Coach Shane Beamer’s 2025 South Carolina football roster during the Gamecocks’ spring practice

As Coach Shane Beamer enters his fourth season at the helm of South Carolina Gamecocks football in 2025, spring practice represents a critical moment for the program. South Carolina is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, but Beamer’s tenure has already demonstrated significant growth and potential. After securing a strong recruiting class and with a steady core of returning players, the 2025 roster is poised to make a mark in the competitive SEC landscape.

South Carolina’s spring practice is not only a time to evaluate talent but also a pivotal moment for players to solidify their roles, develop chemistry, and get ready for the upcoming season. This year’s squad, with several new faces and a few position battles, will be under the microscope as the Gamecocks look to build on their momentum.

Quarterback Competition: The Key to South Carolina’s 2025 Success

At the top of the roster, the quarterback position has been a topic of much attention heading into the 2025 season. The Gamecocks are looking to replace the leadership provided by their previous signal-callers, and this spring practice will be essential in determining who will lead the offense.

Brady Cook, a dual-threat quarterback, enters spring practice as one of the front-runners for the starting job. Cook, who showed flashes of brilliance during his previous seasons, will look to take the next step in his development. His dual-threat ability—combining a strong arm with impressive mobility—makes him a dynamic option for Beamer’s offensive scheme. However, Cook’s consistency in making reads and decision-making under pressure will be closely watched throughout spring practice.

Tyler Matthews, a 6’4″ freshman from Georgia, is another player to watch in this competition. Matthews impressed with his high school tape, showing impressive mechanics and the ability to go through progressions under pressure. As a first-year player, he is expected to learn and develop quickly, and a strong spring practice could give him the edge for the future.

Behind these two is Zay Martin, a transfer from a junior college, who has already shown his leadership qualities during team workouts. Martin’s arm strength and deep ball accuracy will be his strongest selling points, though he will need to prove he can make quick decisions in the pocket under SEC-level competition.

The battle for the starting quarterback job will be one of the most exciting storylines throughout spring practice, and fans can expect Coach Beamer to give all three quarterbacks ample opportunities to showcase their skills. Who can establish chemistry with the offensive line, running backs, and wide receivers will likely decide who will be under center come Week 1.

Running Back Group: A Strong Stable for the Gamecocks

South Carolina’s running game has the potential to be one of the team’s most significant strengths in 2025. The Gamecocks have several key players in the backfield, and spring practice will help them settle on their lead back and develop depth for the upcoming season.

MarShawn Lloyd, who was a standout in 2024, is back for his final season and is poised to be the centerpiece of the offense. The powerful and fast back can break tackles and has the ability to turn short runs into long gains. During the 2024 season, Lloyd showed that he could carry the workload, averaging over 100 yards per game. His vision and ability to read the offensive line will be critical in making the running game successful, especially behind an offensive line that is looking to take another step forward.

Jaheim Bell, a versatile athlete who can line up as both a running back and a tight end, has shown tremendous potential to complement Lloyd in the backfield. Bell’s ability to be a mismatch for defenses, using his athleticism to create explosive plays, will provide a dynamic element to the Gamecocks’ offense. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and run powerfully between the tackles makes him an important player to watch during spring practices.

Lavoisier Carroll, another key contributor in the backfield, enters spring practice as a player to keep an eye on. Carroll, a transfer from Georgia, has speed and agility that make him an ideal option for third-down and red-zone situations. If he can develop as a reliable option in short-yardage situations, it will provide the Gamecocks with even more depth.

The running back group as a whole looks strong heading into the 2025 season, and Beamer will be working to find the perfect balance between power and finesse.

Wide Receiver Depth: Building a High-Powered Passing Game

While the Gamecocks’ offense relies heavily on the running game, their wide receiver corps is shaping up to be a crucial part of the team’s identity. The group is deep, with several talented players pushing for starting roles.

Xzavier Leggett, who had a breakout season in 2024, is a key returning player who looks to be the go-to option in the passing game. Leggett’s blend of size, speed, and route running makes him a dangerous weapon for opposing defenses. As a junior, Leggett is expected to take on more leadership responsibilities and help develop the younger players in the group.

Antwane Wells Jr., a transfer from James Madison, made an immediate impact in 2024 and will continue to be a reliable target for whoever wins the starting quarterback job. Wells has great hands, is quick off the line, and has demonstrated an ability to make big plays in clutch moments. His experience will be invaluable for the younger receivers in the unit.

