South Carolina football seniors Torricelli Simpkins and O’Donnell Fortune have accepted invitations to participate in the 2025 Hula Bowl, an esteemed post-season all-star game that provides a platform for NFL Draft prospects to showcase their talents to professional scouts and coaches.
Hula Bowl Bound! 👏🏼@TorricelliSimp1 and @fortune_donnell has officially accepted their invite to the Caribe Royale Orlando 2025 Hula Bowl All-Star Game! #SpursUp | #HulaBowl2025 🏈@GamecockFB @SAGECards @cariberoyale @NFL @CoachScottFB pic.twitter.com/IgOW03gJSM
— Hula Bowl (@Hula_Bowl) January 2, 2025
The Hula Bowl, traditionally held in Hawaii, will take place this year at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, on January 11, 2025. The game is scheduled to kick off at noon and will be broadcast live on CBS, offering fans nationwide the opportunity to watch these athletes in action.
Simpkins, an offensive lineman, transferred to South Carolina from North Carolina Central, where he earned FCS All-American honors. In his single season with the Gamecocks, he demonstrated versatility by playing multiple positions along the offensive line, primarily at guard, and earned All-SEC honors in 2024. His adaptability and performance have garnered attention from NFL scouts, with some outlets projecting him as a late-round pick in the upcoming draft.
Fortune, a cornerback and South Carolina native, has been with the Gamecocks since 2020. After contributing as a reserve in his initial years, he secured a starting role in 2023 and earned All-SEC recognition as a senior. Known for his defensive prowess, Fortune is anticipated to be selected on day three of the NFL Draft, according to various analysts.
Their participation in the Hula Bowl underscores the strength of South Carolina’s football program in developing NFL-caliber talent. Simpkins and Fortune join fellow Gamecocks Josh Simon (tight end), DeAndre Jules (defensive tackle), and Gage Larvadain (wide receiver), who have also committed to playing in this year’s Hula Bowl. Additionally, other South Carolina players are slated to appear in the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl, further highlighting the program’s success in preparing athletes for professional careers.
As the Hula Bowl approaches, both Simpkins and Fortune aim to leverage this opportunity to enhance their draft prospects by demonstrating their skills and versatility on a national stage. Their journeys reflect dedication and resilience, and their upcoming performances are highly anticipated by fans and scouts alike.