South Carolina's 2024 football campaign ended with a 9-4 record but has suffered some major losses in the offseason with graduations, the NFL Draft, and transfers. There are some key roles for Shane Beamer to fill in the roster, in particular Kyle Kennard to the NFL. The squad needs new playmakers opposite of returning star Dylan Stewart. Even on special teams, the Gamecocks must replace its punter, kicker, and long-snapper.
Quarterback Depth
Star quarterback LaNorris Sellers is no doubt the Gamecocks' QB1, with backups Luke Doty and OSU transfer Air Noland providing some sound insurance. The confidence at center is not lacking for South Carolina, as the Gamecocks have one of the deepest QB rooms in college football, according to Athlon Sports. Sellers had a breakout campaign later in the season in 2024 and is returning as the starter. Behind him, veteran Luke Doty, a former four-star prospect who has even lined up at receiver, is expected to be the backup. Ohio State transfer Air Noland, who redshirted last season, will compete for reps as well. Incoming freshman Cutter Woods is in the mix too. In a "next man up" scenario for the QB position, Doty and Noland are both dual-threats in the position and are poised to carry the load.
Running Back Depth
The Gamecocks will lean on several players at the RB position. Veteran Oscar Adaway III is returning, but newcomer Jawarn Howell could be a sleeping giant. A former FCS standout, Howell showed flashes of elite performances so far with South Carolina, and coaches expect his role to expand for the 2025 season. Redshirt freshman Matt Fuller also saw some snaps in 2024 and should also be thrown in the mix. Other contributors could include long-time reserve Nathan Harris-Waynick and fifth-year special teams veteran Bradley Dunn. Together, this stable means that if a starter goes down, players like Howell, Fuller, and Dunn will be ready to step up with experience.
Wide Receiver Depth
South Carolina's receiving corps blends veteran experience and young talent. The projected starters are veteran Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennett Jr. Behind them, however, is an infusion of 2025 recruits including four-star targets Malik Clark and Lex Cyrus (both on campus) as well as Brian Rowe Jr. who adds size and speed. Freshman Jordon Gidron will also join the WR room. If there is any reason for them to step up, Clark and Cyrus will be ready to absorb extra targets. Bennett's experience and Clark and Cyrus' physicality suggest that the WR room for the Gamecocks is solid.
Tight End and Offensive Line Depth
True freshman TE Michael Smith is named as one potential breakout candidate, as he earned significant snaps last year, and had a significant TD against Missouri. With TE Josh Simon in the NFL, Smith should step up as the starter for the fall. He will also be slotted alongside JUCO addition Jordan Dingle and veteran Brady Hunt. Smith's under-the-radar status could turn into a major role this season.
On the frontline, the Gamecocks lost interior starters Vershon Lee and Torricelli Simpkins. However, new faces like center transfer Boaz Stanley and redshirt senior tackle Chase Sweigart are slated as starters. Behind them, younger linemen will be stepping up. In particular is redshirt sophomore and former Freshman All-SEC, Tree Babalade. Other backups include Parker Lawson, Josiah Thompson, and Blake Franks, who can all provide additional depth.
Defensive Front and EDGE
The defensive line looks good as it contains rising stars and transfer talent, as well as returning forces. Sophomore Dylan Stewart dominated as a true freshman and returns at tackle. On the edge is most notable backup, Desmond Umeozulu, a 6-foot-6, 258-pound four-star recruit. He has been in the rotation with Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas. Veteran DE Jatius "JT" Greer will also be pushing for some snaps behind the starters. Edge rusher Jaylen Brown, a transfer from Missouri who enrolled at South Carolina in January 2025 will also look to work his way into the rotation.
On the inside, junior DT Monkell Goodwine, a transfer from Alabama, is primed for more responsibility. He played in every game for the 2024 season and was often the "next man up" in rotation.
Linebacker Depth
The linebacker corps for South Carolina underwent a big overhaul, clearing the way for younger talent to shine. In 2025, the projected starters are Alabama transfer Justin Okoronkwo and true freshman Donovan Darden. Behind them, is true freshman Fred "JayR" Johnson, who is a four-star recruit with the work ethic and ability South Carolina needs. Redshirt junior Jaron Willis is another LB in the rotation with some experience under his belt. Upperclassmen such as Andrew Colasurdo and Shawn Murphy also provide some depth in the LB room. In a "next man up" scenario, expect Johnson, Willis, and a few other underclassmen to be ready to fill holes seamlessly.
Secondary Depth
South Carolina does have some returners, but replacing Nick Emmanwori who left for the NFL has been a struggle. Veteran CB DQ Smith and safetyJalon Kilgore hold starting roles, and the rest of the depth chart is strong. JUCO transfer Brandon Cisse (corner) will provide some experience, and young DBs such as Peyton Williams, who is a redshirt junior safety, has flashed some potential. Fellow safety David Bucey is also in the mix, alongside several other players ready to step up this season. Even without injuries, the depth in the secondary has the potential to rotate everyone to keep guys fresh.
Special Teams
Redshirt freshman punter Mason Love is expected to replace All-American punter Kai Kroeger. He and kicker Peyton Argent (both five-star recruits) bring elite talent to the field at Williams-Brice Stadium. Shane Beamer's squads have consistently been strong on special teams, and now key understudies are stepping up. Love has already worked as both a punter and kicker this spring. At long snapper, veteran Cole Rasmussen returns, and true freshman Kyler Farrow is making the push to take over. In sum, even special teams has some under-the-radar talent.
In Conclusion
At the end of the day, the 2025 Gamecock roster is rich with quality depth. Players like Luke Doty, Air Noland, Jawarn Howell, Matt Fuller, Tree Babalade, Desmond Umeozulu, Jaron Willis, Peyton Williams, and Mason Love have ultimately flown under the radar. But as we inch closer to kick off, they now have the opportunity to take on larger roles for the Gamecocks. As summer practice and fall camp roll on, the younger offense, defense, and special teams could very well become the "next man up" heroes that carry South Carolina through the 2025 season.