Which new football players from Jacksonville State will have an immediate effect in the 2025 season
As the Jacksonville State Gamecocks continue to evolve under head coach Charles Kelly, the 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the team’s journey. With the Gamecocks joining Conference USA, they are positioning themselves for greater success on the national stage. One of the key components in their quest for success will be the influx of new talent, both from high school recruits and the transfer portal. These newcomers will play pivotal roles in the 2025 season and will help shape the team’s trajectory as they look to build a competitive program capable of challenging for titles.
In this article, we will delve into the new football players at Jacksonville State for 2025 and analyze which of them are most likely to make an immediate impact on the field. From dynamic playmakers on offense to disruptive forces on defense, these players will be integral to Jacksonville State’s success.
1. Jack Moran – Quarterback (Freshman)
One of the most intriguing newcomers to Jacksonville State’s roster is quarterback Jack Moran. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 225 pounds, Moran arrives as one of the top prospects from New Jersey, where he was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. His combination of size, arm strength, and football intelligence has drawn attention from scouts and coaches alike.
Moran’s ability to throw with accuracy and power makes him a potential star at the quarterback position for the Gamecocks. He has the tools to lead the offense with his vision and poise in the pocket. Given the Gamecocks’ need for a strong, reliable quarterback, Moran will likely be given every opportunity to earn the starting job. If he can acclimate quickly to the college game, Moran could be the player that leads Jacksonville State to new heights in the 2025 season.
2. Gavin Wimsatt – Quarterback (Transfer from Kentucky)
In addition to Moran, the Gamecocks also landed a significant transfer in Gavin Wimsatt, a quarterback from the University of Kentucky. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 205 pounds, Wimsatt brings valuable experience to the quarterback room. While he spent his collegiate career at Kentucky, his experience in the SEC should give him an edge in terms of readiness for high-level competition.
Wimsatt’s decision to transfer to Jacksonville State could prove pivotal for the Gamecocks, especially if he brings the leadership and skills that made him a top recruit. With his size, arm strength, and mobility, Wimsatt has the potential to compete for the starting quarterback role right away. His experience in a Power Five conference could allow him to adapt quickly to Jacksonville State’s offensive scheme and make an immediate impact in the 2025 season.
3. Lucas Farrington – Running Back (Freshman)
Running back Lucas Farrington is another highly anticipated addition to the Gamecocks’ roster. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 190 pounds, Farrington hails from College Park, Georgia, and is a three-star recruit. Farrington has been lauded for his explosive speed, vision, and ability to break tackles, which should make him an immediate contributor in Jacksonville State’s backfield.
Given that the Gamecocks have been looking for a consistent and dynamic playmaker at running back, Farrington will have every opportunity to earn significant playing time right away. His ability to make plays in both the running and passing game will be a valuable asset to the offense. If Farrington can translate his high school success to the college level, he could emerge as a key weapon for Jacksonville State in the 2025 season.
4. DJ Vinson – Wide Receiver (Freshman)
Wide receiver DJ Vinson, a 6’3″ target from Montgomery, Alabama, is another standout freshman joining the Gamecocks for the 2025 season. With his combination of size, speed, and ball skills, Vinson has the ability to make an immediate impact on the field. His ability to stretch the defense and make plays in the air will be crucial for Jacksonville State’s passing attack.
Vinson’s physicality and ability to make contested catches will provide the Gamecocks with a reliable target in the red zone. He has the potential to develop into a key contributor for Jacksonville State’s offense in his first season, offering quarterback Jack Moran or Gavin Wimsatt a big-play threat on the outside.
5. Macklin Sanders – Linebacker (Freshman)
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Macklin Sanders is one of the most highly regarded newcomers. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 210 pounds, Sanders comes to Jacksonville State as a three-star recruit from McDonough, Georgia. His athleticism, work ethic, and football IQ make him a prime candidate to make an immediate impact for the Gamecocks.
Sanders possesses the versatility to play multiple linebacker positions, and his speed and ability to diagnose plays will allow him to contribute immediately. The Gamecocks are in need of a playmaker at linebacker who can cover ground quickly and disrupt the opposing offense. Sanders fits that role perfectly, and his ability to step into the starting lineup will be crucial to the Gamecocks’ success on defense in 2025.
6. McCade Wright – Edge Rusher (Freshman)
Another significant addition to Jacksonville State’s defense is edge rusher McCade Wright, a 6’5″, 250-pound pass rusher from Gadsden, Alabama. Wright’s size and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His speed off the edge and ability to generate pressure in the backfield will provide a much-needed boost to Jacksonville State’s defensive line.
Wright’s ability to disrupt plays and get to the quarterback could make him one of the most impactful players on the defense. His physicality and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier will be key factors in Jacksonville State’s defensive success. If Wright can develop quickly, he could become a mainstay in the Gamecocks’ defensive front, contributing to a formidable pass rush and helping the team to stifle opposing offenses.
7. Manny Watkins – Safety (Transfer from Valdosta State)
The Gamecocks also bolstered their secondary by adding safety Manny Watkins, a 6’2″, 190-pound player who transfers from Valdosta State. Watkins’ size, speed, and ability to cover both the pass and run will be vital to Jacksonville State’s defense. His versatility as a safety allows him to play in a variety of roles, whether it’s as a deep safety, a box safety, or a coverage player in nickel or dime situations.
Watkins’ experience in college football, particularly at Valdosta State, will provide him with the tools needed to make an immediate impact for the Gamecocks. His leadership and experience in the secondary will help mentor younger players and solidify the defensive backfield. If Watkins can adapt quickly to Jacksonville State’s defensive scheme, he will likely start and be a key contributor in the 2025 season.
8. Cameron Cook – Running Back (Transfer from TCU)
In addition to Farrington, the Gamecocks have also added running back Cameron Cook, a transfer from Texas Christian University (TCU). Cook stands at 5’9.5″ and weighs 181 pounds. Known for his speed, vision, and quickness, Cook brings valuable experience from his time in a Power Five conference.
Cook’s skill set makes him an immediate threat in Jacksonville State’s backfield. His ability to find holes in the defense and make defenders miss will be crucial to the Gamecocks’ ground attack. If he can adapt to Jacksonville State’s offensive scheme, Cook will be a key contributor, especially in short-yardage situations and on special teams.
9. Harrison Hamsley – Tight End (Transfer from Valdosta State)
Tight end Harrison Hamsley is another transfer who could have an immediate impact for Jacksonville State. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 242 pounds, Hamsley is a versatile tight end capable of contributing in both the passing and running games. His size and athleticism make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders.
Hamsley’s ability to block in the run game and provide a reliable target in the passing game will be essential for the Gamecocks’ offense. If he can establish chemistry with the quarterbacks, Hamsley could become a key part of the offensive game plan, especially in the red zone.
