South Carolina Gamecocks Ranked Among Top-10 in Latest Way-Too-Early Top-25 Poll

The South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for the 2025 College Football season, and the excitement surrounding the team is palpable. With the release of the latest Way-Too-Early Top-25 rankings, the Gamecocks find themselves ranked as a Top-10 program, setting the stage for a highly anticipated year.

In 2024, the Gamecocks wrapped up a solid regular season with a 9-3 record, though their postseason ended on a disappointing note with a loss to Illinois, concluding their year at 9-4. Despite the bowl setback, there are plenty of bright spots from the 2024 season. Much of the optimism for the upcoming season is tied to the return of LaNorris Sellers, the team’s starting quarterback. Additionally, Head Coach Shane Beamer recently signed an extension and received a raise, providing much-needed stability for the program moving forward.

That stability, combined with the promise of an exciting season ahead, has positioned the Gamecocks prominently in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top-25 rankings, where they’re seen as a Top-10 contender.

Here’s what ESPN had to say about the Gamecocks:

“As always, South Carolina’s annual showdown with in-state rival Clemson will serve as the key measure for the success of their season. But to surpass last season’s 9-4 record, the Gamecocks will likely need to secure a win in their season opener on Aug. 31 against Virginia Tech in Atlanta, and dominate at home in their seven scheduled games. However, their four SEC road matchups won’t be a walk in the park: Missouri on Sept. 20, LSU on Oct. 11, Ole Miss on Nov. 1, and Texas A&M on Nov. 15. Perhaps the toughest test of the season will be a home game against Alabama on Oct. 25.”

With the excitement of a new season on the horizon, the Gamecocks are set for another challenging and potentially rewarding campaign.

More news…..

Brady Hunt Rejoins Garnet Trust, confirming his return to South Carolina Football

In a significant development for South Carolina football, Brady Hunt, a 6-foot-5, 253-pound tight end, has signed a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the Gamecocks’ official collective, The Garnet Trust, ensuring his return to the program for the upcoming season.

Hunt, who transferred to South Carolina from Ball State last offseason, was part of the Gamecocks’ three-man tight end rotation in 2024 alongside Joshua Simon and Michael Smith. He made valuable contributions during the season, recording two receptions for 22 yards, including a key first-down grab late in the victory over Missouri. Known for his versatility both as a blocker and a receiver, Hunt is expected to take on an even larger role next season, especially with Simon having exhausted his eligibility.

Before joining South Carolina, Hunt had an impressive 2022 season at Ball State, where he caught 46 passes for 498 yards and five touchdowns. His strong performance at Ball State and subsequent transfer to the Gamecocks highlight his potential to become a key player in South Carolina’s offensive game plan.

This new NIL deal underscores the Gamecocks’ commitment to player retention, with The Garnet Trust playing a crucial role in securing such agreements. Retaining players like Hunt is essential for the program’s continued success, and head coach Shane Beamer has stressed the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining open communication to keep the team unified and motivated.