Coach Shane Beamer’s 2025 South Carolina football roster at the Gamecocks’ spring practice
Coach Shane Beamer’s 2025 South Carolina Football Roster: Spring Practice Preview
As the 2025 college football season rapidly approaches, Coach Shane Beamer’s South Carolina Gamecocks are preparing for what promises to be another exciting chapter in the program’s ongoing rebuild and ascent within the SEC. The spring practice period is always an important time for teams to evaluate talent, adjust schemes, and begin to develop the cohesion necessary for a successful season. With a mix of returning veterans, young talent, and new additions to the roster, the Gamecocks are ready to fine-tune their strategy and work toward building a squad that can contend in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
Beamer, entering his fourth season at the helm of South Carolina football, has brought a renewed sense of optimism and competitiveness to the program. After showing significant improvement in his first few seasons, the Gamecocks are poised to take another step forward in 2025. As the team heads into spring practice, eyes are on both the returning players who have already made their mark and the newcomers who will try to stake their claim in a crowded roster.
Here’s a look at Coach Beamer’s 2025 South Carolina football roster as the team prepares for spring practice, including key players on both sides of the ball, standout recruits, and position battles that will shape the team’s success.
Quarterback Battle: Spencer Rattler and the Future
The quarterback position has been a focal point for South Carolina for several years now, and heading into spring practice, the competition remains one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the Gamecocks. Spencer Rattler, the talented and experienced signal-caller, has been the starter for the Gamecocks over the past couple of seasons. Entering his senior year in 2025, Rattler will be looking to cap off his collegiate career with a strong showing that could position him for a professional career in the NFL.
Rattler has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at South Carolina, showcasing his ability to make all the necessary throws and lead the offense in key moments. However, there have also been inconsistencies that have prevented him from putting together a truly dominant season. With a new batch of playmakers around him, 2025 will be a crucial year for Rattler to prove he can elevate his game to the next level and lead South Carolina back to the top of the SEC.
Behind Rattler, there are several quarterbacks who will look to challenge for playing time. Sophomore Luke Doty, who has shown flashes of ability during his time with the Gamecocks, will also be in the mix. Doty’s athleticism and dual-threat capabilities make him a dangerous option for South Carolina’s offense, especially if Beamer and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains opt for a more mobile quarterback. Doty’s development and consistency will be a key factor in this position battle.
Additionally, the Gamecocks have brought in Jaxon Acker, a highly touted freshman who could make an immediate impact. While he may be unlikely to start in 2025, Acker’s presence on the roster adds depth to the quarterback room and will push both Rattler and Doty to improve.
Running Back: A Solid Committee with Star Potential
The running back position is one of the strongest on South Carolina’s roster heading into 2025. The Gamecocks are set to have a stable of talented runners who will look to pound the rock and provide balance to the offense. MarShawn Lloyd, a former highly ranked recruit, has been one of the bright spots in the backfield over the past few seasons. Lloyd has shown the ability to be a physical runner, break tackles, and hit the home run when needed. Heading into 2025, he will be the clear leader of the running back group.
However, Lloyd will have competition from a strong group of teammates. Juice Wells, a versatile and explosive option, has been known for his ability to make plays in both the running and receiving game. His ability to run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a dangerous weapon for Beamer and the offense. Wells will be counted on to provide depth and versatility to the backfield, giving the Gamecocks multiple options for attacking defenses.
Additionally, Christian Beal-Smith and Santino Marchi are both capable contributors who could see significant playing time depending on the scheme. Beal-Smith, a senior, brings experience and consistency to the position, while Marchi has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at South Carolina.
With such a deep and talented running back committee, the Gamecocks will have plenty of options to rely on in 2025. Coach Beamer will likely utilize a balanced attack, with multiple backs seeing carries to keep defenses on their toes.
Wide Receivers: Wells, Stogner, and Emerging Talent
The wide receiver room at South Carolina will be one of the most intriguing areas to watch in 2025. Juice Wells, one of the top playmakers on the team, returns for his senior season after a stellar 2024 campaign. Known for his explosive speed, precise route running, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Wells will once again be the focal point of South Carolina’s passing attack. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch will be critical for the Gamecocks as they look to improve their passing game.
