South Carolina football enters the 2023 season with a unique combination of high expectations and significant questions surrounding the program. The Gamecocks’ upward trajectory (both on the field and off of it) has fans expecting another step forward this year.
With the nation’s toughest schedule in 2023, improving on an 8-win campaign from 2022 will not be easy. The Gamecocks play Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas A&M on the road and North Carolina at a neutral site (Charlotte). The home slate is still very challenging as Williams-Brice Stadium will welcome Clemson, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt this fall.
The 2022 Gamecocks lost several contributors highlighted by ten Gamecocks who got NFL opportunities (Cam Smith, Zacch Pickens, Darius Rush, Jovaughn Gwyn, Jalen Brooks, Nate Adkins, Josh Vann, Eric Douglas, Sherrod Greene, and Brad Johnson) and several key transfers (MarShawn Lloyd, Jaheim Bell, Jordan Burch, etc.).
The attrition means that South Carolina football will be looking to some new faces to play big roles in the team’s success in 2023. Obvious names come to mind as new contributors like corners Marcellas Dial and O’Donnell Fortune and tight ends Trey Knox and Joshua Simon, but veteran players will not be the only ones to step up.
In fact, several true freshmen are poised to play important roles for the 2023 version of the South Carolina football team. Any freshman can come in and earn playing time, but which ones of these young players have the best chances to shine this season?