South Carolina Gamecocks Considered a Pretender Not a Contender
The South Carolina Gamecocks are getting ready for what they hope is a successful 2025 college football season. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is predicted to have another big season for the Gamecocks and the Gamecocks are expected to compete for a playoff spot.
However, based on the latest college football playoff projections, it looks like most people consider South Carolina to be a pretender and not a contender this season. 247 sports’ Brad Crawford released his postseason projections, and he had South Carolina missing the playoffs and playing Indiana in the Reliaquest Bowl. Yahoo Sports also just released theirs, and the Gamecocks were nowhere to be found in the top 12.
The Gamecocks were a borderline playoff team last season despite having three losses on the schedule. They had perhaps the best final stretch of the season amongst all the college football teams, but it wasn’t enough to put them in the top 12. Now, some expect them to be back in contention for the playoffs.Sellers has shown his ability to elevate South Carolina’s offense and he did so last season as a first year starter. Now with an entire year under his belt and expected improvements in his game, it’s safe to think the Gamecocks’ offense will only be better this season. But will it be enough to land them inside the playoffs? For now, people are saying no.
The South Carolina Gamecocks enter the 2025 college football season with heightened expectations, yet skepticism surrounds their status as true contenders. Despite a promising 9–3 regular season in 2024 and a six-game winning streak, the Gamecocks’ postseason projections suggest they may fall short of playoff contention. Analysts like Brad Crawford of 247Sports predict South Carolina playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl rather than the College Football Playoff, indicating a perception of the team as a “pretender” rather than a “contender” .
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers showed potential in his first year as a starter, but the offense faces hurdles. The team must address issues such as an inexperienced receiving corps, a running back with high expectations, and a shaky offensive line. These factors contribute to concerns about the offense’s ability to perform consistently against top-tier defenses
Defensively, the Gamecocks boast a formidable front seven. With players like All-SEC freshman Dylan Stewart and senior Bryan Thomas Jr., the defense is expected to remain a strong point. However, the team must compensate for significant offseason turnover to maintain its defensive prowess
Head coach Shane Beamer has made notable strides, including securing a top-25 recruiting class and achieving a historic six-game winning streak in 2024. Nonetheless, the team faces a challenging schedule, with games against formidable opponents like LSU, Alabama, and Oklahoma. These matchups will test the Gamecocks’ resilience and ability to compete at the highest level
While the South Carolina Gamecocks have demonstrated potential and growth under Coach Beamer, questions remain about their consistency and ability to compete against elite programs. The upcoming season will be pivotal in determining whether they can transition from being perceived as pretenders to legitimate contenders in college football.
