Without Star Tight End Joshua Simon, South Carolina Football Turns to Collective Effort to Maintain Offensive Rhythm and Production in 2025
The departure of Joshua Simon leaves South Carolina football with a noticeable gap in its offensive arsenal heading into the 2025 season. Simon was more than just a reliable tight end — he was a security blanket for the quarterback, a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses, and a versatile weapon who could stretch the field or muscle out tough yards over the middle. His hands, size, and ability to find soft spots in coverage gave the Gamecocks a dependable option in critical moments, and his leadership in the locker room was equally valuable.
Now, the Gamecocks face the challenge of replacing that production without a single obvious heir apparent. Instead of looking for one player to replicate Simon’s role, South Carolina will rely on a group effort that spreads his responsibilities across multiple positions. Head coach Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains have stressed adaptability, recognizing that while Simon’s individual skill set is hard to duplicate, the offense can still thrive through strategic distribution of touches.
The tight end room still features capable options, though none with Simon’s complete skill profile. Returning players will have to step up both in blocking assignments and as pass catchers. The Gamecocks could also utilize more two-tight end sets to mask individual limitations and create matchup problems for defenses. This approach not only gives South Carolina flexibility but also opens the door for different tight ends to specialize — one focusing on in-line blocking and short-yardage routes, another handling vertical seam threats.
Receivers, too, will be called upon to absorb some of the lost production. Simon’s knack for moving the chains often came from working the intermediate zones, an area where slot receivers can thrive. Expect the Gamecocks to design crossing routes, quick outs, and option patterns for their wideouts to replicate Simon’s role as a possession target. The running backs could also see expanded usage in the passing game, catching screens and swing passes to keep the chains moving when the tight end is not a primary option.
Another adjustment could be a more balanced run-pass mix, using the running game to set up play-action opportunities. Simon excelled at selling blocks before releasing into routes, creating space for himself. Without that particular weapon, the offense may lean more heavily on deceptive play designs that involve misdirection or pre-snap motion, forcing defenses to hesitate and giving replacement pass catchers a better chance to get open.
Leadership is another area where Simon’s absence will be felt. He wasn’t just productive on Saturdays; he was a steady voice during the week, setting the tone for preparation. The responsibility of providing that kind of presence will fall on veteran offensive players who can keep younger teammates focused and accountable. Chemistry between quarterback and pass catchers takes time, but building trust will be critical in ensuring the offense doesn’t stall in high-pressure situations.
Defensive coordinators across the SEC know how dangerous Simon was, and his absence will not go unnoticed. Opponents may now commit more resources to stopping South Carolina’s top wideouts, daring the Gamecocks to find consistent production from their tight ends and secondary targets. If the new committee approach fails to create mismatches, the offense could become more predictable, which is dangerous in a league known for elite defensive game planning.
However, there’s also an opportunity hidden in this challenge. By spreading responsibilities and touches among multiple players, the Gamecocks could actually become more versatile and harder to defend. Defenses won’t be able to key on one safety valve in crucial situations, and the diversity of threats could open the playbook for creative calls. If the coaching staff can develop rhythm and consistency with this group-based approach, Simon’s departure could evolve from a setback into a spark for offensive evolution.
The 2025 South Carolina offense will not have Joshua Simon to bail them out on third-and-7 or to haul in a red-zone fade, but that doesn’t mean the unit is doomed to regression. Instead, it faces a test of identity — one that could reveal the depth, adaptability, and resilience of the roster. Replacing a star is never easy, but doing it as a collective effort might just produce a more unpredictable and dynamic attack.
In the end, Simon’s legacy in Columbia might not just be the numbers he put up but also the standard he set for toughness, preparation, and reliability. If the Gamecocks’ tight ends, receivers, and backs can collectively uphold that standard, South Carolina’s offense will still have the tools to compete in the unforgiving SEC battleground.
