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2025 South Carolina Preview
South Carolina Offense Breakdown
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season
- The defense did its job, allowing 27 points or fewer in every game but two. It finished 12th in the nation in scoring defense, 16th in total D, was great against the run, and lived in opposing backfields. There's plenty of turnover and lots of help coming in from the portal, starting with ...
- The defensive line will look far different, especially on the inside. Top pass rusher Kyle Kennard is gone, but Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas are back after combining for 11 sacks. Demon Clowney (Charlotte) was going to Louisville, but now will be a part of the Gamecock rotation.
The inside is mostly about the portal, but senior Monkell Goodwine is a veteran 300+ pounder who'll see starting time. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (Texas A&M) and JUCO transfer Zavion Hardy should be decent interior pass rushers.
- There's enough talent to find two linebackers in for the 4-2-5 rotation, but all of the top tacklers are gone. Fred Johnson saw a little time in the middle.
Jaron Willis has yet to do much of anything coming over from Ole Miss two years ago, but he'll work in a variety of ways, and transfers Justin Okoronkwo (Alabama) and Shawn Murphy (Florida State) have the tools to shine on the outside.
- Star safety, and the team's leading tackler, Nick Emmanwori, is off being a Seattle Seahawk, but Jalon Kilgore is back after making 48 tackles and picking off five passes. He has All-SEC talent, but he's not alone, with DQ Smith and Peyton Williams both experienced safeties who'll pick up the Emmanwori slack.
Judge Collier is back after breaking up eight passes at one corner spot, and NC State transfer Brandon Cisse should be ready right out of the gate on the other side.
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season
2025 South Carolina Preview
South Carolina Offense Breakdown