pharoh Cooper, and Deebo Samuel.

Stay tuned for more updates as Spurrier, Jr. returns to the Florida Gators and embarks on the next chapter of his career.

Live from the Gamecocks camp as we head into the 2025 season:

Coming into the 2024 season, there were whispers around the media world placing South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers at the bottom of SEC quarterback rankings. Fast forward one season, and Sellers has shifted from under-the-radar to an early Heisman contender for 2025.

The change in Sellers’ status is nothing short of remarkable. In his first year as the starting quarterback for the Gamecocks, the FWAA Freshman of the Year threw for 2,534 yards, with 18 touchdown passes and seven rushing touchdowns.

As South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer reflected on the transition, he emphasized how different things are now compared to last year. Speaking on 107.5 The Game, Beamer shared, “Here’s a guy that, last year at this time, nobody was really talking about. If you looked at some of those preseason rankings of quarterbacks, most of them I think had him 16th in the league going into last season. Now, it’s the complete opposite.”

Indeed, Sellers’ breakout moment came in the second half of the 2024 season. Early in the year, he struggled to pass for over 238 yards in a single game. But as the season progressed, Sellers topped that mark in all but one of the final six games. His performance against Texas A&M earned him the Davey O’Brien Co-Quarterback of the Week award, where he threw for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and added 106 rushing yards, including a touchdown.

It was his game-winning 16-yard rushing touchdown against Clemson that solidified his place in Gamecock history.

Looking ahead, Beamer sees nothing but potential in his quarterback. “I told them I’m excited because anytime you have a quarterback, you’ve got a chance to be successful. And we certainly have a quarterback in him. The great news is he’s just scratching the surface,” said Beamer.

The spotlight, however, hasn’t gone to Sellers’ head. According to Beamer, “The great news is he’s such a great young man. He’s got a great humility about himself. He’s hungry and driven to work and get better. His life has certainly changed in the last year just in regards to how recognizable he is and what he’s accomplished. He’s got a great family and support system around him, for sure.”

Sellers’ rise hasn’t just earned him national attention but also a significant leadership role. He became the first freshman in school history to be named a Rex Enright Team Captain. Beamer added, “He continued to get better as the season went on last year, and he’s just going to continue to get better throughout this offseason into 2025. Really fired up to see what’s next for LaNorris and how he continues to grow as a quarterback and football player.”

Sellers’ potential has led many to compare him to 2010 Heisman winner Cam Newton, particularly with their shared physical gifts. Much of Sellers’ development can be traced to his connection with new offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who coached Newton during his MVP season with the Carolina Panthers.

Beamer himself expressed confidence in the dynamic between Shula and Sellers: “Maybe there’s some things that we did back there with Cam that maybe we haven’t done in a while that might fit here with LaNorris,” Shula shared back in December.

Heading into 2025, the expectations are high for LaNorris Sellers, and it’s clear that the Gamecocks are gearing up for what could be a very exciting season ahead.

In a recent podcast appearance on Pat Dooley’s show, Hall of Fame coach and Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier made it clear where his true loyalties lie when it comes to college basketball. Asked about a potential NCAA Tournament showdown between Florida and Duke, Spurrier wasted no time in answering, saying, “Florida.” However, when pressed about a hypothetical game between Duke and South Carolina, he jokingly replied, “I guess I’d have to pull for a tie in that.”

Spurrier’s answer was straightforward, and it speaks volumes about his deep-rooted connection to the Florida Gators program. As the coach who guided the team to its first national championship and a Heisman-winning player, Spurrier is forever linked to the Gators’ rise to prominence. On the podcast, he reaffirmed his commitment, saying, “I’m a Gator, and this is home base here, no question.”

Why Florida Will Forever Be number one

While Florida will always be number one for Spurrier, his ties to other programs are integral to understanding his career and character. His journey began at Duke, where he started his head coaching career and developed the innovative offensive approach that would become a hallmark of his tenure at Florida. Spurrier was quick to express his gratitude for both Duke and South Carolina, saying, “Both schools were really good to me.” His comments highlight the genuine respect he holds for those programs and the impact they had on his career.

Connections to Duke and South Carolina

South Carolina holds its own unique place in Spurrier’s history. Although the Gamecocks’ basketball team isn’t likely to make the NCAA Tournament this year, his time in Columbia was about more than just football. Spurrier worked tirelessly to elevate the South Carolina football program, and his joke about hoping for a tie between Duke and South Carolina further illustrates the delicate balance he maintains with all the programs he’s been a part of.

