Emmanwori, a three-year starter and one of South Carolina’s defensive leaders, registered five tackles in the game before sitting out the second half. His absence was noticeable as Illinois orchestrated several long scoring drives in the final two quarters, ultimately sealing the Gamecocks’ defeat.
After the game, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer referred to Emmanwori’s absence as “an internal team matter,” offering no further clarification. “I’m not trying to be short,” Beamer said. “I’m just not going to discuss it. It’s an internal team matter.”
Shane Beamer asked about why Nick Emmanwori didn't play in the second half.
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) December 31, 2024
"internal team matter," Shane Beamer said.
Emmanwori later confirmed to TheBigSpur and The Post and Courier that he had communicated with Beamer in advance and planned to play only the first half. “I talked to my coach (and decided) that I was only going to play a half,” he stated. However, this plan appeared to catch some teammates off guard.
Senior linebacker Demetrius Knight expressed surprise, saying, “This is kind of the first of me hearing about it. He said he was going to play, and I figured that’s what he was going to do, play the whole game.” Knight added, “He played his role, and he did what he thought was best for him and his career… so can’t be mad at him. Definitely thank him for stepping on the field with us one more time, strapping it up one more time and finishing it in the garnet, white, and black.”
Freshman safety Jalon Kilgore echoed Knight’s sentiments, saying he “didn’t really know” what to make of Emmanwori’s decision but acknowledged that “it was his decision.”
WATCH: Here's our video of Nick Emmanwori, who didn't play in the 2H of the Citrus Bowl, leaving the field and Camping World Stadium with the team last night.
— Chaz R Frazier (@Chazf_tv) January 1, 2025
Before leaving the stadium, Emmanwori told @DCPandC “That was my last game.”
Perhaps, a post declaring for the NFL… pic.twitter.com/g0N3GuSP7Y
Emmanwori, ranked No. 50 on CBS Sports’ 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, finishes his collegiate career as one of the most accomplished defensive players in recent South Carolina history. A first-team All-SEC selection in 2024, he totaled 83 tackles and four interceptions during the regular season. Emmanwori was also a freshman All-American and a key piece of the Gamecocks’ secondary for three years.
The decision comes amid a growing trend of players managing their participation in bowl games to prioritize NFL aspirations. Emmanwori’s choice mirrored a similar move by Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who opted out of the second half of the Hurricanes’ 42-41 Pop-Tarts Bowl loss to Iowa State.
While Emmanwori’s departure is a significant loss for the Gamecocks, his teammates and fans will undoubtedly be watching his journey to the NFL with pride. However, the circumstances surrounding his final game in garnet and black are sure to spark ongoing debates about the balance between team loyalty and individual career advancement.