South Carolina Gamecocks news dump from last week, including updates from football, basketball, and more

The latest South Carolina Gamecocks news from the last week, starting with some updates from Shane Beamer's South Carolina football team during their Bye week.

Despite not playing, the Gamecocks are moving up in some rankings systems, though, it might not be as high as they deserve.

ESPN's FPI and the Kelley Ford Ratings rank Carolina as the #25 team in the nation. The Gamecocks received votes in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll but didn't find themselves in the top-25.

Quarterback Robby Ashford and wide receiver Mazeo Bennett picked up nice honors after the Gamecocks' matchup against Akron last weekend.

Against the Akron Zips, normal backup QB Robby Ashford was the starter, and he delivered the highest-rated performance in the country, according to the college team at Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Freshman wide receiver Mazeo Bennett was graded as the top freshman wideout in the country, as well.

A pair of veteran Gamecock defensive linemen picked up award nominations.

Tonka Hemingway was selected as a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, an award that is given to the player who best combines on-field excellence and off-field character and leadership skills.

Boogie Huntley was put on the early season watch list for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, another honor that is given to a player combining on-field and off-field abilities.

A former Gamecock is getting a new opportunity in professional football.

Wide receiver Ahmarean Brown signed a practice squad deal with the Buffalo Bills.

An elite shooter in the class of 2025 earned a scholarship offer from Lamont Paris' South Carolina basketball program and was supposed to make it down to Columbia for a visit.

Listed at 6'6"/6'7", Washington DC native Grant Polk is an elite shooter from the perimeter. He is a candidate to be the team's fourth commitment in the '25 cycle. Hurricane Helene kept Polk from making his planned visit to Columbia a reality, but he is expected to reschedule.

Dawn Staley's South Carolina basketball squad is at the top of another preseason poll.

ESPN has placed USC in the #1 spot on their preseason top-25, which is exactly where the defending champs deserve to be at this stage.

Gamecock legend A'ja Wilson led her team through the first round of the WNBA Playoffs, made the 1st team All-Defensive Team, but was snubbed from another honor.

Wilson's Las Vegas Aces beat the Seattle Storm in a 2-game sweep to advance into the semifinal round of the postseason.

Despite being the best defensive player in the WNBA this season (like she is every season), A'ja Wilson was passed up for the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in favor of Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier.