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In a significant development for the SEC, four student-athletes from member schools have been appointed as the new leaders of the SEC Football and Student-Athlete Advisory Councils, giving a stronger voice to student-athletes in the conference.

South Carolina’s Oscar Adaway III and Vanderbilt’s Bryan Longwell have been selected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the SEC Football Leadership Council. On the other hand, Barry Evans from Alabama and Ethan Doehler of Texas will serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).

Adaway, a native of North Little Rock, Arkansas, had an impressive season last year, appearing in 13 games for the Gamecocks and securing two starts. Notably, he scored a 36-yard touchdown during the Citrus Bowl against Illinois. This marks his first year on the SEC Football Leadership Council.

Longwell, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, is entering his second year on the SEC Football Leadership Council. Last season, he played all 13 games for Vanderbilt, leading the team with 89 tackles.

Evans, a sophomore from Mascoutah, Illinois, is returning as SAAC Chair for a second consecutive year. He was active last year, attending SEC Spring Meetings and representing the conference at the NCAA Convention earlier this year. Evans is a key member of Alabama’s nationally-ranked track and field team.

Doehler, a junior from San Antonio, Texas, is a standout member of the top-ranked Texas swimming and diving team. He has been recognized on the CSCAA Scholar All-America Team and has earned a spot on the Big 12 Academic Honor Roll.

These appointments mark a critical moment for the SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Councils, which serve as an essential platform for student-athletes to collaborate with campus leaders and conference staff. With councils focused on football, men’s and women’s basketball, and SAAC, they will play a crucial role in addressing key issues surrounding student-athlete wellness, playing rules, and overall representation.

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Paul Mainieri Optimistic About Close Wins to Begin South Carolina Baseball Season

South Carolina’s head coach Paul Mainieri is feeling positive about the Gamecocks’ early challenges on the field. Though the team remains undefeated, their performance hasn’t been flawless. The Gamecocks had a close call against Winthrop, which left some fans scratching their heads, even after dominating Sacred Heart in the season opener. But for Mainieri, the tight game is no cause for concern. He values these gritty victories, a perspective he’s held for years thanks to advice from his father.

“I remember my dad vividly saying to me on the phone, ‘Hey, don’t ever be upset about winning close games, because you’re better off having those kinds of games. Your team will grow from it. They’ll learn how to be composed and poised at the end of the game. Down the road when they need to win that close game against a really tough opponent, they’ll have been there and done that, and that makes their confidence even that much better,’” Mainieri reflected.

The Gamecocks aren’t alone in facing tough matchups. Even the no. 8 Georgia Bulldogs experienced struggles, losing to UNC Wilmington on Sunday, only to later pull off a dramatic 9th-inning comeback against Kennesaw State. Not every team, however, has had the dominance displayed by Tennessee, who easily handled both Hofstra and UNC Asheville with lopsided victories.

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks are aiming to continue their perfect streak, with a weekend series against the Milwaukee Panthers on the horizon as they strive for a 6-0 record.

Dylan Stewart’s Rising NIL Value and Impact on South Carolina’s Future

Dylan Stewart, the standout defensive player for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has been making waves not only on the football field but also in the NIL space. This sophomore’s impressive performance as an EDGE rusher last season has solidified his position as an NFL prospect, while also helping elevate his team as serious SEC contenders.

Now, let’s dive into just how valuable Stewart has become, both in terms of his athletic performance and his marketability off the field.

According to On3, Stewart’s NIL valuation as of February is a remarkable $1.8 million. This puts him at No. 27 in the NIL 100 rankings and No. 21 among all college football players—no small feat for the rising star.

Back in December, Stewart secured a major deal with the Garnet Trust, South Carolina’s official NIL collective. This agreement, reportedly worth between $1 million and $1.5 million, was key in ensuring that Stewart would stay in Columbia for another season. The Garnet Trust’s announcement underscored its commitment to retaining high-caliber athletes like Stewart, signaling just how much they value his talent and potential.

Stewart’s online presence also plays a significant role in his growing brand. With 31,000 followers on Instagram (@dill5kk) and 7,700 on Twitter (@dylan1stewart_), his social media engagement further enhances his marketability, making him a prime candidate for future sponsorships.

As for his overall net worth, while specific figures remain under wraps, the deal with the Garnet Trust stands as a major contributor to his NIL earnings. His increasing social media influence only adds to his appeal for potential brands, suggesting even more opportunities for growth in the future.

Stewart’s on-field success, combined with strategic NIL partnerships, perfectly showcases the evolving landscape of college athletics, where player performance and personal branding intersect to generate significant financial rewards.

