South Carolina football fans did not have an enjoyable experience in the 2023 season. The 5-7 Gamecocks were among the most injured teams in the nation, and the offense and defense alternated poor performances on the way to end-of-season rankings for both units that were far lower than preseason expectations.
But as is so often does, hope reigns supreme in Columbia. South Carolina football head coach Shane Beamer and his Gamecock coaching staff secured a really nice recruiting class in 2024 (ranked inside the top-12 nationally in average player rating and top-20 in America in overall rankings).
Two of the players signed in the class were 5-star prospects as EDGE Dylan Stewart and offensive tackle Josiah Thompson inked officially with Carolina last Wednesday.
The inclusion of two 5-star recruits in the class is only the 2nd time (2020 was the other) in the modern recruiting era in which the South Carolina football program has brought in two prospects in the same class who have been ranked as 5-stars by a major outlet.
So, let's take a look at every 5-star in the history of the South Carolina Gamecocks. This list will not include players like George Gause, Stephon Gilmore, or Shaq Roland who were ranked as 5-stars but fell off of that ranking.
***Not in order as multiple recruiting services are considered. All rankings used will come from 247Sports, On3, ESPN, Rivals, and the now-defunct Scout and will be cited.