10 Top Candidates to Watch for a Breakout Season with South Carolina Football in the 2025 College Football Campaign

With the 2025 college football season approaching, South Carolina Gamecocks fans are hungry for progress under head coach Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks have shown glimpses of promise during his tenure, but consistency has eluded them. After a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries and a lack of depth in key positions, 2025 presents a renewed opportunity. Several young and emerging players are primed to break out and become household names in Columbia and beyond. Whether they’re returning contributors ready for a larger role, transfers with something to prove, or freshmen with sky-high potential, here are 10 South Carolina players who could become breakout stars in 2025.

One of the most obvious breakout candidates is quarterback LaNorris Sellers. After waiting patiently behind Spencer Rattler and learning the ropes of the SEC, Sellers now has a chance to take full command of the offense. His dual-threat ability, arm strength, and poise in the pocket have earned praise during spring camp, and his upside is off the charts. Sellers has the tools to energize the Gamecocks’ attack and create problems for defenses across the league. If he stays healthy and develops chemistry with his receiving corps, South Carolina fans may witness the birth of their next star under center.

Next on the list is running back Matthew Fullwood, a redshirt freshman who is turning heads in practice. Fullwood brings a bruising running style that complements his excellent vision and balance. With Mario Anderson having graduated and the running back depth chart wide open, Fullwood has a golden opportunity to seize the starting job. His powerful north-south style could be a welcome change of pace for the offense, especially in short-yardage situations where South Carolina struggled in 2024.

Wide receiver Kelton Henderson is another player worth watching. Henderson showed flashes last season as a true freshman, showcasing blazing speed and agility in limited snaps. Now with more experience under his belt and an offseason to refine his route running, Henderson is expected to be a top target for Sellers. His speed makes him a constant deep threat, and if he can become more consistent with his hands, he could be one of the SEC’s most explosive playmakers this fall.

Tight end Connor Cox is poised for a breakout as well. The sophomore has bulked up over the offseason and has emerged as a reliable option in the passing game. South Carolina’s offensive scheme places a premium on tight end involvement, and Cox could thrive in that role. His combination of size, athleticism, and sure hands make him a mismatch against most linebackers. If the coaching staff leans into his strengths, Cox could post some impressive numbers by season’s end.

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Grayson Howard is a name Gamecock fans should remember. Nicknamed “Pup,” Howard saw limited action in 2024 but has made strides in his understanding of the playbook and reading opposing offenses. A former four-star recruit, Howard has all the physical tools needed to be an impact defender. He’s been a standout in spring ball, flying to the ball and demonstrating improved tackling fundamentals. His emergence would go a long way in shoring up a defense that struggled to get off the field in critical moments last year.

Defensive lineman Elijah Davis is another breakout candidate. Davis transferred to South Carolina from East Mississippi Community College and played sparingly in his first season. However, he’s had a strong offseason and could be a key contributor on the interior defensive line in 2025. Davis possesses a rare blend of strength and quickness, allowing him to disrupt plays in the backfield and collapse the pocket. With several veterans departing, he’ll have plenty of chances to show what he can do.

Cornerback Judge Collier could also become a key cog in the secondary. The Gamecocks lost a couple of experienced defensive backs to the NFL and graduation, opening the door for young talent like Collier to step in. At 6-foot-2, he has great length for a corner, and his physicality stands out in press coverage. If he can refine his footwork and recognition skills, Collier could lock down one side of the field and make a name for himself as a rising star in the SEC.

On special teams and in spot offensive packages, freshman all-purpose weapon Malachi Coleman could surprise people. Though still developing as a route runner, Coleman is electric with the ball in his hands. His versatility will allow the coaching staff to line him up in multiple spots—slot receiver, running back, kick returner—and get him involved in creative ways. Think of him as a potential X-factor who may not rack up gaudy stats but can change the momentum of a game in a single play.

Another under-the-radar breakout pick is offensive tackle Trovon Baugh. South Carolina’s offensive line was inconsistent last year, but Baugh, a redshirt sophomore, has the makings of a stabilizing force on the right side. He’s added muscle, improved his footwork, and earned praise from offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley during the spring. If Baugh can anchor the line and protect Sellers, he’ll quickly become one of the most important players on the roster.

Last but not least is safety Jalon Kilgore. Kilgore flashed impressive instincts and closing speed in 2024 as a rotational piece in the secondary. Now likely to start full-time, he’s being counted on as a leader in the back end of the defense. Kilgore is a ball hawk with excellent range, and his ability to cover ground will be critical against the SEC’s high-powered passing attacks. Coaches believe he could develop into one of the best safeties in the conference if he continues on his current trajectory.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for South Carolina football. With a mix of young talent, maturing returners, and intriguing newcomers, the Gamecocks have the pieces in place for improvement. Shane Beamer and his staff need several of these breakout candidates to reach their potential if they want to take a step forward in the competitive SEC East. Each of the ten players listed here has shown promise and is ready to rise to the occasion. Whether it’s Sellers leading the charge at quarterback, Howard becoming a defensive anchor, or Henderson lighting it up downfield, breakout seasons from even a few of these athletes could make a major difference.

As the offseason progresses and fall camp approaches, all eyes will be on these players. Their development will not only shape the trajectory of South Carolina’s 2025 campaign but could also influence the program’s long-term future. Gamecock fans hoping to see progress this season should be encouraged—there’s real talent brewing in Columbia, and these ten breakout candidates are ready to show the SEC what South Carolina football is becoming.