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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.

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South Carolina basketball recruit earns All-American honors

South Carolina Football Recruiting Target Tamarion Watkins Boosted to 4-Star Status

We’re closely following South Carolina’s pursuit of Tamarion Watkins, one of the top football recruits in the Palmetto State. The Northwestern High School standout is a physical force on the field, standing at an imposing 6’4″ and weighing 201 pounds. His combination of size and athleticism has caught the attention of major programs, including Georgia, who have shown interest in potentially using him as a linebacker. However, USC defensive backs coach Torrian Gray sees him more as a versatile, long safety for the Gamecocks’ secondary. On3, along with other major recruiting outlets, currently ranks him as a safety.

Recent updates to the 2026 rankings have propelled Watkins to a prestigious position. He now holds a fourth-star ranking in the On3 industry composite rankings—a weighted average from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. This jump comes after On3, 247Sports, and Rivals all updated their rankings in recent weeks. Watkins is now placed at No. 312 nationally, No. 7 in South Carolina, and No. 26 among safeties nationwide. Rivals is especially high on Watkins, ranking him as the No. 125 player in the nation and the top recruit in South Carolina.

Notably, GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark recently included Watkins on a list of prospects who could soon earn South Carolina’s On3 RPM picks. Clark reports that despite a competitive offer list, South Carolina has positioned itself well in Watkins’ recruitment.

As of now, the Gamecocks have five commitments in the 2026 class, currently ranked 14th overall. This group includes 4-star safety J’Zavien Currence, 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, 3-star defensive back Peyton Dyer, and 3-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter. Interestingly, both Currence and Baxter are from Rock Hill, just like Watkins.

Stay tuned for more updates on this rising prospect and South Carolina’s recruiting efforts.

Before the UConn game, Bob Joyce, the radio announcer for UConn, interviewed Brad Muller, the voice of the Gamecocks. Joyce asked Muller about the Gamecocks’ leaders, but Muller struggled to provide an answer.

On Wednesday, ahead of media availability, the discussion turned to identifying a key player to speak with. “We need one of the team leaders,” someone suggested. Yet, no one could pinpoint who that was.

This has become an ongoing concern for the Gamecocks this season: Who exactly is stepping up as a leader? Even head coach Dawn Staley doesn’t seem to have a clear answer. “Our most experienced players have to be better,” Staley remarked on Wednesday.

Last season, leadership wasn’t an issue for South Carolina. They lost just one player, Kamilla Cardoso, who wasn’t known for being a vocal leader. So, why is leadership a question this year?

It may not have been a concern last year because the Gamecocks weren’t really tested—they never had to fight back from a loss. There’s also the personality factor at play.

From an outsider’s perspective, leadership often gets boiled down to who delivers the fiery speeches to pump up the team. But the Gamecocks compensated for the absence of that type of leadership with an incredibly talented and competitive roster, all laser-focused on the ultimate goal of winning.

They rose to the challenge time and again—whether it was dealing with a loss to Iowa in the Final Four, Raven Johnson’s Revenge Tour, the controversy of not being ranked No. 1, or Cardoso’s suspension.

They didn’t forget how to compete—well, except for the UConn game. However, when you’re the defending champions, it’s harder to stay motivated. The chip on the shoulder isn’t as large, and the drive isn’t as intense.

Perhaps, being blown out by UConn could be the rallying point this season. It wasn’t just a loss—it was a humbling defeat. For the first time, South Carolina isn’t the favorite to win the championship.

With UConn’s commanding victory over South Carolina drawing 1.8 million viewers, the largest ESPN regular-season audience in 15 years, the question remains: has the chip returned for the Gamecocks?

That sense of leadership certainly surfaced in the Gamecocks’ victory over Arkansas, particularly from MiLaysia Fulwiley. She finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a series of incredible plays that stood out.

“I didn’t think about the last game. I just focused on this game,” Fulwiley explained.

But Dawn Staley saw even more in Fulwiley’s performance. The sophomore, who is usually quiet, showed a more assertive side. “She was mad at the beginning,” Staley noted. “You can be mad and hold it in, or you can be mad and voice your opinion. And she was one that voiced her opinion. It’s good to hear it from a young player. A competitor doesn’t like anything about what happened. Not one thing, you know.”

Fulwiley’s competitive nature has become contagious. Zia Cooke spoke about how Fulwiley drives her teammates to elevate their game. “She really does that in practice,” said Laeticia Amihere. “But every time she does it, it’s a shocker. No matter how many times she does it, it’s just mind-blowing because you don’t see that every day.”