Juju McDowell, a versatile and speedy option, has shown the ability to line up both inside and outside. His quickness after the catch makes him a dangerous weapon on screen plays, and Beamer’s offense will likely look to utilize him in creative ways. McDowell’s quick decision-making and playmaking ability will make him a key asset as a secondary option.

Le’Veon Glaze and Malik Holmes, two talented freshmen, will also be competing for spots on the depth chart. Both players come in with strong high school resumes, and the coaching staff is excited to see what they can bring to the table. Spring practice will be crucial for their development, and they will likely be evaluated for their ability to contribute immediately.

As the 2025 season approaches, the wide receiver group is one of the deepest and most talented units on the roster. The mix of experienced players like Leggett and Wells with the influx of youthful talent will give the Gamecocks a balanced and potent passing attack.

Offensive Line: A Work in Progress

The offensive line is often the most critical and underappreciated unit on any football team, and the Gamecocks are no different. In 2025, the offensive line will be looking to build upon an improving performance in 2024, but there will still be questions about depth and consistency.

Nick Gargiulo, a transfer from Yale, brings a wealth of experience and is expected to make an immediate impact at center. Gargiulo’s leadership and intelligence on the field will be crucial in setting the tone for the offensive line, especially in terms of protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes.

Jakai Moore, a returning tackle, will anchor the left side of the offensive line. Moore has been a steady contributor during his time at South Carolina, and his ability to protect the blindside of the quarterback will be vital.

On the right side, Trey McCray and Jaquarius Hopkins will compete for starting spots. Both players have shown promise but need to refine their technique and consistency. Their development throughout the spring will be key in determining the overall success of the offensive line.

Ryan Brubaker, a promising sophomore, is another player to watch closely. He has been impressing during offseason workouts and could find himself competing for a starting role.

Coach Beamer and offensive line coach Greg Adkins will be working hard to find the right combination of players who can provide protection and establish a strong running game. Spring practice will be critical in solidifying the line’s cohesion and physicality.

Defensive Line: A Fearsome Front

On the defensive side, South Carolina boasts one of the most talented defensive lines in the SEC. The Gamecocks’ ability to generate pressure on the quarterback will be key to their success, and several players will be fighting for starting roles on the defensive front.

Jordan Burch, a rising star on the edge, enters spring practice as a key figure for the Gamecocks. Burch’s athleticism and ability to disrupt plays have made him one of the most highly touted defensive players on the team. His ability to rush the passer and stop the run will be critical in setting the tone for the defense.

Alex Huntley and Tonka Hemingway will also be key figures along the defensive front. Huntley’s strength and ability to disrupt the pocket make him a force inside, while Hemingway’s explosiveness gives the Gamecocks a versatile option on the defensive line.

The defensive line will be vital for Coach Beamer’s defensive strategy, and spring practice will give the coaching staff a chance to refine the rotation and ensure that the Gamecocks’ front can stand up to the elite offenses of the SEC.

Secondary: Growing Pains and Promising Talent

The secondary is one of the biggest question marks for the Gamecocks heading into the 2025 season. South Carolina will need to develop more consistency in coverage and prevent big plays downfield.

Cam Smith, one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC, is back and will continue to be the leader in the secondary. His ability to shut down top receivers and play physical football makes him a key asset. Marcellus Dial and Omarion Brown will also compete for significant playing time, adding depth and versatility to the cornerback group.

At safety, **RJ Roder

ick** and Jaylan Foster return as leaders, while new faces like Tyrone Evans and Jamarcus Kearse look to make their mark. The safety position, in particular, will need to improve its communication and coverage ability in order to handle the passing attacks of the SEC.

 The Road Ahead for South Carolina

Coach Shane Beamer’s 2025 spring practice will be critical for South Carolina’s success in the upcoming season. With a talented roster, competitive position battles, and a solid foundation built on leadership and hard work, the Gamecocks have the potential to take significant strides forward. The development of the quarterback position, the strength of the running game, and the improvement of the defense will be key factors to watch as the team gears up for another challenging SEC campaign.

As spring practice progresses, South Carolina’s players will be evaluated on their ability to execute Beamer’s vision and take the next step in their development. The outcome of these practices will shape the team’s prospects for 2025 and beyond, as the Gamecocks look to compete at a high level in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.