South Carolina ranks among the top 15 for the best plays in college football since 2000.
Since the turn of the millennium, college football has seen no shortage of iconic moments—those singular plays that forever etch a team’s name into the annals of the sport’s history. While powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and USC often dominate highlight reels, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks have delivered some of the most electrifying, game-changing plays over the past two and a half decades. From miraculous catches and bone-jarring hits to tide-turning returns and championship-shaking wins, South Carolina has carved out a place among the top 15 programs for producing unforgettable plays since 2000. This recognition isn’t simply a nod to isolated moments of brilliance, but rather a testament to the Gamecocks’ growing influence in the evolving landscape of college football.
One of the most iconic moments in recent South Carolina football history occurred in 2010, when the Gamecocks stunned the college football world by taking down the No. 1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in Columbia. That day, the crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium was electric as Stephen Garcia connected repeatedly with wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, whose jaw-dropping catches over future NFL cornerbacks made highlight reels across the country. But perhaps the most unforgettable play of that game was Marcus Lattimore’s touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. Fighting through tackles, keeping his balance, and finishing with a powerful lunge into the end zone, Lattimore’s run not only sealed the win but also symbolized South Carolina’s emergence as a true contender in the SEC. That play, in many ways, marked a turning point for the program and remains one of the most celebrated plays of the 21st century.
Another defining moment came just two years later during the 2012 season when South Carolina faced the Georgia Bulldogs in a night game that had major SEC implications. The Gamecocks dominated the Bulldogs from the opening whistle, but it was Ace Sanders’ incredible 70-yard punt return for a touchdown that sent the stadium into frenzy. Sanders weaved in and out of defenders with such agility and speed that it left fans breathless. That play helped ignite a rout and symbolized South Carolina’s confidence and swagger under head coach Steve Spurrier. It’s one of the most replayed highlights in South Carolina history and widely recognized across the nation as one of the best special teams plays of the era.
Speaking of Spurrier, his arrival in Columbia in 2005 marked the beginning of South Carolina’s push to national relevance. Under his guidance, the team began to play with more discipline and innovation, which led to several high-profile wins and thrilling plays. One such moment came in 2006 when South Carolina defeated the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville for the first time in over a century. The play that sealed the victory—a long touchdown pass from Syvelle Newton to Kenny McKinley—showcased both the athleticism and poise of the Gamecocks under pressure. That victory and the accompanying highlight announced that South Carolina was no longer content to be an afterthought in the SEC.
In 2013, perhaps the most famous defensive play in school history took place when South Carolina faced the Florida Gators. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, already known as a fearsome pass rusher, delivered a hit that would become legendary. Though his most famous hit—technically from the 2013 Outback Bowl against Michigan—occurred out of conference, its impact on the broader college football landscape was undeniable. The play saw Clowney burst through the offensive line, knock the helmet off Michigan’s Vincent Smith, recover the fumble, and change the entire momentum of the game. That single play became a viral sensation, was replayed endlessly on national television, and contributed significantly to Clowney becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. It’s difficult to discuss iconic college football plays of the 2000s without mentioning it.
Not all of South Carolina’s top plays are about overwhelming opponents, however. Some are about clutch moments under duress. In 2011, the Gamecocks pulled off a dramatic win against Mississippi State, a game where the defense held strong and quarterback Connor Shaw engineered a late-game touchdown drive. The culminating play—a fourth-down touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery—showcased the team’s resilience and determination to win even under difficult circumstances. Jeffery’s ability to high-point the ball in double coverage not only secured the victory but also reminded fans and analysts alike that South Carolina was developing elite talent at key positions.
It’s also important to consider the emotional weight behind many of these plays. Marcus Lattimore’s comeback from a devastating knee injury in 2011 was marked by one particularly powerful touchdown run early in the 2012 season against Vanderbilt. Though it wasn’t a highlight-reel play in the traditional sense, the moment captured national attention. Lattimore broke tackles, dragged defenders, and showed he still possessed the same powerful stride that made him a star before his injury. That play symbolized hope, resilience, and the human spirit—and it remains etched in the minds of Gamecock fans and college football enthusiasts alike.
One must not forget the 2010 game against Florida, in which South Carolina clinched its first-ever SEC East title. The signature play came on a long touchdown run by Lattimore, who broke into the secondary untouched and sprinted to the end zone, pointing to the sky as he crossed the goal line. That moment was historic, not just because of the play itself but because of what it represented: South Carolina reaching the SEC Championship Game for the first time in program history. That play was more than a score—it was a declaration of legitimacy.
As recent years unfolded, South Carolina has continued to produce standout moments that rank among the best in college football. In 2022, the Gamecocks shocked the college football world again by dismantling Tennessee’s playoff hopes in a primetime game. Spencer Rattler, the embattled Oklahoma transfer, threw for over 400 yards and six touchdowns in what was arguably the best game of his college career. One of those touchdowns—a 60-yard bomb to wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr.—demonstrated the explosive capability of South Carolina’s offense and was a statement play that resonated across the country. That game alone had multiple highlight-worthy moments, but that long touchdown pass under pressure stood out as the ultimate showcase of talent, timing, and trust.
And in the very next week, South Carolina beat Clemson for the first time in nearly a decade. In that game, the pivotal play came late in the fourth quarter when the defense made a critical stop on fourth down, denying Clemson’s offense and preserving the Gamecock lead. The moment was punctuated by the jubilant reactions on the sideline and in the stands. Though not flashy in the way of a one-handed catch or a game-winning Hail Mary, the play’s significance cannot be overstated. Ending a seven-game losing streak to a bitter rival with a gutsy, team-wide defensive stand is exactly the kind of moment that programs are built around.
Beyond the big plays themselves, South Carolina’s consistency in producing high-caliber talent contributes to their place in the top 15 for best plays since 2000. Jadeveon Clowney, Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore, Marcus Lattimore, D.J. Swearinger, Deebo Samuel, and now Spencer Rattler are just a few of the names who have left indelible marks on college football history with moments that wowed fans and confounded opponents. Deebo Samuel, for instance, was a human highlight reel during his time in Columbia, known for kickoff returns, one-handed catches, and bulldozing defenders en route to the end zone. His 97-yard kickoff return against NC State in the 2017 season opener not only set the tone for the year but also once again proved that South Carolina players were capable of creating moments that belonged in the national spotlight.
South Carolina’s ascent in the world of college football can be measured not just in wins and losses but in the moments that matter most—the plays that define seasons, change narratives, and inspire future generations. These moments are why fans pack into Williams-Brice Stadium and why South Carolina has earned a rightful place in any conversation about the most memorable plays in college football since 2000.
Each play, each memory, each burst of excitement contributes to a tapestry of moments that continue to build the Gamecocks’ reputation. South Carolina’s inclusion among the top 15 programs for best college football plays since 2000 is not merely a recognition of isolated highlights but an acknowledgment of the program’s evolution, its capacity for drama, and its undeniable ability to seize the spotlight when it matters most. The fans know it, the players know it, and now the rest of the college football world is finally recognizing it too. Whether it’s a high-stakes rivalry game, a top-ranked upset, or a bowl-season breakthrough, South Carolina has shown a knack for delivering when it counts—with flair, fire, and unforgettable style.
