Watching a player from your favorite college team succeed in the NFL feels like watching one of your own kids grow up. You see them arrive on campus as 18-year-olds and transform into some of the best football players in the world. Watching them succeed is like being a proud parent. It's no different for South Carolina Gamecocks fans; that pride runs deep. This season, four former Gamecocks have shined bright on football's biggest stage, the NFL.
Rico Dowdle RB, Carolina Panthers
Dowdle entered the season as the backup running back for the Panthers before an injury thrust him into the starting role. He's made more than the most of his opportunity, as he is now third in the NFL in rushing yards and has totaled nearly 500 total yards over his last two games. Dowdle has earned himself a starting spot in the Carolina backfield for the remainder of the season.
Rico Dowdle showcased some of the best vision I’ve ever seen from a running back in my life yesterday, and I’m not even remotely exaggerating
— brycethe1️⃣ (@moneybryce9) October 13, 2025
Heres is an example. 95% of running backs in the NFL would try and forward their momentum into that yellow gap and try to squeeze through… pic.twitter.com/RTLTmI0G9u
Spencer Rattler QB, New Orleans Saints
Don't let the Saints 1-5 record fool you, Rattler has been excellent this season. Through six games, he's thrown for 1,217 yards with six touchdowns and just one interception. His 60.2 QBR ranks 16th in the NFL, and it is well above the 37.1 QBR he posted in his first seven career games last season.
Demetrius Knight LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Knight's preseason performance earned him a starting role with Cincinnati and he's been more than solid through six weeks. Knight has collected 46 tackles, two passes defended and one interception. His 27 solo tackles have him inside the top 25 in the league and first among rookies.
Demetrius Knight Jr. vs. Denver pic.twitter.com/iUvGfCQk6L
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) September 30, 2025
Deebo Samuel WR, Washington Commanders
Samuel is in his first season with Washington, and he's been stellar. Samuel has collected 34 catches for 315 yards and hauled in three touchdowns.
Along with his receiving stats, Samuel has tallied eight rushes for 45 yards and a touchdown. He is an integral part of the Commanders quest to reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Thank you 49ers for Deebo Samuel. pic.twitter.com/EZOpEQZ3Wx
— Brian (@BrianKnowsLax) October 5, 2025
These are just four of several Gamecocks having excellent success this season and we may dive into more of those later on in the season.