Pro Football Focus Highlights South Carolina’s Offensive Potential and Depth Issues as Key Factors Entering the 2025 College Football Season
As the 2025 college football season draws closer, teams across the country are being meticulously evaluated by analysts and scouting services. Among the most respected of these is Pro Football Focus (PFF), a data-driven platform known for its in-depth breakdowns of player performance, team efficiency, and positional strengths and weaknesses. Recently, PFF released its outlook on the South Carolina Gamecocks heading into the 2025 season, outlining both the program’s greatest asset and its most concerning vulnerability. For fans of the Gamecocks and followers of SEC football alike, the evaluation offers a balanced and realistic picture of where the team stands, what it has going for it, and what it must overcome to make a mark in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
According to PFF, South Carolina’s biggest strength as the new season approaches is its offensive firepower, particularly at the quarterback position. After years of instability at that spot, the Gamecocks now appear to have a signal-caller who can elevate the offense and keep them competitive in shootouts against elite defenses. This marks a notable shift from recent seasons, where the offensive unit often struggled with consistency and production. Now, the team enters 2025 with renewed optimism, largely because of what they have under center and the supporting cast around him.
PFF’s praise for the quarterback situation stems primarily from the emergence of standout quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Sellers has quickly gained a reputation as one of the more promising young quarterbacks in the SEC, showing a combination of arm strength, athleticism, poise, and decision-making that gives South Carolina a legitimate shot at improving their offensive rankings. His dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators, as he’s capable of extending plays with his legs and delivering the ball accurately downfield. Moreover, Sellers has reportedly taken major strides in reading defenses and going through his progressions, a development that PFF analysts believe could take the Gamecocks’ offense to a new level this season.
It’s not just Sellers who gives this offense a dangerous edge. The wide receiver room has quietly become one of the most intriguing in the SEC, with multiple playmakers who can stretch the field, operate in tight windows, and make plays after the catch. While South Carolina doesn’t boast a household name like some of their rivals, the unit has a depth of talent that complements Sellers’ strengths. Additionally, the tight end position is expected to play a more significant role in 2025, thanks to strategic adjustments in the offensive scheme that focus on mismatches and versatility.
The offensive line, while not elite, is returning several key contributors and has added depth through the transfer portal and recent recruiting classes. PFF notes that their pass-blocking efficiency should be improved from last season, which will be critical if South Carolina hopes to maximize Sellers’ potential and avoid the types of breakdowns that plagued their offensive rhythm in previous campaigns. With more experience and better cohesion, the line has the potential to be a steady force, even if it’s not the dominant unit some SEC powerhouses boast.
Another area of offensive optimism comes from the backfield. While the running back group may not have a Heisman candidate, it does feature a stable of dependable backs who bring a mix of speed, power, and vision. In particular, PFF has highlighted the balance in the rotation, allowing South Carolina to stay fresh and attack defenses in multiple ways. Running backs who can also contribute in the passing game provide Sellers with valuable check-down options, increasing the offense’s flexibility and reducing the likelihood of negative plays.
The combination of a dynamic quarterback, versatile receiving threats, a functional offensive line, and a deep running back corps gives South Carolina a legitimate identity on offense. Unlike in past years, where the Gamecocks often leaned on their defense to keep them in games, this season they appear poised to win by putting points on the board and playing with an aggressive, up-tempo style that can challenge even the most disciplined defenses. This shift in philosophy aligns with broader trends in college football, where explosive offenses have become the norm for title contenders. For head coach Shane Beamer, the ability to lean into this identity may prove to be the key to elevating the program’s standing within the conference.
However, not all the news is positive. While PFF’s evaluation of the offense was encouraging, their analysis also pinpointed a glaring concern: South Carolina’s lack of depth on the defensive side of the ball. In particular, the front seven appears to be a major question mark heading into the 2025 campaign. This is especially troubling in the context of SEC football, where controlling the line of scrimmage often determines the outcome of close games. For the Gamecocks to contend, they will need to answer tough questions about their ability to stop the run, generate pressure on the quarterback, and hold up physically against the punishing ground games of conference rivals.
The departure of key defensive linemen from last season leaves a void that has yet to be convincingly filled. While there are some talented young players and transfers on the roster, none have yet proven they can consistently perform at the SEC level. PFF analysts pointed to a lack of experience and production in the trenches as a serious liability, particularly when facing offensive lines that can impose their will. Without a disruptive interior presence or a reliable edge rusher, South Carolina could struggle to get off the field on third down, placing even more pressure on their offense to deliver.
The linebacker unit is similarly under scrutiny. Depth is a significant issue, with only a handful of players showing starter-level capabilities during spring practice and offseason workouts. Injuries at this position could be devastating, as the drop-off in talent from the first to second string is considerable. Linebackers will need to play disciplined football, fill gaps effectively, and contribute in coverage—an area that was a persistent problem last season. PFF expressed concern that without improvement in these aspects, opposing offenses will be able to exploit South Carolina through short-to-intermediate passing attacks and off-tackle runs.
On the back end, the secondary is arguably the most stable part of the defense, with a few experienced cornerbacks and safeties returning. However, even this group isn’t immune from scrutiny. Last year’s unit gave up too many explosive plays, and while some of that can be attributed to coverage breakdowns, much of it was the result of quarterbacks having too much time in the pocket. If the defensive line and linebackers can’t apply consistent pressure, even the most talented defensive backs will struggle to hold up in coverage for extended periods. PFF noted that for the secondary to reach its potential, it needs support from the front seven—not just in pass rush, but also in run support and containment responsibilities.
South Carolina’s lack of defensive depth also raises concerns about sustainability over the course of a long and brutal SEC schedule. While the starters might hold up well early in the year, injuries are inevitable, and depth becomes a critical factor in maintaining competitiveness in November. Games against teams like Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU will test the physical and mental endurance of the entire roster. If South Carolina doesn’t develop reliable backups and rotational players, they risk fading down the stretch, regardless of how well the offense performs.
Despite these concerns, there is room for optimism. The Gamecocks have recruited well in recent cycles, and several young defenders could take significant steps forward with proper development. The coaching staff has also emphasized physical conditioning and scheme adaptability, hoping to offset the talent disparity with effort, preparation, and creativity. Still, as PFF correctly pointed out, South Carolina’s margin for error on defense is razor-thin. The success of the 2025 season may hinge on the team’s ability to keep key defensive players healthy and elevate the performance of unproven contributors.
In conclusion, South Carolina football enters the 2025 season with both promise and peril. On one hand, the offense—led by LaNorris Sellers and a group of emerging playmakers—offers real hope that the Gamecocks can compete at a high level and put points on the board against even the best defenses in the SEC. On the other hand, the lack of proven depth on defense represents a significant hurdle that could derail the team’s aspirations if not addressed. Pro Football Focus has effectively captured this duality in their assessment, providing fans with a realistic view of the program’s trajectory. If the offense continues to develop and the defense finds ways to hold its own, South Carolina could be one of the surprise teams in the SEC this fall. But if the defensive issues persist, they may once again find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to serious postseason contention.
