"Defense wins championships," so they say. And South Carolina Football is out to prove that is still the gospel in the southeast in 2025. Despite returning the most hyped quarterback in college football in LaNorris Sellers, the Gamecocks were left off On3's list of the top 10 defenses heading into the 2025 season. South Carolina did lose quite a bit of power on the defense, including five defenders to the NFL Draft, including Nick Emmanwori, Kyle Kennard, and Demetrius Knight. While it is understandable that questions about the defense linger, underestimating Shane Beamer's reloaded defense may be a major mistake. And there are several reasons why. Here are the potential breakout stars who are ready to step up and put South Carolina among elite defenses in college football.
Veteran Skill poised to Explode at EDGE
Bryan Thomas Jr. is ready to replace Kyle Kennard at the edge rusher position. Kennard led the SEC with 11.5 sacks in 2024, so stepping into those shoes is no easy feat. But Bryan Thomas Jr. is more than ready for the challenge. A fourth-year rusher with experience and production, Thomas had 4.5 sacks and 12 solo tackles last season. He finished the year strong in the Citrus Bowl, recording a sack and four solo tackles. If Thomas can continue on this upward trajectory this season, along with defensive phenom Dylan Stewart, South Carolina could once again have one of the most disruptive edge duos in the league.
Secondary Strength Stepping Up
The biggest loss for the Gamecocks was Nick Emmanwori, however, South Carolina is returning a talented and experienced secondary to the trenches.
- Jalon Kilgore: A versatile 6-foot-1, 211-pound junior who plays both nickel and safety.
- DQ Smith: A hard-hitting senior safety at 6-foot-1, 219 pounds.
- Judge Collier: A 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior cornerback with size and SEC reps under his belt.
These three defenders are no stranger to big plays or SEC offenses. Kilgore and Smith bring leadership qualities along with their physicality, and Collier can lock down receivers on the outside. Expect this trio to anchor a young but confident defensive unit for the Gamecocks.
New Faces in the Trenches
The interior defensive line lost some heavy hitters with Tonka Hemingway, TJ Sanders, and Alex Huntley, but there are some hungry defenders eager to suit up.
- Nick Barrett returns as a fifth-year senior with experience and size at 6-foot-3 and 327 pounds.
- Monkell Goodwine, a former Alabama lineman, joins the Gamecocks with SEC experience and upside.
- Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, once a top recruit, transfers in from Texas A&M and brings explosive potential.
This fresh trio may not be household names quite yet, but they have the experience and pedigree to become game-changers in Columbia.
Next Linebacker Era
With Debo Williams and Demetrius Knight gone, the linebacker room has turned into a dynamic duo of rising stars for South Carolina.
- Shawn Murphy: A Florida State transfer who made his mark in limited time last season with 13 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, and a fumble recovery.
- Fred "JayR" Johnson: A second-year player who saw action in all 13 games in 2024 and has the size at 6-foot-3 and 244 pounds to thrive in the SEC.
Even though they are young, these two are fast, physical, and are developing into leadership roles under defensive coordinator Clayton White.
A Defensive Chip on Their Shoulder
There is no denying that the South Carolina defensive line lost some elite talent to the NFL, but Beamer and White aren't exactly starting over from scratch either. The defense heading into the 2025 season is filled with players who have something to prove. Being left off of any "top" whatever list might be just what the Gamecocks need. From Byan Thomas Jr. to Kilgore and Collier in the secondary, this Gamecock unit is ready to make a statement this fall.
If South Carolina's defense can find its rhythm and support Sellers and the offense, don't be surprised if the Gamecocks make national headlines come November, making their way onto every "best defense" list in the country.