2025 South Carolina Gamecocks Season Preview: Can Sellers Carry The Gamecocks To SEC Glory?

The South Carolina Gamecocks enter the 2025 season with significant optimism, aiming to build on a strong 9-3 regular season in 2024 that saw them narrowly miss a College Football Playoff bid. Head Coach Shane Beamer’s program is generating considerable buzz in the SEC, fueled by a high-quality returning quarterback and a strategic approach to the transfer portal despite key defensive departures.

Click here for all of EasySportz’s college football coverage.

Storylines Entering the Season

• LaNorris Sellers’ Ascent: The biggest storyline revolves around quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who is projected to be one of the SEC’s top field generals. His continued development and leadership will be the driving force behind the Gamecocks’ offensive success.
• Offensive Skill Position Development: While Sellers is a known quantity, the offense will need new faces at running back and wide receiver to step up quickly. Transfers like Rahsul Faison and Oscar Adaway III in the backfield, and young wideouts like Mazeo Bennett Jr., Malik Clark, and Lex Cyrus, will need to become reliable targets.
• Defensive Rebuild: The defense, a strong unit in 2024, lost many vital contributors to the NFL Draft and transfer portal, including Nagurski Trophy winner Kyle Kennard and key linebackers and defensive linemen. The challenge for new and returning players will be to maintain the unit’s high level of performance, particularly in generating pressure.
• Special Teams Consistency: Head Coach Shane Beamer is known for his special teams prowess, but the Gamecocks are replacing starters at kicker, punter, holder, and long-snapper. The ability to maintain their elite special teams play will be crucial in tight games.
• Navigating a Challenging Schedule: South Carolina faces a brutal 2025 schedule, including matchups against Virginia Tech, LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Clemson. Success will hinge on performing well in these high-profile contests.

Key Players

• LaNorris Sellers (QB, R-So.): The dynamic quarterback is expected to be a breakout star in the SEC. His dual-threat capabilities and leadership will be central to the Gamecocks’ offensive attack.
• Rahsul Faison (RB, Gr.): A transfer from Utah State, Faison is expected to shoulder a significant portion of the rushing load after a productive 2024 season.
• Nyck Harbor (WR, Jr.): A physically imposing wide receiver who will be a key target for Sellers in the passing game.
• Mazeo Bennett Jr. (WR, So.): A talented young receiver who is expected to take on a larger role in the offense.
• Dylan Stewart (EDGE, So.): A rising star on the defensive line who dominated as a true freshman. He will be critical for generating pass rush.
• Justin Okoronkwo (LB, So.): An Alabama transfer who is projected to be a starter at linebacker and will be looked upon to lead a young unit.
• Jalon Kilgore (S, Jr.): An experienced safety who has started for two seasons and will be a key leader in the defensive backfield.

Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: LaNorris Sellers (R-So.) / Air Noland (R-Fr.)
• RB: Rahsul Faison (Gr.) / Oscar Adaway III (Gr.) / Jawarn Howell (R-So.)
• WR (X): Nyck Harbor (Jr.) / Vandrevius Jacobs (R-So.)
• WR (Z): Jared Brown (R-Sr.) / Malik Clark (Fr.)
• WR (Slot): Mazeo Bennett Jr. (So.) / Lex Cyrus (Fr.)
• TE: Jordan Dingle (R-Sr.) / Michael Smith (So.)
• LT: Josiah Thompson (So.) / Damola Ajidahun (Fr.)
• LG: Tree Babalade (R-So.) / Markee Anderson (R-So.)
• C: Boaz Stanley (R-Jr.) / Rodney Newsom Jr. (R-Sr.)
• RG: Trovon Baugh (Jr.) / Nick Sharpe (R-Sr.)
• RT: Cason Henry (R-Jr.) / Shedrick Sarratt Jr. (Fr.)

Defense

• LDE: Bryan Thomas Jr. (Sr.) / Desmond Umeozulu (Jr.)
• LDT: Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (R-Jr.) / Nick Barrett (R-Sr.)
• RDT: Monkell Goodwine (R-Sr.) / Zavion Hardy (Jr.)
• RDE: Dylan Stewart (So.) / Jatius Geer (R-Sr.)
• WLB: Shawn Murphy (R-Jr.) / Justin Okoronkwo (So.)
• MLB: Fred “JayR” Johnson (So.) / Jaron Willis (R-Jr.)
• LCB: Brandon Cisse (Jr.) / Vicari Swain (R-So.)
• SS: Peyton Williams (R-Jr.) / David Bucey (So.)
• FS: DQ Smith (Sr.) / Kelvin Hunter (R-Fr.)
• RCB: Judge Collier (Jr.) / Myles Norwood (R-Sr.)
• NB: Jalon Kilgore (Jr.) / Zahbari Sandy (R-So.)

Special Teams

• K: Mason Love (R-Fr.) / Max Kelley (Fr.)
• P: Mason Love (R-Fr.) / William Joyce (R-Sr.)
• PR: Jalon Kilgore (Jr.) / Peyton Williams (R-Jr.)
• KR: Nyck Harbor (Jr.) / Peyton Williams (R-Jr.)

Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define South Carolina’s 2025 season:

1. August 31 vs. Virginia Tech (Atlanta): This neutral-site season opener against a Power Four opponent is a crucial early test. A strong performance against the Hokies would set a positive tone and build momentum before the challenging SEC schedule begins. It’s a chance to make an immediate statement.
2. October 25 vs. Alabama (Homecoming): This is arguably the biggest home game of the season. After a heartbreaking loss to Alabama in 2024, the Gamecocks will be looking for redemption at Williams-Brice Stadium. A win against a perennial national contender like Alabama would be a program-defining victory and could significantly impact their SEC and Playoff aspirations.
3. November 29 vs. Clemson: The annual Palmetto Bowl rivalry game is always a must-win, and this year it’s at home to close the regular season. South Carolina hasn’t defeated Clemson in Williams-Brice Stadium since 2013. Ending that decade-long streak against their in-state rival, especially if Clemson is a top-five team as projected, would be a monumental achievement and provide immense momentum heading into the postseason.

Lee Bushkell

See Full Bio