South Carolina is back on the field in 2025 with a new energy after a historic 9-3 regular season under quarterback LaNorris Sellers. He comes into his sophomore season with Heisman chatter and top dual-threat numbers and is at the helm of an offense that has some of its weapons and offensive line back.
And on defense, standbys such as Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart provide tenacity. Nevertheless, a tough SEC schedule will likely put the Gamecocks to the test if they hope to make the College Football Playoff.
Personnel Overview
Leading the roster is LaNorris Sellers, who won the SEC Freshman of the Year award. He threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns and 674 yards and seven rushing TDs in 2024 and ended with a 151.9 passer rating. His dramatic ascent has caused heads to turn around the country, and he seems to be ready to become a breakout star. Although he had huge NIL offers this summer, some of which exceeded $8 million, Sellers kept his allegiance to South Carolina.
Supporting Sellers is an active backfield with transfer RB Rahsul Faison, who provides a punishing running presence, and wideouts Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennett Jr., both of whom should have bigger roles in the offense. EDGE Dylan Stewart returns to lead the pass rush, and a healthy secondary led by Jason Kilgore and Judge Collier increases the defensive stability of the Gamecocks.
Schedule Overview
The Gamecocks’ season opener will be a neutral-site game against Virginia Tech on Aug. 31 in Atlanta. A non-conference game vs South Carolina State follows. Then it’s straight to the SEC with home games against Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Alabama. The conference road games are at Missouri, LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.
Lastly, a home game against Coastal Carolina, and the Palmetto Bowl at home against Clemson to end the regular season. The Gamecocks have six games against preseason top 25 teams with one of the toughest schedules in college football.
Win-Loss Prediction
The talent and coaching are there to potentially win 9 or 10 games again this year as long as the offensive line can remain consistent and Sellers can stay healthy. Their most challenging games are against LSU, Alabama, and Texas A&M. There is a road loss, possibly at Missouri or Texas A&M, with Oklahoma or Clemson possibly sprouting an upset in Columbia as well.
The schedule seems too difficult for a team that is somewhat rebuilding outside the quarterback spot. South Carolina will likely end up 8-4, which will likely put them just short of CFP once again.
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