South Carolina Gamecocks football is gearing up for what many fans believe could be a breakout season. After concluding the 2024 season with a commendable record of 9-4, excitement is building as the team prepares for 2025. With their success catching the attention of analysts, South Carolina has been ranked seventh on On3's way-too-early list of top college teams for the upcoming year.
According to Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman from On3, the Gamecocks' rise up the ranks is attributed to their impressive young talent. Chief among them are standout players like Dylan Stewart and quarterback LaNorris Sellers, both of whom showed exceptional skill last season. Stewart made waves as an impactful defensive player, and Sellers emerged as one of the brightest stars, raising expectations for 2025.
Adding to the team's strength is left tackle Josiah Thompson, who received Freshman All-American recognition. The Gamecocks' recruitment has also been fruitful, securing their third consecutive top-20 high school recruiting class and successfully utilizing the transfer portal to bolster their lineup. Observers are hopeful as they see this foundational growth.
Yet, living up to the seventh-place ranking presents its own challenges. New offensive coordinator Mike Shula will be charged with honing Sellers and his fellow teammates' skills, alongside maintaining the high standards set by the USC defense. Coach Shane Beamer's crew will need to tap back onto the transfer portal's promise to realize their potential fully.
Adding to this positive outlook is the recent announcement from the Garnet Trust, South Carolina's NIL collective. On Saturday, they revealed a new deal with standout wide receiver Nyck Harbor, who is coming off his first full season with the Gamecocks. Harbor's return is expected, though he hasn't officially announced his commitment for the next season; the NIL deal strongly suggests he’ll continue to make waves on the field.
Harbor is statistically positioned for immense growth as he heads toward his third year with the Gamecocks. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound athlete already had considerable success, tallying 24 receptions for 376 yards and three touchdowns this season, ranking second on the team behind tight end Joshua Simon. With Sellers set to return, it is likely Harbor will build on this strength, especially considering he’s now eligible for the NFL Draft.
Notably, Harbor has showcased versatility, participating as both a football player and track athlete at South Carolina. His dedication to track has led him to significant achievements: he earned recognition as co-SEC Freshman of the Week and recorded impressive times of 10.11 seconds for the 100 meters and 20.20 seconds for the 200 meters, making him second-team All-American.
Originally recruited from Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C., Harbor was noted for his prowess on both the football field and the track. He claimed dual Gatorade Player of the Year titles for football and track during his high school years, illustrating his extensive athletic capability.
Looking forward, the Gamecocks face the task of maintaining their competitive edge. The pressure to meet expectations is palpable, yet the combination of fresh talent, strategic recruiting, and the pivotal impact of NIL deals like Harbor's paint a picture of optimism for both the team and its supporters. Each piece of this puzzle is integral to shaping not only the future of the team but also the individual careers of its players.
With fans rallying behind the Gamecocks and the coaching staff focusing on development, excitement is brewing for the upcoming season. Whether South Carolina can capitalize on their current momentum and assert dominance within the fiercely competitive SEC remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they are making strides toward building something special.