Aliyah Boston is another relatively quiet player, but through her performance, she has grown into a leader on the floor. Against Arkansas, Boston scored a team-high 18 points, with nine of those coming during a crucial 16-0 run in the third quarter.

“We knew we had to come in and execute and show the world who South Carolina is, remind the world who South Carolina is,” Boston said.

Other players also contributed to the win. Te-Hina Paopao had an off night with just four points on 1-5 shooting but contributed key plays in the third quarter, including a steal that led to a layup and a rebound that led to another basket for Edwards.

Staley also praised the likes of Raven Johnson, Choe Kitts, Sania Feagin, and Maryam Dauda for playing their roles effectively. Sometimes, leadership isn’t about speaking up but executing what the team needs.

Edwards and Fulwiley exemplify the type of leadership that can push the team forward. Despite any flaws, their competitiveness is undeniable, and that competitive fire can inspire the entire team to rise to the occasion.

“She’s grown, she really is growing,” Staley said of Fulwiley. “She’s learning. She’s more active in practice. She’s using her voice in practice. So it’s always a good thing when a young player starts to utilize their voice and understands their power.”

Do I buy into this newfound leadership from South Carolina?

Perhaps. I’ve certainly convinced myself.

But more importantly, I’ve seen enough of these Gamecocks to know: Never count them out.

As the college basketball season nears its peak, NBA scouts are turning their attention to top draft prospects—especially those on teams that may not make the NCAA Tournament. One name on their radar is Collin Murray-Boyles, a standout for the struggling South Carolina Gamecocks.

Despite South Carolina’s winless record in SEC play through 13 games, Murray-Boyles’ performance remains impressive. Sam Vecenie from The Athletic recently gave him high marks, particularly for his defensive prowess and basketball IQ.

“Just an unbelievable defensive playmaker,” Vecenie remarked. “Unbelievable defender. Processes the game at such a high level, it’s obscene. Shooting 57% from the field this season. I don’t really buy him shooting threes yet. I don’t know that that’s going to be a thing, but maybe it gets there.”

While Murray-Boyles’ defensive skills shine, his three-point shooting has been a weak spot. He’s hitting just 28% from beyond the arc, though his attempts are minimal, with only one per game on average. His highest total this season came in a game against Virginia Tech with three attempts. NBA teams will be watching closely to see if he can develop this aspect of his game moving forward.

Despite the three-point struggles, Murray-Boyles is still contributing significantly. He’s averaging nearly 16 points and 9 rebounds per game, with his defensive metrics also standing out. Vecenie highlights his advanced defensive stats as some of the best in the class.

With just five games left in the regular season, and the SEC Tournament looming, it looks unlikely that South Carolina will make a deep run unless they have a Cinderella moment. If the Gamecocks’ season ends without a major postseason push, Murray-Boyles will transition to the NBA.

In the latest mock draft from On3’s James Fletcher, Murray-Boyles is projected to be selected No. 17 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, just outside the lottery. He’s slightly behind a couple of international players from France.

However, there’s still time for Murray-Boyles to improve, and Vecenie believes NBA teams will be drawn to his defensive tenacity and efficiency around the rim. The talented South Carolina forward looks set to make the jump to the NBA, with his second college season winding down.

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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.

In an exciting development for South Carolina women’s basketball, three Gamecock guards have earned a spot on The Dawn Staley Award Later Season Watch List, as announced by the Phoenix Club of Philadelphia today. Sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley, redshirt-junior Raven Johnson, and senior Te-Hina Paopao are among the 17 players selected for the prestigious list, which honors those who exhibit the qualities that made Dawn Staley a basketball legend—ball-handling, scoring, playmaking, and an indomitable will to win.

MiLaysia Fulwiley has been a standout for South Carolina this season, averaging 11.5 points per game, making her the team’s second-highest scorer. Her impressive performance in SEC play, where she averages 13.1 points per game, has been a key factor in the Gamecocks’ success. She has scored in double figures 16 times this season, including the last six games. Fulwiley’s all-around play also stands out—she ranks eighth in the SEC with 2.00 steals per game, tenth in free throw percentage (.830), and 11th in blocks per game at 1.00.