Loyalty to the Fans 

For many fans, Spurrier’s loyalty to Florida is a point of pride, but it also raises questions about how coaches manage their connections to multiple schools over the years. In an era when coaching careers often span multiple institutions, Spurrier’s ability to remain true to his roots while honoring each chapter of his journey serves as a reflection of his integrity and character.

 

On Tuesday, South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer joined Jay Phillips and Elijah Campbell on 107.5 The Game’s The Postgame Show. Beamer had plenty to discuss, but his focus largely centered on his team’s development for the NFL.

Beamer expressed his pride in the fact that the Gamecocks are sending 11 players to the NFL Combine, but he was quick to give credit to the players themselves. “First, credit to them and the way they worked when they were here,” Beamer said. “We’re really, really proud of what our guys have accomplished.”

While acknowledging his players, Beamer also took time to reflect on how his program has successfully prepared them for the next level. After briefly mentioning 2024 NFL Draft prospects Xavier Legette (expected to be a first-round pick to the Carolina Panthers) and Marcellas Dial (projected as a sixth-round pick to the New England Patriots), Beamer turned his focus to 2025.

“And to now have 11 guys at the NFL Combine, along with others who aren’t at the Combine but will still get opportunities with NFL teams, that’s what it’s all about,” Beamer declared. “And to have so many other guys getting that opportunity this year, whether they came here out of high school and developed—like TJ Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, and Boogie Huntley—or were only here for one year–like Kyle Kennard, Rocket Sanders, and D Knight–I’m just so happy for all of them,” he added. “I’m so proud that we were able to help them chase their dreams here.”

The Gamecocks have a diverse group of players headed to the NFL Combine. Some, like Nick Emmanwori, TJ Sanders, O’Donnell Fortune, and Tonka Hemingway, were signed out of high school and have drawn attention from NFL scouts. Others, such as Kennard, Knight, and Rocket Sanders, transferred in and have only spent one year at South Carolina, yet still expect to hear their names called in the draft. Bam Martin-Scott and Debo Williams, who transferred earlier, also have hopes of being selected in the later rounds.

These nine players aren’t the only Gamecocks with a chance to be drafted this year. South Carolina has over 15 players with legitimate NFL aspirations. Eleven players (or twelve, counting punter Kai Kroeger, who was invited to the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase) will be in Indianapolis this week for the Combine, with several others on the radar of professional scouts.

The current record for NFL Draft selections by South Carolina is seven, a mark they achieved in both 2009 and 2013. The 2025 draft, however, could surpass that total.

Based on various mock drafts and big boards, players like Emmanwori, TJ Sanders, Kennard, Knight, Rocket Sanders, and Fortune are all but guaranteed to be selected. Hemingway and Simon are also trending as late-round picks. Meanwhile, Martin-Scott, Kroeger, DeAndre Jules, and Torricelli Simpkins will aim to boost their draft stock at the Combine this week. Players like Williams and Huntley could further boost their chances with strong performances at South Carolina’s pro day in March.

The success of Beamer’s staff in developing talent from both high school recruits and transfer portal additions is a compelling selling point for the team’s recruiting efforts. The Gamecocks’ representation at the NFL Combine, coupled with their players’ future draft positions, will only bolster these efforts.

As the NFL Combine kicks off, fans can follow the action on NFL Network and NFL.com, with coverage starting Thursday. GamecockCentral will also keep fans updated on the latest developments from Indianapolis. Be sure to follow their NFL Combine Headquarters for live updates!

Head coach Shane Beamer recently attended SEC meetings in New Orleans alongside other coaches and athletic directors, where a key topic of conversation was the potential move to a nine-game conference schedule. This idea, which has been discussed in recent years, is gaining momentum once again.

During a Tuesday afternoon appearance on 107.5 The Game, Beamer shared insights from the meetings about the ongoing discussions regarding the scheduling format. Reflecting on the topic, Beamer remarked, “I thought that was a discussion that we had in New Orleans that probably got more people injecting their opinion into that, ADs and coaches, than maybe any other topic that we talked about.” He noted the strong opinions around the table, with coaches and athletic directors alike questioning the potential impact of the scheduling change, as well as how it might affect the College Football Playoff and the SEC Championship Game. Beamer acknowledged that while there is support for the change, some athletic directors and coaches remain opposed to the idea of adding a ninth conference game, but stressed the importance of healthy discussion on the matter.

