Two Former South Carolina Football Stars Named NFL Rookies to Watch in 2025 by ESPN’s Field Yates, Raising Gamecock Hopes

South Carolina football has found itself back in the national spotlight, not because of a game or a new recruit, but thanks to two of its recent stars being labeled “rookies to watch” by ESPN NFL insider Field Yates. In his latest feature profiling the incoming 2025 NFL rookie class, Yates identified a select group of young players with the tools, intangibles, and landing spots to make immediate noise in the pros. Among them are a pair of Gamecocks: quarterback Spencer Rattler and wide receiver Xavier Legette.

For South Carolina fans, this recognition is more than just a pat on the back. It’s validation of a program that has been fighting for national relevance in the brutal gauntlet that is the SEC. It’s also a sign that under head coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks have not only recruited talent, but developed it into NFL-ready material.

Both Rattler and Legette took unique paths to stardom, and now, both appear poised to carve out meaningful roles as rookies on Sundays this fall. Their journey from Columbia to the NFL is a testament to their work ethic, perseverance, and the environment fostered by South Carolina’s coaching staff.

Spencer Rattler, who began his college career with sky-high expectations at Oklahoma, arrived in Columbia in 2022 with plenty of questions. Would he regain the form that once made him a Heisman hopeful? Could he shake the narratives of inconsistency and immaturity? Over the next two seasons, Rattler answered emphatically. In 2023, he passed for 3,186 yards and 18 touchdowns, showing poise, accuracy, and leadership, even as the Gamecocks struggled with injuries and depth issues around him. By the time he finished his college career, he had transformed himself from a former five-star with baggage into a respected veteran whose maturity impressed NFL scouts.

Yates pointed to Rattler’s landing spot with the New Orleans Saints as a key reason he believes the former Gamecock could be an early contributor. In New Orleans, Rattler steps into a quarterback room that remains unsettled. Veteran Derek Carr remains the starter, but he’s entering a crucial season after an uneven 2024 campaign. Should Carr falter, Rattler could be next in line to take snaps — and unlike many rookie quarterbacks, he arrives with years of experience in high-pressure environments, having started games in both the Big 12 and the SEC.

Field Yates emphasized Rattler’s improved decision-making, noting his growth in processing defenses and protecting the football. “He has all the tools — arm strength, mobility, vision — but it’s the mental side of his game that took the biggest leap,” Yates wrote. “If the Saints need to turn to him early, they might find they’ve got a steal.”

But perhaps no Gamecock generated more excitement at the end of his collegiate career than Xavier Legette. The 6-foot-3, 227-pound wideout became one of the SEC’s breakout stars in 2023, catching 71 passes for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. With his elite combination of size, speed, and physicality, Legette quickly climbed up NFL Draft boards, eventually being selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round. His selection marked the culmination of a five-year journey at South Carolina that saw him go from a role player to an All-SEC talent.

Yates sees Legette as a potential Day 1 starter in Carolina, especially in an offense desperate for playmakers to support quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every offensive category in 2024, and the front office made it clear that surrounding Young with weapons was a top priority heading into this offseason. That’s why they pounced on Legette, whose ability to win contested catches, create separation downfield, and contribute as a blocker made him an ideal fit for new head coach Dave Canales’ system.

“There’s a lot to love about Legette’s game,” Yates noted. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder, he’s fearless across the middle, and he can stretch the field. For Bryce Young, who needs reliable targets, Legette could become his go-to guy sooner than later.”

The Carolina connection adds another layer of intrigue. Not only does Legette get to begin his NFL career in the same state where he starred in college, but he also brings with him a built-in fanbase and regional familiarity that should ease his transition to the professional level. Panthers fans have already embraced the pick, with many viewing him as a much-needed infusion of toughness and talent.

For South Carolina fans, these two players being spotlighted by one of the most respected voices in NFL analysis is a source of pride and optimism. It reflects the rising profile of the program, especially in terms of player development. In the past, South Carolina had sent stars like Jadeveon Clowney, Stephon Gilmore, and Deebo Samuel to the league, but the years since had seen more modest NFL output. Now, with Rattler and Legette both turning heads before even taking a pro snap, there’s reason to believe a new wave of Gamecocks are making their mark.

Their recognition also speaks volumes about how the NFL views the SEC — and South Carolina’s place in it. Playing in college football’s toughest conference is often seen as a litmus test for how a prospect might fare against top-tier competition. For both Rattler and Legette, their best games came against ranked opponents and playoff contenders. Scouts took notice, and so did Yates.

It’s worth noting that neither player had a perfect college career. Rattler had to fight through adversity, criticism, and a mid-career transfer. Legette had to wait his turn behind older receivers and overcome injuries. But both stayed the course, worked relentlessly, and delivered when it mattered most. That resilience may be the single most important trait they carry with them into the NFL — and it’s a big part of why Yates believes they’re poised for rookie success.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on how these two Gamecocks fare. For Rattler, it may be a matter of waiting for the right moment to seize an opportunity, but his trajectory suggests he’s ready when that chance comes. For Legette, the opportunity is already in front of him — a chance to become a centerpiece of a rebuilding offense and help elevate a young quarterback.

If both players live up to the expectations set by Yates, they could do more than just help their respective NFL teams. They could serve as beacons for South Carolina football, showing future recruits and fans alike that Columbia is a place where stars are made and where NFL dreams begin. That’s a powerful message for a program looking to compete not just in the SEC, but on the national stage.

Beyond the stat sheets and scouting reports, their stories are deeply human ones. Rattler’s is a narrative of redemption — a once-hyped prospect proving he can handle adversity and emerge stronger. Legette’s is a story of perseverance — of a player who stayed loyal to his school, waited for his moment, and exploded onto the scene when it arrived. These are the kinds of stories NFL teams want in their locker rooms and fans want to cheer for.

As rookies, the spotlight will be intense, the learning curve steep, and the margin for error slim. But both men have already shown they can weather the storm. In a league where the jump from college to the pros is often too much for even the most talented prospects, Yates believes Rattler and Legette are built for the moment.

That belief now becomes a challenge. Can they turn promise into production? Can they become leaders on teams searching for stability and identity? Those are the next steps. But for now, their selection by Field Yates as rookies to watch is a significant first step — one that speaks volumes about who they are, where they come from, and where they’re headed.

And for Gamecock Nation, it’s one more reason to watch the NFL this fall — not just as fans of the league, but as proud supporters of two of their own.