Looking ahead, Stewart and the Gamecocks will begin their 2025 season with a highly anticipated matchup against the Virginia Tech Hokies in Atlanta on August 31st. This game will be one to watch, not only for the team’s SEC ambitions but also to see how Stewart continues to build his legacy both on and off the field.

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“I’m a big fan of the Gamecocks”: RB Jayrean Campbell discusses his interest in South Carolina

Jayreon Campbell, a 2026 running back from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, has recently expressed strong interest in the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Campbell has garnered attention from several prominent programs, including Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, and Texas A&M. Notably, he holds an offer from South Carolina, reflecting the Gamecocks’ interest in his talents.

Campbell’s recruitment is highly competitive, with multiple schools vying for his commitment. His recent official visit to North Carolina has intensified the race, making it a closely contested battle between the Tar Heels and the Gamecocks. His father mentioned that Campbell is still evaluating his options, indicating that a decision has not yet been made.

The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, including running backs coach Montario Hardesty, is actively involved in Campbell’s recruitment. Their efforts to engage with Campbell underscore their commitment to strengthening the running back position for the upcoming seasons.

As Campbell continues to explore his options, the University of South Carolina remains a strong contender in his recruitment process. The outcome of his decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as it has the potential to significantly impact the Gamecocks’ future offensive strategies.

South Carolina Ends 13-Game Losing Streak with Statement Win Over Texas

In a much-needed victory, South Carolina not only snapped its 13-game losing streak but did so with authority, dominating Texas from start to finish in an 84-69 win at Colonial Life Arena. This win marks their first victory since Dec. 30, 2024, when they defeated Presbyterian, and their first SEC victory since March 9, 2024, when they edged out Mississippi State.

Here are the key takeaways from South Carolina’s triumph:

A Long Road to Redemption

Before Saturday’s win, South Carolina had endured weeks of disappointment, with six of their 13 losses coming by five points or fewer. While most games ended in blowouts, this stretch could have ended much sooner. Still, despite struggling through a tough season, the Gamecocks managed to avoid joining the history books for all the wrong reasons. With this win, they ensure they won’t join the ranks of the 0-18 SEC teams, joining the 2018-19 Vanderbilt and 2023-24 Missouri squads. Even a 1-17 SEC record is far more acceptable than a winless season.

A Victory That Meant Everything

It was clear from the final buzzer that the win meant a lot to everyone involved with the program. The players and coaches could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Collin Murray-Boyles summed it up perfectly, calling the win a “sigh of relief.” Coach Lamont Paris echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the challenges of facing a conference that is on track to go down as one of the best seasons in college basketball history. Despite the constant adversity, this group never quit. If they had, Saturday’s victory against Texas would have been impossible.

Dominance in the First Half

South Carolina’s victory was largely secured by their stellar first-half performance. The Gamecocks held Texas to just 22 points on 8-of-29 shooting, forcing six turnovers. South Carolina, on the other hand, only committed two turnovers by halftime, a remarkable improvement given their struggles with ball control all season. They also took full advantage of free throws, going 14-for-16 in the first 20 minutes, benefiting from Texas entering the bonus late in the half.

Offensively, the Gamecocks shot 38.7% from the field, but they were more than efficient with the ball. By halftime, they had built an 18-point lead, and despite the second half still being up for grabs, it never truly felt like they were in danger of losing.

Collin Murray-Boyles Takes Control

In a moment reminiscent of Thanos declaring “Fine, I’ll do it myself” in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Murray-Boyles took the reins in this game. The sophomore forward delivered a standout performance, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds in just 27 minutes before fouling out. His first-half performance, which included 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, set the tone for the entire game.

Coach Paris had been encouraging Murray-Boyles to take more shots and become more aggressive, something the sophomore finally embraced on Saturday. Along with his offensive contribution, Murray-Boyles was also a standout defensively, posting three highlight-reel blocks. If South Carolina hopes to make this win the first step toward more success, the key will be making sure Murray-Boyles continues to take control of games like he did against Texas.

Limiting Turnovers Was Key

A major problem for South Carolina this season has been turnovers. In their previous game against LSU, they turned the ball over 18 times, a mistake-ridden performance that kept them from competing. However, in this game, the Gamecocks were much more disciplined, limiting themselves to just eight turnovers. This made all the difference in ensuring a smooth flow to the game. Basketball is far easier to play when you can limit mistakes, and South Carolina did just that, showcasing how crucial this aspect was in their victory over Texas.

In conclusion, South Carolina’s dominant performance against Texas wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard but a critical moment for the team to prove that they still have fight in them. With Collin Murray-Boyles leading the charge, they now have the potential to build off this victory, continuing to turn the season around.

