South Carolina Football Opens Preseason Camp With Renewed Energy Under Geoff Collins, Focusing on Culture, Depth, and Daily Improvement
The South Carolina Gamecocks officially opened preseason camp this week, launching the first full training period under new head coach Geoff Collins. For a program looking to turn the page after a disappointing 2024 season, the start of camp felt like more than just a procedural step—it was the beginning of a new era. With a fresh staff, revamped schemes, and an energized roster, the first practices have already set a new tone inside the walls of the Gamecocks’ football facility.
The sun had barely crested the horizon on the first morning of camp when players took the field, clad in garnet and black, helmets gleaming under the early August sky. Music pumped through the speakers, coaches barked out assignments, and position groups scattered across the multiple fields for individual work. But beneath the rhythm of a typical opening-day practice was a noticeable shift in pace, attention to detail, and overall urgency.
Geoff Collins, in his first year at the helm in Columbia, wasted no time putting his stamp on the program. Known for his high-energy style and background as a defensive tactician, Collins approached the first few practices with the intensity of a coach determined to rebuild from the ground up. “We’re not easing into anything,” Collins told reporters after the first day. “Every rep matters. Every drill is an opportunity to build the habits that are going to define us.”
That approach has been echoed across the staff, many of whom are new to the program but not new to high-level football. The early emphasis in camp has been on fundamentals—tackling technique, route discipline, ball security—and building a physical and mental foundation that can last through the grind of the season. Conditioning has been a major point of emphasis, and players have already noted the difference between this year’s expectations and years past.
“It’s a lot more structured,” one veteran offensive lineman said. “Everything has a purpose. There’s no wasted movement. You know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.”
That structure has extended beyond the field. Meetings are tighter, film sessions more detailed, and the overall tempo of team operations has increased. Collins and his staff have made it clear that attention to detail will be non-negotiable. Mistakes are corrected immediately. Players are held accountable. But there’s also been a noticeable spirit of teaching and development—a balance between intensity and instruction that seems to be resonating with players, especially the younger ones.
Speaking of youth, South Carolina enters the preseason with one of its more intriguing freshmen classes in recent memory. Several newcomers have already flashed in the opening practices, including at key positions like defensive back, wide receiver, and along the offensive line. While it’s too early to predict starting roles, the coaching staff has made it clear that depth charts are fluid and playing time is available to anyone who earns it.
“Freshman or senior, walk-on or scholarship—it doesn’t matter,” said defensive coordinator Travis Williams. “If you do the right things, you’ll get a shot.”
One of the most closely watched positions this preseason is quarterback. While a returning player leads the room in experience, there’s a quiet competition unfolding behind the scenes. The staff is pushing all the quarterbacks to improve their mechanics, decision-making, and leadership presence. Early reports from practice suggest that the offense is being installed gradually but with a heavy focus on tempo and efficiency. Offensive coordinator Chip Long has emphasized balance—establishing the run, creating matchup problems in the passing game, and protecting the football. It’s a system that will ask a lot of the quarterback position, both mentally and physically.
At running back, the picture remains unsettled, particularly in light of Rahsul Faison’s unexplained absence from recent practices. The freshman had been expected to compete for early carries, but as of now, his status remains unclear. In the meantime, other backs have stepped up, eager to take advantage of increased reps. The group has rotated heavily through the first few practices, with no clear front-runner emerging just yet. Coaches have praised the group’s effort but stressed that consistency will determine roles heading into the season.
Wide receiver play has been a bright spot through the opening days, with multiple players making contested catches and showing improved route-running precision. A blend of veteran leadership and young athleticism has made for a competitive atmosphere during one-on-one drills. Wide receivers coach Tino Sunseri has pushed the group to refine their details, especially when it comes to timing and spacing. “Talent will get you open,” he told the media, “but precision gets you the ball.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the early practices have focused on fundamentals—tackling, block shedding, pursuit angles, and communication. The defense is being retooled to emphasize speed, aggression, and flexibility. Collins and Williams want to be able to adjust on the fly, disguise coverages, and bring pressure from unexpected places. That requires players who are smart, fast, and adaptable.
The defensive front, long a strength of the program, looks like it will again anchor the unit. Several returning linemen are being asked to take on leadership roles, mentoring younger players while setting the tone during drills. Linebacker remains a position of intrigue, as the team searches for consistency and improved play recognition. The secondary is perhaps the biggest question mark, but early signs suggest improvement in technique and confidence.
Special teams, a crucial but often overlooked aspect of preseason camp, has not been neglected. Collins has long championed the importance of special teams play, and his staff is dedicating significant time to coverage units, returns, and kicking competition. Early in camp, multiple players are rotating as return specialists, and the staff seems open to using starters on special teams if it helps win games.
Beyond the Xs and Os, the biggest takeaway from the first week of camp has been the culture shift. Players are being challenged daily to hold themselves and each other accountable. There’s an emphasis on mental toughness, resilience, and daily improvement. Leadership councils, peer mentoring, and off-field discipline are all being used to reinforce the values Collins wants to instill.
“We’re building something,” Collins said. “And that starts with how we do everything—not just how we play, but how we train, how we meet, how we lift, how we support one another.”
That mindset is being embraced by the players, many of whom have already spoken publicly about the difference in energy and expectation this year. One defensive back put it simply: “There’s no hiding. If you’re not locked in, you won’t last long.”
Of course, preseason camp is just the beginning. The real tests will come when the pads go on and live reps begin. Injuries, depth issues, and position battles will all play a role in shaping the roster over the coming weeks. But what’s clear through the opening practices is that the standard is rising. The staff is demanding more. The players are responding.
There’s a long way to go before the first game kicks off. But for now, South Carolina football feels like a program in motion. The early days of camp have been marked by clarity, competition, and commitment. That’s the foundation Collins and his staff are betting on—and if it holds, it could lead to real growth as the 2025 season unfolds.
