As the 2025 season looms, the South Carolina Gamecocks football team has entered another crucial phase in their preparation: spring practice. Spring ball serves as the foundation for the season ahead, providing both the coaching staff and players with valuable insight into who can contribute, where team strengths lie, and which positions still require attention. With head coach Shane Beamer at the helm, the Gamecocks have been building momentum since his arrival in 2021, and their spring practices are giving fans and analysts alike a glimpse into what the team’s depth chart might look like heading into the fall.
South Carolina’s spring practices are always a time of excitement and speculation, with numerous position battles, injuries, and standout performances shaping the course of the season. This spring, a variety of new faces and veterans are stepping up as potential starters, while others are fighting for roles that could make or break their chances for regular playing time.
Here’s a closer look at the key position battles, notable performances, and overall insights into the Gamecocks’ spring depth chart.
Quarterback: Spencer Rattler’s Leadership and the Race for Backup
The quarterback position for the South Carolina Gamecocks remains one of the most intriguing aspects of their spring practice. While Spencer Rattler is expected to start as the team’s No. 1 quarterback after transferring from Oklahoma and making a significant impact in 2022 and 2023, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the backup position.
Rattler, entering his final year of eligibility, has grown into a leader both on and off the field, following a challenging transition period during his first season in Columbia. With improved chemistry with his receiving corps and a more comfortable fit in the Gamecocks’ offensive scheme, Rattler is poised to be a key figure in South Carolina’s attack. His poise, strong arm, and improved decision-making in 2023 have placed him as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC heading into the 2025 season.
However, spring practice is giving a glimpse of the backup battle between Luke Doty, Tanner Bailey, and incoming freshman Brady Cook.
- Luke Doty has been with the team since 2020 and has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in 2021, when he had to step in as a starter due to injuries. Doty, known for his athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs, has been solid in practice, and it appears the coaching staff may give him the edge for the backup role. His mobility is a huge asset in Beamer’s offense, which places an emphasis on creating opportunities with the quarterback’s legs.
- Tanner Bailey is the most likely challenger to Doty for the backup spot. The sophomore quarterback showed his potential during last year’s spring ball and is quickly making a name for himself in this year’s competition. Bailey’s development as a pocket passer is essential, and he has the talent to step in if needed during the season.
- Brady Cook, a freshman entering his first spring, is likely to find himself buried in the depth chart for the time being, but the competition is fierce. If he impresses during spring ball and continues to develop, he could rise on the depth chart. However, Cook’s most realistic path to playing time will be as a long-term development project under the guidance of Rattler and the coaching staff.
The quarterback position for the Gamecocks is somewhat settled with Spencer Rattler at the helm, but spring practice is critical for determining which of the younger quarterbacks will be next in line.
Running Back: Who Will Step Up as the Lead Back?
Another intriguing position battle revolves around the running back group, where the Gamecocks have an opportunity to solidify their rotation heading into the season. With MarShawn Lloyd departing to the NFL, South Carolina is looking to find a new lead back. While this presents a challenge, it also provides an exciting opportunity for multiple players to carve out important roles in the offense.
- JuJu McDowell is the favorite to take over as the team’s primary back. The junior running back has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in the receiving game and on third downs. McDowell has excellent vision and quickness, but he may need to show more power and consistency in his overall game to be trusted as the full-time back.
- Mashaun Bailey, a transfer from Clemson, has been generating buzz during spring practice. With his blend of size, speed, and power, Bailey is a potential game-changer in the backfield. He could provide a solid complement to McDowell, as well as the physical presence that the Gamecocks need to grind out tough yards on the ground.
- Rising star, Nick Smith, a freshman who has been turning heads during his early days with the team, is also in the conversation. His agility and field awareness are giving him a strong case to be part of the regular rotation, and he could carve out a role as a change-of-pace back.
The Gamecocks’ running back depth chart is still taking shape, and the competition will likely continue through the fall, but the position group is talented enough to make an immediate impact on the team’s success.
Wide Receiver: Strength in Numbers
The wide receiver position is one that is likely to be a strength for the Gamecocks in 2025, with a mix of veterans and young talent stepping up during the spring. South Carolina’s receiving corps will be crucial to Spencer Rattler’s success, and the team has a wealth of options to choose from, making it one of the most competitive positions on the roster.
- Antwane “Juice” Wells, the Gamecocks’ star wide receiver, is poised for another breakout season after a phenomenal 2023 campaign. Wells led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns last year and is widely considered one of the best wide receivers in the SEC. His ability to stretch the field, create separation, and make plays in critical situations gives him the edge as the team’s No. 1 target. Wells is expected to be the focal point of the passing game in 2025.
- Ahmarean Brown, another veteran presence in the receiving corps, is an experienced player who has been a reliable contributor for the Gamecocks. Brown’s speed and ability to make plays after the catch make him an ideal complement to Wells. He could also see an increased role in the offense this season, as he’s shown the ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
- Jadon Jordan and Rory DeMasi, both underclassmen, are competing for valuable playing time in the rotation. Jordan has impressed the coaching staff with his size and physicality, while DeMasi has the quickness and playmaking ability to thrive as a slot receiver. Both players are hoping to earn a role as key contributors in the receiving game, and spring practice will be critical in their development.
- Zacch Pickens, another young player, has shown potential in the slot during spring practices and could emerge as a reliable option for Rattler.
The Gamecocks’ wide receiver group is deep and talented, and it will be interesting to see how head coach Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield distribute the opportunities among these players.
Offensive Line: Rebuilding and Reloading
The offensive line is one of the most critical positions for South Carolina, as the team looks to improve its ability to protect Spencer Rattler and establish a consistent running game. After losing a few key starters to graduation and the NFL Draft, the Gamecocks are looking to rebuild and reload their offensive line for 2025.
- Nick Gargiulo, a transfer from Yale, is expected to start at left guard. Gargiulo is an experienced player who brings a high football IQ and physicality to the interior of the line. His experience at the Ivy League level should translate well to SEC competition, and he’s expected to be a key part of the line’s success in 2025.
- Jalen Nichols, a junior who was part of the starting lineup in 2023, has continued to grow and develop as a vital piece of the Gamecocks’ offensive line. He’s expected to hold down the left tackle position, providing stability and protection for Rattler’s blindside.
- Trey Jones, a rising sophomore, is expected to push for the starting role at right tackle. Jones’ strong spring performances have earned him a spot in the starting mix, and he could be an important building block for the Gamecocks’ offensive line in the coming seasons.
The depth chart on the offensive line is still very much in flux, with several players competing for starting roles. Coach Beamer and offensive line coach Greg Adkins will have a difficult task in solidifying the lineup, but they will look for strong performances and growth throughout the spring.
Defense: Building a Balanced Attack
On the defensive side of the ball, the Gamecocks are aiming for continued improvement. With a solid base established under defensive coordinator Clayton White, the spring practice sessions have allowed the coaching staff to evaluate key players and refine their schemes.
- Zacch Pickens, a defensive end, is one of the most important players on this defense. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense, both against the run and the pass, will be crucial to South Carolina’s success in 2025. Pickens has been an anchor on the defensive line and continues to develop as one of the top pass rushers in the SEC.
- The secondary is another position that will be key to the team’s defensive efforts. The cornerback and safety spots have several players battling for starting roles, with Cam Smith and Nick Emmanwori leading the charge.
- The linebacker unit is also a strong point for the Gamecocks, with players like Brad Johnson and Sherrod Greene providing leadership and versatility in the middle of the defense.
