Entering the 2025 season, the South Carolina Gamecocks football team is predicted to have an over/under win total of 7.5 games, following a nine-win season in 2024. Max Chadwick of PFF College stated that the Gamecocks will be one of several teams in the SEC that is expected to exceed its win total in 2025. Not only will the Gamecocks beat the 7.5 over win total in 2025, but they will smash it by a wide margin.
The Gamecocks are one of five teams in the SEC to surpass the 7.5-win total in 2025 alongside the Texas A&M Aggies, Ole Miss Rebels, Auburn Tigers, and the Missouri Tigers. The only teams above those five to pass their over/under win totals according to Chadwick at PFF College are the Alabama Crimson Tide (9.5 wins), Texas Longhorns (9.5), LSU Tigers (8.5), and the Tennessee Volunteers (8.5). That puts the Gamecocks tied for fifth in the SEC to beat their predicted win total in 2025.
One of the reasons why the Gamecocks will get to get at least another nine-win season, more so a 10-win season all things considered, is LaNorris Sellers. Sellers returns to the Gamecocks following an 18-passing, and seven rushing touchdowns in 2024. He threw for 2,534 yards on 196 completions and ran for another 674 yards. ESPN has Sellers ranked seventh on the Heisman watchlist to potentially win the award in 2025 following a stellar freshman season for the Gamecocks. Chris Low of ESPN considers Sellers the most valuable player in the country. If the sophomore can build off how he played in 2024 going into 2025, there might be some personal hardware coming his way.
Another key contributor for the Gamecocks in 2025 will be wide receiver Nyck Harbor. Harbor enters his junior season after having 376 yards receiving on 26 catches in his sophomore year in 2024. He had 14.5 yards per reception and 28.9 yards per game last season. He was named the 2025 most improved player for the offense by Shane Beamer and the staff. Which bodes well for the 6-foot-5, 235-pound receiver who is being looked at as a possible Biletnikoff Award winner for the best receiver in college football. If Harbor continues to build his raw talent, there is no telling where he will go in 2025 for the Gamecocks. Harbor, along with Sellers, could be the most underrated duo in college football.
What powered the Gamecocks in 2024 was their defense. That will more than likely be the same in 2025, especially with DQ Smith and Dylan Stewart leading the way. Smith had 20 solo and 17 assisted tackles in 12 games for the Gamecocks last season with an interception as well. He will be looked at as the anchor of the defensive backs for Beamer's defense this season. Stewart is considered he top three edge rushers per Sports Illustrated in college football going into 2025. He had 17 solo tackles, 11 tackles for losses, and 6.5 sacks, as a freshman. If those two help lead the defense in 2025, the 7.5 win total will be in the rearview with more likely a 10 in the win column.
As long as everyone stays healthy and the whole team builds off their 2024 9-4 record and a six-game winning streak, capped off by a 17-14 Palmetto Bowl win over Clemson, there is no reason why the Gamecocks shouldn't be able to win 10 games in 2025. Expect a massive season in Columbia for Carolina football.