By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Sabri Haidar- The Mojo Network)
After finishing 9-3 in what was the best season of the Shane Beamer era, the Gamecocks enter this year with high expectations and plenty of momentum. Part of the reason for all the hype they're getting is big parts to quarterback LaNorris Sellers. In his debut season, true freshman Sellers quickly proved he could handle the spotlight, putting together one of the most well-rounded stat lines in the SEC. Through the air, he threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns, displaying both poise in the pocket and the ability to push the ball downfield. What made him even more dangerous was his athleticism, as he added 674 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground, consistently keeping defenses off balance with his dual-threat ability. His performance not only established him as the clear leader of the Gamecocks’ offense but also set the foundation for what could be a breakout sophomore campaign.
On the defensive side, the Gamecocks bring back arguably one of the best edge rushers in the nation — and perhaps the very best — in sophomore phenom Dylan Stewart. As a true freshman, Stewart wasted no time making his presence felt, racking up 6.5 sacks and forcing 3 fumbles in just 11 games. His explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield make him the anchor of South Carolina’s defense and a player every opposing offense will have to game plan around this season.
There’s no doubt the Gamecocks will face one of the toughest slates in the country, with a brutal seven-week stretch that includes six preseason-ranked opponents. That kind of gauntlet will test every aspect of the team — from Sellers’ ability to lead the offense against elite defenses, to Dylan Stewart and the pass rush stepping up in big moments. Depth will be critical, as the physical toll of playing ranked competition week after week can wear down even the most talented rosters. How South Carolina navigates this stretch will ultimately determine whether they remain a dark horse playoff contender or fall back into the middle of the SEC pack.
Shane Beamer’s squad opens the season at home against the Virginia Tech Hokies, entering the matchup as 8-point favorites. While most expect the Gamecocks to handle business in this one, it’s far from a game they can take lightly. Coming in lackadaisical could be costly, as the Hokies are sure to bring their best effort in hopes of pulling off an early-season upset. For South Carolina, it’s about setting the tone for a year filled with high expectations.