Beamer emphasized that it is crucial for SEC teams to align on future scheduling, ensuring fairness for all. He pointed out that, “If we are playing nine conference games plus Clemson… Miami… Virginia Tech,” while other teams don’t follow the same path, it wouldn’t make sense. He explained, “If we are all playing nine conference games plus two other Power Four games, then sure, come on. We are competitors and bring it on.” The goal, according to Beamer, is to make sure every team is operating under the same conditions for the benefit of the programs involved.

Beyond the nine-game schedule, Beamer also touched on discussions regarding a potential SEC-Big Ten scheduling agreement. This idea could see teams from the two conferences face off in future seasons. Beamer directly inquired about this possibility with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, asking whether such a partnership might be on the horizon. He added, “I think that’s something that we will continue to look at going down the road.” He believes both the fans and the teams would be excited about the idea, stating that Williams-Brice Stadium consistently provides a great environment, whether for games against Clemson or smaller matchups like Wofford and Furman. Beamer said, “Our fans want to see teams like Miami come to Columbia next year or a Big Ten team come to Columbia every other year. I’m certainly in favor of it, as well.”

However, Beamer stressed that any major scheduling changes need to ensure fairness for all teams. “If we’re all playing nine conference games, a Big Ten team, and then two money games, let’s make sure it’s right for everybody,” Beamer said, acknowledging that the complexities of the schedule must be carefully balanced.

One critical question Beamer raised was about the future of the College Football Playoff selection criteria. “If strength of schedule is not going to matter, which it clearly didn’t this year,” Beamer remarked, “then you also need to look at, are we doing what is best for our program and giving our team the best chance to compete for championships?” This reflects a growing concern among coaches about how playoff selection will evolve and whether their teams’ efforts in a more grueling schedule will be fairly recognized.

As discussions continue, Beamer and his colleagues are determined to ensure that any changes benefit everyone involved, while giving their teams the best possible chance to compete at the highest level.

In a significant move, On3 released an extensive update to its 2026 rankings on Monday, unveiling the new On300 list, which highlights several South Carolina commitments and targets. Among the standout names is Charlotte (N.C.) Myers Park EDGE Rodney Dunham Jr., who, after a stellar performance, is inching closer to five-star status and is now ranked as the No. 7 prospect nationally.

Charles Power, Director of Scouting and Rankings at On3, praised Dunham for his potential as a pass rusher: “Dunham has the look of a natural pass rusher,” he said. “At around 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with plus length, he has a developmental frame along with excellent get-off and bend around the edge. Dunham is a coordinated athlete and shows encouraging flashes of pass rush skill. He makes impressive plays in pursuit.” Power also pointed out that Dunham, who doesn’t turn 17 until July, is still young for his class, meaning he has plenty of room for growth, both physically and in terms of strength.

Also making waves is local standout Julian Walker from Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork. Walker, a jumbo EDGE, makes his debut in the rankings as a four-star prospect, landing at No. 134 overall and No. 19 at EDGE. Walker had a breakout junior season, recording 9.5 sacks and playing key roles during his team’s state championship run. Power noted on Twitter/X, “Walker is a jumbo EDGE who came on as a junior while helping his team to a state title,” adding that the 6’6, 230-pounder performed especially well during the playoffs. Adding another layer to his recruitment, Walker’s father is part of South Carolina’s strength staff.

Kentavion Anderson, a four-star safety from Roebuck (S.C.) Dorman, saw a major boost in his ranking, jumping from outside the Top 300 to No. 75 overall in the 2026 class. Anderson is a priority target for both South Carolina and Clemson, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in the state.

Another key update involves Peyton Dyer, who earned a four-star rating after moving up in the rankings. The South Carolina cornerback commit was previously ranked as the No. 25 cornerback but now stands at No. 20 at his position and No. 189 overall. He is one of three Gamecocks commitments in the updated On300 list.

J’Zavien Currence, the four-star safety from Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe, maintained his 91 rating but saw a slight drop in his overall ranking, now sitting at No. 111. This change is likely due to the influx of new prospects into the top 100, rather than any major regression on Currence’s part. He remains the No. 10 safety in the 2026 class and No. 3 in South Carolina.

Jamel Howse, the tight end from Newberry (S.C.), remains in the On300, holding steady with a rating of 90. He ranks No. 188 overall and No. 11 at tight end in his class.