The University of South Carolina baseball team just completed a dominant three-game sweep of Milwaukee with a 14-4 win in eight innings on Sunday, February 23. This victory moves the Gamecocks to a perfect 8-0 record on the season.

Carolina came out strong, scoring multiple runs in four of their eight innings. The Gamecocks jumped to an early lead in the first with a three-run inning, courtesy of RBI doubles from Blake Jackson and Ethan Petry, along with a Nolan Nawrocki sacrifice fly. Milwaukee responded in the second with a three-run home run off the bat of Thomas Otto, but Carolina regained control in the bottom of the second when Petry drove in a run with a groundout.

Nawrocki made his mark in the third, belting his first home run as a Gamecock, before the Gamecocks added to their lead in the fourth with runs scored on a pair of wild pitches and a Ryan Bakes groundout.

The sixth inning saw a four-run surge, highlighted by a Bakes home run to center field and Beau Hollins’ first career RBI single. Carolina then sealed the game in the eighth with an RBI double from Will Tippett and a throwing error that brought in Hollins.

Tippett had a standout performance, going 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Nawrocki and Petry each contributed two hits and two RBIs, while Bakes drove in three runs.

On the mound, Ashton Crowther earned the win in relief, striking out three over two innings. Jake McCoy was impressive in his four-inning start, striking out eight and allowing only two hits and three runs. Copper Parks and Aydin Palmer made their Gamecock debuts today, with Palmer striking out the side in the eighth.

Some key postgame notes: Nawrocki now has four sacrifice flies this season, and Carolina has stolen 17 bases in their eight wins. Tippett set a new career high with four hits, surpassing his previous best of three from the SEC Tournament last year. Remarkably, eight of the Gamecocks’ nine starters had at least one hit in today’s win.

This marks the second time in the last three seasons that Carolina has started 8-0.

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks will wrap up their homestand on Tuesday night, February 25, when they take on Gardner-Webb at 6:30 p.m.

In a post-game media session following South Carolina’s 82-65 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores on Sunday, Dawn Staley shared her thoughts on various aspects of the game.

On Joyce Edwards stepping up in the third quarter, Staley emphasized her importance to the team: “Joyce is a difference maker. Coming off the bench, her offensive and defensive firepower, along with her competitiveness, makes her a really good player that we’re lucky to have. She’s finding her spots in the game where she can truly be effective, and running the floor is one of them.”

When asked about Mikayla Blakes and her impact defensively, Staley didn’t hold back, praising Blakes’ offensive efficiency: “She’s special. To come in our league and do what she’s done, I don’t know if there’s a bigger offensive impact. She’s very, very efficient, and that’s what we try to do—we try to make her as inefficient as possible. We knew she’d score points, but we wanted to make it difficult for her to do so. We made her defend, and I thought we did a pretty good job of that.”

Reflecting on halftime adjustments, Staley clarified: “We really didn’t make any adjustments. What we did was make layups. We didn’t make as many in the second half as we did in the first, but I thought we made multiple efforts on rebounding and defense.”

On the team’s transition play, she added: “This league will eat you up if you turn the ball over. We turned it over trying to throw it back at them under their basket, and they got seven points from that in the first half. We need to clean that up, but I thought we did a good job not giving them easy buckets.”

Discussing MiLaysia Fulwiley‘s development, Staley spoke about preparing her for the pro level: “I think MiLaysia is a pro. We’re just giving her the tools to operate in that space because it’s not just one way—you have to be multifaceted at that elite level. She’s got the talent, but we’re adding to what she’s already brought to us, because if she wants to be a pro, there are things we need to add. We’re not taking anything away from her; we’re just adding more.”

Staley also gave credit to Shea Ralph for her work at Vanderbilt: “She’s done great. It’s about talent, and we all know Shea can coach. Now, it’s about getting the right players, and Blakes and Pierre are the cornerstones of their future. I think people are going to want to play with them. I truly believe Shea will get Vanderbilt to the tournament. She might not have the results yet, but her body of work shows that she should be a part of the 68 teams.”

Finally, reflecting on what it takes to build a program to championship level, Staley noted: “It’s about talent, culture, chemistry, and getting your kids to believe. I don’t think they lack belief at all. To win a national championship, it takes more than a few players; it takes eight or nine players understanding and thriving in their roles and blocking out distractions.”

South Carolina Dominates Vanderbilt 82-54 for Second Straight Win

The sixth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks cruised to an 82-54 victory over Vanderbilt on Sunday, securing their second consecutive win. Leading the charge was MiLaysia Fulwiley, who matched her career-high with 24 points, helping propel South Carolina to a commanding win.

