2025 South Carolina Football Season Preview: High Hopes, Key Battles & Watch Parties

Season Outlook & Major Storylines

After last year’s 9-4 finish, Gamecock fans have every reason to be excited about 2025. Under Coach Shane Beamer, the “Beamer Ball” era has brought confidence, energy, and a culture that embraces high expectations. “You want high expectations,” Beamer has said. “Our players and the people in our program embrace those expectations and understand that with them, you have to prepare the right way.”

Offensive Leader – QB LaNorris Sellers

Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is at the heart of Carolina’s rise. He broke out in 2024 with 2,534 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 674 rushing yards, and 7 rushing scores. Even more impressive—he led the Gamecocks to a 6-0 finish down the stretch. Sellers turned down transfer offers, landed on early Heisman watch lists, and proved himself as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. With another year of growth, he could elevate this offense to SEC contender status.

Defensive Standout – Dylan Stewart

On defense, sophomore edge rusher Dylan Stewart is set to be a difference-maker. A Freshman All-American in 2024, Stewart racked up 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, and an eye-popping 48 quarterback pressures. His relentlessness and physical style make him the anchor of a defense that will look to reload after losing several veterans. National analysts already project Stewart as one of the SEC’s best defenders—and he’s only getting started.

Other Storylines

The roster has been bolstered through recruiting and the transfer portal, with young weapons emerging at wide receiver and depth added in the trenches. The challenge? The schedule. South Carolina faces one of the toughest slates in the nation (7th hardest), including October matchups against Oklahoma, Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss. This stretch will test the team’s resilience and prove whether they belong in the SEC and playoff conversation.

Jersey Shore Gamecocks Watch Parties 🎉

If you can’t make it to Columbia, you can still feel the energy with fellow fans at the Jersey Shore. The Jersey Shore Gamecocks Chapter will host official watch parties on these game days:

• Sat, Sept 13 – Vanderbilt – Evening kickoff 7:00 PM ET or later

• Sat, Oct 11 – LSU – Afternoon kickoff 3:30 PM ET or later

• Sat, Nov 1 – Ole Miss – Afternoon kickoff 3:30 PM ET or later

• Sat, Nov 22 – Coastal Carolina – Afternoon kickoff 3:30 PM ET or later

📍 Locations will be announced soon. All parties will be held at 3:30 PM or later, so there’s plenty of time to get ready for kickoff.

👉 RSVP now at jerseyshoregamecocks.com/events to secure your spot. Updates on venues and details will be posted as the season approaches.

Stay Connected

The Jersey Shore Gamecocks Chapter is your home away from Williams-Brice. We can’t wait to celebrate touchdowns, turnovers, and big wins together this fall. RSVP for watch parties, follow us online, and invite other alumni and fans to join.

Let’s make this season one to remember—on the field and here at the Shore.

Sign-up to get the latest news: https://www.jerseyshoregamecocks.com/join

Forever to Thee. Go Gamecocks! 🐔