As a reminder, On3’s rankings are curated by its in-house evaluators and differ from the On3 Industry Ranking, which is an average across multiple recruiting platforms.

This update marks a shift from the previous rankings released in October, and it reflects significant changes as evaluators dive deeper into the junior seasons of 2026 prospects. Power explained the rationale behind the latest update, saying, “Since putting the 2025 cycle to bed last month, we’ve begun to dive into the junior seasons of 2026 prospects. Hundreds of prospects have emerged on FBS radars, and we saw dozens participate in national all-star games in January.” With 56 new entrants in the On300, the rankings show the rapid growth and expansion of the 2026 class.

This update is one of the most dynamic shifts in the recruiting cycle, with many new names and talents making their mark.

Marquis Bryant, a standout from Rolesville, North Carolina, has just announced his upcoming visit to the South Carolina football program. The 2027 defensive back, who posted the news on his social media along with an On3 recruiting graphic, revealed that he will be in Columbia for an unofficial visit on March 8th. In addition to South Carolina, Bryant has plans to visit several other top programs this spring, including Clemson, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Notre Dame, and Tennessee.

At 6’1″ and 190 pounds, Bryant has already made waves in the recruiting world. Though he is currently unranked by On3 (who has only ranked the top 85 prospects for the 2027 cycle), he has earned 4-star recognition from 247Sports and Rivals. 247Sports places him among the nation’s top-100 recruits.

While On3 lists Bryant as a cornerback, he also plays safety and has the athleticism and size that South Carolina’s defensive backs coach Torrian Gray typically seeks in his players. Bryant’s smooth agility, combined with his physicality and speed, have made him a key player in a highly competitive North Carolina high school football scene. This past season, he earned multiple all-state honors.

With nearly 20 power-conference programs extending offers, Bryant has his pick of elite schools. While NC State, located in Raleigh, is considered an early favorite, other prestigious programs like Tennessee, Penn State, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Miami, Florida State, and Ole Miss have also thrown their hats in the ring.

This rising star is definitely one to watch in the recruiting world this spring!

More news…..

South Carolina Gamecocks Eliminated from Jared Curtis Recruitment Race

In a major development for the 2026 recruiting class, Jared Curtis has officially narrowed down his college choices, and unfortunately, the South Carolina Gamecocks have been cut from the running.

On Saturday, the highly coveted five-star quarterback announced that his decision is now down to Georgia and Oregon. This leaves South Carolina on the outside looking in, as the Gamecocks no longer appear to be in contention for Curtis’s commitment.

However, it’s important to note that Curtis has made it clear he will only be taking official visits to Georgia and Oregon, despite previously planning to visit South Carolina in late June. While this doesn’t completely shut the door on the Gamecocks, it does place them at a significant disadvantage.

Curtis, who is regarded as the No. 1 quarterback and the second-best player overall in the 2026 class, is also considered the best player from Tennessee according to composite rankings. His status as a five-star recruit makes his decision a highly watched one.

Even though it’s still early in the recruiting cycle, and the Gamecocks have ample opportunities to secure a strong class this year, missing out on Curtis is undoubtedly a blow.

Currently, South Carolina has five commitments in the 2026 class, with J’Zavien Currence, a standout safety who has been committed since last October, leading the charge.

Shane Beamer Discusses SEC Scheduling, NFL Draft Prospects, and LaNorris Sellers’ Rise as South Carolina’s Quarterback in 2025

South Carolina’s head football coach, Shane Beamer, joined The Postgame Show on 107.5 The Game with Jay Philips and Elijah Campbell to provide insights into the Gamecocks’ offseason and offer a preview of the upcoming spring practices.

Insights from SEC Meetings in New Orleans

Beamer described the recent SEC head coaches’ meeting in New Orleans as productive, especially with the inclusion of athletic directors this year. Typically held in Birmingham, these meetings have been exclusive to coaches, but Commissioner Greg Sankey made a significant change by bringing in ADs, a move Beamer fully supported.

“We always meet in person in February, but it’s always been just head coaches in Birmingham,” Beamer shared. “Commissioner Sankey wanted to include athletic directors this year, and I’m glad he did. It was a great opportunity to hear their perspectives and for them to hear ours.”