With this victory, the Gamecocks improved to an impressive 25-3 overall and 13-1 in the Southeastern Conference. They also extended their dominance over Vanderbilt, winning their 17th consecutive game in this matchup, with the Commodores’ last win dating back to January 27, 2011, in Columbia.

Joining Fulwiley in the scoring effort, Joyce Edwards contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds, securing her third double-double of the season. Te-Hina Paopao added 13 points and dished out four assists. South Carolina was relentless, showing off their depth as 11 of the 12 players who took the court scored.

For Vanderbilt, the loss marks their second straight after Mikayla Blakes set the NCAA freshman single-game scoring record with 55 points at Auburn. Blakes scored 19 points in today’s matchup, while Khamil Pierre recorded a solid 14 points and 10 rebounds.

From the opening tip, South Carolina was in control. Paopao scored the first seven points for the Gamecocks, and they never looked back, holding a 24-11 lead after the first quarter. Although Vanderbilt tried to rally, outscoring South Carolina 14-11 in the second quarter, the Gamecocks still led comfortably at halftime, 35-25.

The third quarter saw South Carolina assert its dominance, outscoring Vanderbilt 21-12 and extending the lead to 56-37. It was clear that the Gamecocks’ depth and defensive intensity were too much for the Commodores.

The Gamecocks were particularly strong in the paint, outscoring Vanderbilt 48-16 in that area, and their bench continued to shine. South Carolina’s reserves tallied 56 points, surpassing Vanderbilt’s total team score of 54, and continuing their trend of bench dominance for the ninth time this season and the second consecutive game.

South Carolina also imposed its will defensively, forcing Vanderbilt into 17 turnovers while only committing 13. Additionally, the Gamecocks showcased their fast break efficiency, outscoring the Commodores 19-0 in that department.

Fulwiley’s 24 points included a stellar 15-point first half on 6-of-9 shooting in just 13 minutes. Her performance marks the second-most points for a Gamecock this season. Edwards dominated the boards, grabbing a career-high 10 offensive rebounds, with eight coming in the first half, and she was perfect in the third quarter, shooting 3-for-3 from the floor and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.

Paopao played a key role early, scoring the first seven points of the game and finishing with 13 points, four assists, and a career-high tying three steals in SEC play.

As the Gamecocks head into their next matchup, it’s clear their balanced offensive and defensive efforts will continue to make them a tough contender in the SEC.

In a dominant performance, the No. 6 South Carolina women’s basketball team crushed Vanderbilt 82-54, powered by career games from MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards. The Gamecocks took control in the second half after leading by 10 points at halftime.

Fulwiley made an immediate impact when she entered the game midway through the first quarter. She contributed six points during an 8-0 run that gave South Carolina a double-digit lead. Despite shooting just 5-21 in the second quarter, Fulwiley’s explosive play helped the Gamecocks maintain their advantage. She finished the half with 15 of her career-high tying 24 points.

Coming out of the break, Khamil Pierre scored the first four points of the third quarter, before Dawn Staley brought Edwards in off the bench. Edwards responded with five straight points and 11 total during a decisive 16-1 run. South Carolina capitalized on defense, turning turnovers into fast breaks and scoring opportunities, with nine points in transition and six from free throws.

Edwards finished the game with a career-high 17 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. She dominated in multiple areas, showcasing her all-around game. The contest also featured two of the top candidates for SEC Freshman of the Year, Edwards and Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes. Blakes, who entered the game averaging 23.4 points, was held to just 19 on 5-15 shooting, along with seven rebounds and three turnovers. While the award isn’t decided by a single game, Edwards certainly won this matchup.

South Carolina shot an impressive 63% in the second half and finished at 46.2% overall, while Vanderbilt struggled, shooting just 30.4%. Te-Hina Paopao contributed 13 points, and the Gamecocks had a significant advantage on the boards, outrebounding the Commodores by 12. South Carolina turned 17 turnovers into 23 points, while Vanderbilt only scored three points off of 13 turnovers.

The Gamecocks had an off-night from beyond the arc, hitting just 5-19 from three, but still found success with 17-27 shooting from the free-throw line. As for the team’s depth, Maryam Dauda contributed three points and seven rebounds in 12 minutes, and Pierre added 14 points and 10 rebounds. All 12 players saw action, with every Gamecock scoring except for Sakima Walker.

Despite 45 fouls being called (23 on South Carolina and 22 on Vanderbilt), no players fouled out. The crowd of 7,805 at the arena witnessed the Gamecocks extend their lead to as much as 30 points in the fourth quarter.

South Carolina’s next challenge is at Ole Miss on Thursday.