Offensive Line
South Carolina is returning two starters from 2024’s offensive line. Gamecock quarterbacks were sacked 41 times last season- a number that ranked 120th in the nation. The team’s fans would argue that the trajectory of the offensive line can only go up from there.
Head coach Shane Beamer brought in projected starting center Boaz Stanley from the transfer portal. Stanley brings 12 starts from Troy in 2024, and he was not called for a single penalty throughout the 2024 season.
2024’s offensive line also struggled to create a push in the run game. That struggle was reflected in the team’s yards per carry number, as they averaged just 4.35 yards per carry —the third-worst average in the country. South Carolina finished as the 18th-worst rushing offense in total rushing yards.
The offensive line will be led by starting left tackle Josiah Thompson, who earned True Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC honors in 2024.
Nyck Harbor
Harbor needs no introduction to those who follow the recruiting scene. Though if you’re unfamiliar, Harbor is the fastest player in the country. He has recorded an official 10.12-second 100-meter time, which is faster than Tyreek Hill’s recent viral 100-meter time of 10.15. Oh, and Nyck Harbor is 6’5 230 pounds. Harbor is one of the most impressive athletes on the planet.
But can Harbor finally put it together on the football field this season? Harbor totaled 26 receptions, 376 yards, and 3 touchdowns in 2024. His 14.5 yards per catch number is quite disappointing for a player with his speed and explosiveness.
If Harbor takes strides as a wide receiver, South Carolina’s offense should see a tremendous boost in its downfield passing attack. If Harbor appears mediocre as a wide receiver, South Carolina will face defenses that are constantly challenging them to win downfield.
Front Seven
South Carolina will be replacing a handful of key contributors on the defensive line and at linebacker from last year’s team. Kyle Kennard, Tonka Hemingway, TJ Sanders, Bam Martin-Scott, Debo Williams, and Demetrius Knight Jr all departed over the offseason.
The Gamecock coaching staff brought in projected starters Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, Zavion Hardy, Demon Clowney, and Justin Okoronkwo from the transfer portal. Kennard, Hemingway, Sanders, Martin-Scott, and Knight Jr combined for 24 sacks last year, so the new group will have solid production to replace.
Some good news for South Carolina fans is that Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas Jr return from 2024. These two combined for 11 sacks, and Stewart is widely viewed as one of the nation’s best players.
Can this transfer-filled front seven gel together before conference play starts? Can they generate the 6th most sacks in the country like 2024’s unit?
LaNorris Sellers Jump?
Many draft analysts view LaNorris Sellers as a guaranteed 1st round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In fact, you can find Sellers projected to be picked as high as the top 5 picks. Does Sellers make this jump to be elite?
Coaches now have a full year of film to study Sellers. In 2024, Sellers threw for 18 TDs, which was tied for 47th in the country. Even Sellers’ passing yardage was down, as the offense struggled to create explosive passing plays. Sellers finished 67th in the country in total passing yards.
Sellers’ development is the biggest key for South Carolina’s hopes of making a college football playoff push in 2025.