The meetings covered key topics in college football, including:

• The transfer portal and its effect on roster management
• NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and revenue sharing
• SEC scheduling, particularly the potential nine-game format
• College Football Playoff expansion and selection criteria
• Changes to the recruiting calendar
• Officiating concerns

Beamer stressed that it’s crucial for coaches and athletic directors to be aligned in decision-making moving forward.

The Heated Debate Over a Nine-Game SEC Schedule

One of the most debated topics at the meetings was the potential switch to a nine-game SEC schedule. Beamer noted that both coaches and ADs had strong opinions on the matter.

“That was the one discussion where both coaches and ADs had the most to say,” Beamer explained. “Some are in favor of it, and some aren’t. There are a lot of strong opinions.”

He raised concerns about the unevenness of the scheduling, particularly if some teams play nine SEC games and others do not.

“If we’re all playing nine conference games, plus two Power Four games, great—bring it on,” he said. “But if some teams aren’t, then that’s a competitive imbalance.”

As the future of the College Football Playoff remains in flux—whether it will remain at 12 teams or expand to 16—coaches and ADs want clarity before committing to additional conference games.

A Potential SEC vs. Big Ten Challenge?

Beamer also addressed the potential for an SEC vs. Big Ten challenge, a topic that has been gaining traction. Beamer personally inquired with Commissioner Sankey about the idea and was optimistic about the possibility.

“I think our fans would love it,” Beamer said. “Williams-Brice Stadium is an amazing environment no matter who we play, but fans want to see marquee matchups.”

While Beamer is supportive of the idea, he again emphasized the importance of fairness in scheduling, particularly regarding how strength of schedule could impact College Football Playoff selections.

“It clearly didn’t matter this year,” Beamer pointed out. “If it’s not going to factor into the playoff, we need to consider if this is the best move for our program.”

South Carolina’s NFL Draft Prospects

Beamer is proud of the Gamecocks’ strong presence at the upcoming NFL Combine, with 11 players invited and others expected to sign with NFL teams. The program has come a long way in terms of talent development.

“In past years, we went into draft weekend hoping to see guys picked late,” he reflected. “Now, we have first-round talent and a deep group of guys ready for the next level.”

He singled out players like Xavier Legette, a 2024 first-round pick, and Marcellas Dial, now with the New England Patriots. Beamer praised how these players, regardless of whether they came through high school or transferred in, have continued to support the program.

“To see guys like that come back and visit shows what this program means to them,” Beamer said. “We’re proud to have helped them chase their NFL dreams.”

2025 Gamecocks: New Leadership, Same Drive

Though the Gamecocks showed improvement in the 2024 season, Beamer made it clear that the team is not resting on its laurels.

“We did a lot of good things in 2024, but our mindset is to take it even further in 2025,” he said. “We’re working hard to make sure our guys understand the effort it took to get here.”

One key difference in 2025 will be leadership turnover. With a younger team this year, the focus is on identifying new leaders.

“Last year, we had an older team with established leaders,” Beamer explained. “This year, we have a lot of talent, but we’re young. It’s about finding the guys who will step up.”

He highlighted former leaders such as Debo Williams, Boogie Huntley, and D. Knight, noting that new voices must rise to the occasion in 2025.

LaNorris Sellers: South Carolina’s Rising Star

Arguably the most significant change for South Carolina in 2025 is the rise of LaNorris Sellers as the Gamecocks’ quarterback. Beamer emphasized how different things are compared to this time last year, when Sellers was barely on anyone’s radar.

“At this time last year, no one was really talking about him,” Beamer said. “Some preseason rankings had him 16th in the league. Now, it’s the complete opposite.”

Sellers’ national profile has grown tremendously, but Beamer praised his humility and work ethic despite the attention.

“He’s hungry, he’s driven, and he doesn’t let the attention go to his head,” Beamer noted. “His life has changed a lot in the last year, but he’s handling it the right way.”

Beamer also expressed excitement about Sellers’ relationship with new offensive coordinator Mike Shula.

“They’ve been working really well together,” Beamer said. “Anytime you have a quarterback, you have a chance to be successful. We certainly have a quarterback in him.”

Final Thoughts

As South Carolina heads into the 2025 season, the program is navigating key changes and challenges, from conference realignment discussions to the rise of a new star at quarterback. Despite uncertainty over SEC scheduling and College Football Playoff criteria, Beamer is committed to ensuring the Gamecocks remain competitive across the board. With LaNorris Sellers leading the offense, South Carolina is primed to take the next step forward in the new season.