It is officially August, and you know what that means. WE MADE IT! There is college football this month! And more South Carolina sports on the horizon! The Gamecocks are heating up across the board, from recruiting momentum to international hoops success, to even a conference move for club hockey. Here is everything you need to know and what you may have missed in the past week.
Geoff Collings Joins Gamecock Football Staff
South Carolina Football made a major addition to the defensive staff, hiring former Georgia Tech and Temple head coach Geoff Collins as a senior defensive analyst. Collins brings nearly three decades of college coaching experience to Columbia, including SEC stops at Mississippi State and Florida, and most recently a stint as co-defensive coordinator at North Carolina. Everything you need to know about the hire can be found here.
Luke Doty Locked in at QB2
Head coach Shane Beamer named veteran quarterback Luke Doty as the backup to starter LaNorris Sellers heading into fall camp. Beamer emphasized that if the season started now, Doty's leadership, versatility, and ability to step up at a moment's notice is what makes him the perfect choice. Read more here.
ESPN's CFB Predictor Gives South Carolina a Chance
According to the Playoff Predictor on ESPN, South Carolina has a 20.3% chance of making an appearance in the 2025 College Football Playoff, ranking among the top 25 in the nation. The projection reflects the increased national confidence in Shane Beamer's squad following last season's 9-4 campaign. Full story here.
Nyck Harbor Donates NIL Earnings to Community
Wide receiver Nyck Harbor continues to make an impact on and off the field, donating $10,000 of his own NIL earnings to the athletic department of his alma mater, Archbishop Carroll (D.C.). Harbor also hosted a community day for local youth around the city as he focuses solely on football for the upcoming season. Read more about this special day here.
Gamecocks Women's Basketball to Play UNC in Atlanta Exhibition
South Carolina's Women's Basketball will take on North Carolin in a high-profile exhibition game at the State Farm Arena on October 30. The game is part of a double-header which also features Auburn and Memphis men's teams. Gamecock fans have the opportunity to attend with a FAM Bus Trip package which includes round-trip transportation and a game ticket all for $125. Full story and travel information can be found here on Garnet & Cocky.
Gamecock Baseball Earns Academic Honors
South Carolina Baseball was recognized with the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award for posting a team GPA over 3.0 for the 2024-25 academic year. This accolade also comes with a total of 14 players who made the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll. A lot for the Gamecock baseball team to be proud of.
Gamecock Hockey Joins SEC
South Carolina's club hockey team is officially joining a restructured SEC Hockey Conference under the ACHA Division II umbrella. This move creates more structured competition with SEC rivals such as Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. South Carolina won the AAU National Championship in 2024 and are looking to build on that momentum. Read more about the move here.
Kosci Barnes Commits to Class of 2026
Three-star cornerback Kosci Barnes officially committed to South Carolina, giving Shane Beamer a big win on the recruiting trail. The Greensboro, NC standout had offers from other powerhouse programs like Miami and Kentucky but ultimately said South Carolina "felt like home." Read more about what he had to say about his pledge to the Gamecocks.
South Carolina Makes Final Cut for Five-Star OL Darius Gray
Massive 2026 offensive lineman Darius Gray named South Carolina among his final five schools ahead of his August 22 commitment date. The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder is considered to be one of the top linemen in the nation and would be a cornerstone addition for Beamer's recruiting class. Take a look at what he had to say about being recruited by the Gamecocks.
Other News to Check Out on Garnet & Cocky:
🔥 Nyck Harbor Sets Sights on Breakout Season and Biletnikoff Award
🥲 South Carolina RB Emotional but Hopeful as NCAA Decision Still in Limbo
🎙 Syvelle Newton’s Podcast Gets Real on Gamecocks' Goals and Mental Health
📺 South Carolina Football Tops National Watchability Rankings Ahead of 2025 Season
💪 Is South Carolina Football on Track to Join the Nation’s Elite in Recruiting?
🏟 Which Stadium Did Urban Meyer Call the Most Underrated Venue in College Football?
🔒 Why South Carolina Gamecocks’ Jalon Kilgore Is More Than an All-SEC Sleeper
😂 FanDuel’s 2025 All-Name Team Includes Several Gamecocks
📊 South Carolina Football CFP Playoff Predictor 2025
👑 Lisa Leslie & Dawn Staley Talk Fashion, Olympics, and Coaching Culture
🛒 Costco Selling South Carolina Football Ticket Packages
Stay tuned to Garnet & Cocky for your weekly Gamecock sports recap. With the football season heating up and recruiting battles intensifying, there has never been a better time to be a part of Gamecock Nation!! Forever to thee!