Raven Johnson has been a playmaking force for South Carolina, ranking second in the SEC and eighth in the nation with a remarkable 3.00 assist-to-turnover ratio. In conference games, she holds the top spot in the SEC with a 3.64 ratio. Additionally, Johnson leads the Gamecocks in assists with 3.00 per game, including 3.33 per SEC game, placing her 13th in the league. Her defensive prowess is also evident, as she averages 1.83 steals per SEC game, ranking 10th in the conference, with multiple games featuring five or more steals.

Meanwhile, Te-Hina Paopao provides steady leadership in the Gamecock backcourt. She is the team’s third-leading scorer with an average of 10.4 points per game, and her performances against ranked opponents stand out, as she averages 11.4 points per game in those matchups. Paopao is shooting an impressive 48.1 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from beyond the arc in games against ranked teams. Additionally, she is second on the team with 2.8 assists per game. In SEC play, Paopao ranks eighth in the conference with a 1.90 assist-to-turnover ratio and 15th with 1.75 made 3-pointers per game.

As for the award, four finalists will be announced in mid-March, and the winner will be unveiled during the NCAA Final Four weekend, followed by a virtual ceremony in April 2025. Two former Gamecocks have previously won The Dawn Staley Award—Tiffany Mitchell in 2015 and Tyasha Harris in 2020.

Looking ahead, the No. 6-ranked Gamecocks will return to Colonial Life Arena on Thursday for the final game of their three-game homestand, taking on Arkansas at 7 p.m.

For the latest updates on South Carolina women’s basketball, be sure to visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team on social media (@GamecockWBB).

Dawn Staley Award Later Season Watch List:

• Georgia Amoore, Kentucky
• Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
• Paige Bueckers, UConn
• Azzi Fudd, UConn
• MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina
• Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
• Izzy Higginbottom, Arkansas
• Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State
• Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU
• Raven Johnson, South Carolina
• Grace Larkins, South Dakota
• Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State
• Olivia Miles, Notre Dame
• Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina
• Shyanne Sellers, Maryland
• JuJu Watkins, Southern Cal
• Mikaylah Williams, LSU

Malik Clark, a 4-star wide receiver from Rock Hill High School in South Carolina, has emerged as a standout prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. Standing approximately 6-foot-2 and weighing around 185 pounds, Clark possesses exceptional athleticism, highlighted by a 10.55-second 100-meter dash and a sub-22-second 200-meter time. His combination of size and speed makes him a formidable threat on the field.

During his senior year, Clark showcased his skills by recording 60 receptions for 1,009 yards and 10 touchdowns, marking the first 1,000-yard receiving season in Rock Hill High’s history. His performance not only set a school record but also solidified his reputation as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation.

Initially, Clark committed to Florida State in July 2024, choosing the Seminoles over offers from South Carolina, North Carolina, N.C. State, Notre Dame, Auburn, Virginia Tech, and Ole Miss.

However, his recruitment took a turn when he decommitted from Florida State in October 2024. The South Carolina Gamecocks, who had remained in contact throughout his recruitment, intensified their efforts. Head coach Shane Beamer and wide receivers coach Mike Furrey played pivotal roles in re-engaging Clark, emphasizing the benefits of staying close to home. Their persistence paid off when Clark announced his commitment to the Gamecocks in November 2024.

Clark’s commitment to South Carolina is a significant boost to the Gamecocks’ receiving corps. His blend of size, speed, and technical skill positions him as a potential future No. 1 wide receiver for the program. As he transitions to collegiate football, expectations are high for Clark to make an immediate impact and contribute to the Gamecocks’ offensive success.

In summary, Malik Clark’s athleticism, combined with his impressive high school performance and strategic commitment to South Carolina, underscores his potential to become a key player for the Gamecocks in the upcoming seasons.

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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.

Live from Colonial Life Arena, South Carolina: A Remarkable Bounceback Performance by MiLaysia Fulwiley

Following a disheartening 29-point defeat to UConn this past Sunday, MiLaysia Fulwiley was visibly emotional, tears welling in her eyes at Colonial Life Arena. Head coach Dawn Staley noted that Fulwiley was frustrated after the loss, but Thursday night marked a complete turnaround for the No. 6 Gamecocks (24-3, 12-1 SEC), who steamrolled Arkansas 95-55.

With just under four minutes left in the third quarter, Joyce Edwards delivered a precise pass to Fulwiley just as she crossed half court. After a couple of dribbles, Fulwiley executed a smooth behind-the-back move, leaning back into her defender while finishing with a one-handed scoop shot. The basket counted, a foul was called, and Fulwiley cracked a smile as her teammates gathered around for some celebratory chest bumps.