But Wells will not be alone. Austin Stogner, a transfer tight end from Oklahoma, brings a unique skill set to the position. Standing at 6’6” and known for his excellent hands and ability to make tough catches over the middle, Stogner is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. With his experience at a high level of competition, Stogner is poised to be a top target in the passing game, especially in short-yardage and red zone situations.
Additionally, Xavier Legette, a rising sophomore, is a player to keep an eye on. After showing potential during his freshman season, Legette could be primed for a breakout year in 2025. His size, speed, and ability to make contested catches make him a valuable asset in the receiving corps. Corey Rucker, another talented receiver, will look to build on his development and carve out a role as a reliable pass-catcher for Rattler.
In the 2025 recruiting class, South Carolina added Lorenzo Thomas, a highly rated wide receiver, who could also make an immediate impact. His combination of size and speed makes him a potential deep threat for the Gamecocks’ offense. With several capable players vying for playing time, the competition for snaps in the receiving corps will be fierce during spring practice.
Offensive Line: Building Consistency
The offensive line will be one of the most important areas for Coach Beamer and his staff to focus on during spring practice. The Gamecocks have struggled at times to establish consistent play in the trenches, and it will be crucial for them to develop a reliable offensive line to protect Spencer Rattler and open up running lanes for the talented running backs.
Jovaughn Gwyn, a veteran leader on the line, returns for his senior year and will be an anchor on the offensive line. His experience and physicality are invaluable as the Gamecocks look to improve their consistency up front. Trey Jones is another returning starter who will play a key role in the line’s success. The development of young players like Ja’Quan Hart, a highly regarded sophomore, will also be critical as the team looks to build depth and establish chemistry among the group.
In the 2025 class, Damari Brown, an incoming freshman offensive lineman, is a player who has the potential to make an immediate impact. With his size and raw talent, Brown could compete for playing time right away, further bolstering the offensive line.
Defensive Line: Strength in the Trenches
The defensive line is expected to be one of the strongest units for South Carolina in 2025. The Gamecocks have recruited and developed a number of talented pass rushers and run-stoppers who will be key to their defensive success. Tonka Hemingway, a returning standout, will once again anchor the defensive line as one of the top defensive linemen in the SEC. Hemingway’s combination of size, strength, and explosiveness makes him a force to be reckoned with on the interior.
Alongside him, Jordan Burch, another dynamic defensive lineman, is poised for a breakout season. Burch’s ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield will be crucial for South Carolina’s defensive strategy. Nick Barrett, a rising star who showed promise last season, will also be an important piece of the defensive front.
With depth and talent across the defensive line, the Gamecocks will be able to rotate players in and out, keeping fresh legs on the field and maintaining a high level of intensity throughout the game.
Linebackers: Playmakers in the Middle
The linebacker position is another area of strength for South Carolina in 2025. Brad Johnson, a veteran linebacker, will be the leader of the group and a key cog in both the run defense and pass coverage. Johnson’s leadership and football IQ will be critical for the Gamecocks, especially as they face some of the best offenses in the SEC.
Rising star Debo Williams will also be an important contributor at linebacker. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at South Carolina, and 2025 could be his breakout year as he continues to develop into one of the top defenders in the conference.
The linebacker corps will also see contributions from younger players like T.J. Dudley, who is expected to make an impact during spring practice and vie for significant playing time in the fall.
Secondary: Lockdown Defenders
The secondary will need to be a key component of South Carolina’s defense in 2025. With the high-powered offenses in the SEC, the Gamecocks will rely on their defensive backs to shut down passing games and provide coverage on the outside. Cam Smith, one of the top cornerbacks in the country, returns for his senior season and will be a lockdown defender for South Carolina. Smith’s ability to cover top receivers and force turnovers is a key part of the Gamecocks’ defensive success.
Other key contributors in the secondary include Darius Rush, a cornerback with excellent size and speed, and RJ Roderick, a safety who is known for his ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball.
With a talented secondary and a strong defensive front, South Carolina’s defense in 2025 has the potential to be one of the top units in the SEC.