Reflecting on her performance, Fulwiley said, “I just focused on this game, and it helped me go out there and do what I was able to do. I like when I make shots, it makes me happy, so I smile.”

Fulwiley contributed 15 points, four assists, one steal, and no turnovers—her performance marked by a variety of crafty shots that even surprised the 5-foot-10 sophomore guard. “It kind of goes in, and I kind of smirk,” she shared with a laugh.

South Carolina has been resilient in bouncing back after losses this season. Following their defeat to UCLA in November, the Gamecocks quickly responded with a dominant first-quarter performance against Iowa State, leading 19-3. After falling to Texas on February 6, they exploded for a season-high 36 points in the first quarter against Florida.

Thursday’s win, which widened the scoring margin to 39.3 points following a loss, saw Fulwiley come off the bench and ignite the offense, giving the Gamecocks the burst they needed after a slow start. The starters struggled early, passing the ball around the perimeter, but Fulwiley’s dynamic play forced Arkansas (9-19, 2-11) out of their rhythm.

Arkansas head coach Mike Neighbors joked postgame, “Must be nice to have her off the bench,” before lauding Fulwiley’s scoring and defensive efforts.

Staley had high praise for her guard’s performance, emphasizing her ability to perform under pressure. “(Fulwiley) has a real good understanding of what needs to happen,” Staley noted. “Her shots were timely, and she didn’t force anything. She was unselfish, and I thought she met the moment.”

One moment that stood out came late in the second quarter when Fulwiley, with 27 seconds remaining and no shot clock, initiated a drive to the basket. But she made a quick decision to pull back, drawing three defenders and dishing out to a wide-open Sania Feagin to close the half.

As Fulwiley sprints down the court, Staley knows something exciting is bound to happen, though she admits sometimes she just has to hope it works out. But the trust is there, despite the unpredictable nature of her shots. “It’s fun to watch her learn and grow,” said Staley, emphasizing Fulwiley’s development.

And now, even when those audacious shots don’t fall, Fulwiley is maturing into a player who can recognize when a pass might be the better option—something she wasn’t always quick to do last season.

Staley concluded, “She’s defending, competing on the other side of the floor… she’s growing, she’s learning.”

As South Carolina marches forward in their SEC campaign, it’s clear that MiLaysia Fulwiley’s resilience and growth are crucial to their success.

In a game that everyone expected, South Carolina women’s basketball crushed SEC bottom-dweller Arkansas 95-55, offering a much-needed break after their heavy defeat to UConn. The win was a contrast to the high-stakes games they’ve faced recently—Arkansas’ lackluster performance didn’t match the intensity of their previous matchups, making the game feel more like a scrimmage.

Head coach Dawn Staley had emphasized the importance of regaining their identity, something the team had struggled with in their losses. “A common theme is we just didn’t play a resemblance of who we are,” Staley reflected. “In the losses, the common theme has been — whether people forced us to play that way or it was self-inflicted — it really just wasn’t us, and we have to get back to us.”

Defensively, South Carolina certainly looked more like their usual selves. The Gamecocks effectively shut down Arkansas’ leading scorer, Izzy Higgenbottom, limiting her to just 10 points on 17 attempts. The defensive strategy, including tight perimeter coverage and strong help defense, particularly from MiLaysia Fulwiley, proved to be too much for Higgenbottom. Post-game, Arkansas head coach Mike Neighbors credited Fulwiley for her performance, calling her the main reason his star player struggled. “That’s a compliment,” Fulwiley said. “I take pride in my defense and I work really hard on it. Just for him to say that means that people see it and see that I’m really trying and putting effort in.”

Offensively, the Gamecocks were always going to dominate. Arkansas, ranking dead last in SEC scoring defense, presented little challenge in that regard. But the game did provide moments of individual brilliance. Bree Hall set a season-high with three-pointers, Tessa Johnson hit back-to-back threes after struggling in recent games, and even Maryam Dauda made an impact, contributing nine points and eight rebounds against her former team. Staley was particularly impressed with Dauda, noting, “I thought she looked more relaxed than at any time during the season.”

Despite their immense talent, the Gamecocks appeared to benefit from a confidence boost in this game. The players who had struggled with their shots saw them fall, and Fulwiley displayed her signature moves around the basket, moves that Joyce Edwards called ‘mind-blowing.’ This game, while one of the easier contests of the season, gave South Carolina some much-needed momentum heading into a tough stretch.

“I thought we were more like ourselves when it came to just the toughness piece of it,” Staley said. “The extra effort on the board, the loose balls, I thought we wanted to win all of them. There weren’t any that we allowed to just happen without some resistance.”

While this victory will likely be forgotten in the grand scheme of things, especially with a challenging road trip ahead, it still offered a glimpse of what the Gamecocks are capable of when they’re firing on all cylinders. With starters getting some rest in the fourth quarter, it was a game that allowed South Carolina to recalibrate ahead of a tough road stretch.

“I was very confident compared to how confident I’ve been in the past,” Fulwiley said. “A lot of layups were falling for me, and I was just excited. It made me feel good about taking more layups, and my teammates pushed me through and gave me that confidence and that boost I needed.”

On a night when the outcome was never in doubt, the Gamecocks found success in staying calm, relaxed, and confident. It may not have been the most memorable game, but it was a step in the right direction.

Breaking news from South Carolina, where the Gamecocks have officially revealed jersey numbers for several new faces on the team, including freshmen, redshirt freshmen, and key transfers. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, these numbers will help fans easily spot the fresh talent making their way onto the field.

Key Jersey Assignments:

Offensive Players

• Freshman WR Lex Cyrus will wear #0
• Transfer RB Rahsul Faison takes #1
• Sophomore TE Michael Smith will don #4
• Freshman WR Jordon Gidron will wear #7
• Freshman WR Malik Clark will sport #13
• Freshman QB Cutter Woods gets #15
• Freshman WR Jayden Sellers will be seen in #17
• Freshman WR Brian Rowe Jr. wears #18
• Transfer OL Boaz Stanley is assigned #50
• Transfer OL Nick Sharpe will wear #52
• Transfer OL Rodney Newsom Jr. will be seen in #65
• Freshman OT Shedrick Sarratt Jr. gets #72
• Freshman OT Damola Ajidahun will wear #79

Defensive Players

• RS Freshman LB Fred “JayR” Johnson takes #0
• Freshman DB Kendall Daniels Jr. will sport #5
• Transfer CB Myles Norwood is assigned #3
• Transfer CB Brandon Cisse gets #15
• Transfer LB Justin Okoronkwo will wear #17
• Freshman DB Jaquel Holman takes #18
• Freshman DB Damarcus Leach will be seen in #19
• Freshman EDGE Jaquavious Dodd wears #22
• Freshman LB Donovan Darden takes #27
• Freshman LB Taeshawn Alston gets #29
• Freshman LB AJ Holloway will wear #32
• Freshman EDGE Anthony Addison is assigned #40
• Freshman LB Josh Smith will be seen in #42
• Transfer DL Davonte Miles takes #90
• Junior DL Zavion Hardy will wear #94
• Junior DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy gets #99

Special Teams

• Freshman LS Kyler Farrow will sport #33

This newly unveiled roster is packed with promising talent—both fresh faces and seasoned transfers—who are expected to make a big impact for the Gamecocks this season. Fans, make sure to remember these jersey numbers as they follow the team’s journey this fall!

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First-Round Projections Have South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders As a Top NFL Draft Pick

The 2025 NFL Draft process is in full swing, and former South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is now considered a potential first-round pick.

Although Sanders might have flown under the radar this season due to the dominant performances of South Carolina’s EDGE rushers, Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard, he is gaining recognition as the draft approaches. National analysts, including NFL Network’s lead draft expert, Daniel Jeremiah, are starting to take notice of Sanders’ impressive tape.

Jeremiah recently released his updated NFL Mock Draft, where he has Sanders going 31st overall to the Philadelphia Eagles. Regarding the potential selection, Jeremiah commented:

“There has not been a lot of buzz for Sanders, but I thought his tape was outstanding. He’s really twitchy and would fit right in with the bevy of talented defensive linemen in Philly.”

T.J. Sanders’ accolades include:

• 2024 Third-Team All-America (College Football Nation)
• 2024 First-Team All-SEC (College Football Nation)
• 2024 Second-Team All-SEC (AP, Phil Steele)
• 2024 SEC Interior Defender of the Year (College Football Nation)
• 2023 Third-Team All-SEC (College Football Network)
• 2023 Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
• 2023 Nutrition Award
• 2023 Rex Enright Defensive Player of the Spring
• 2023 co-South Carolina Spirit Award – Defense