10 top candidates for South Carolina football breakout players in 2025

As the South Carolina Gamecocks gear up for the 2025 football season, expectations are high for the team to continue improving under the guidance of head coach Shane Beamer. After a solid performance in the 2024 season, there’s a lot of buzz around the program, with a wealth of talent on the roster that could help elevate South Carolina to new heights in 2025. While some of the team’s veterans and established stars are expected to shine, a breakout player or two can make all the difference in the Gamecocks’ pursuit of success. With that in mind, here are 10 top candidates to become breakout players for South Carolina football in 2025.

1. Nicholas Harbour – Wide Receiver/Edge Rusher (Sophomore)

Nicholas Harbour is perhaps the most exciting player on South Carolina’s roster heading into the 2025 season. The former five-star recruit has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a game-changer. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 225 pounds, Harbour has the physical traits of a prototypical NFL prospect. His combination of size and speed allows him to be a mismatch against most defenders, making him a prime candidate for a breakout season.

Although Harbour showed flashes of his potential in his freshman year, his breakout moment could come in 2025, when he will likely be more comfortable with the offense and the speed of the game. He’s versatile enough to play as a wide receiver or even as an edge rusher, making him a dual-threat weapon in Shane Beamer’s offense. Whether he is lining up as a receiver or being used as a pass rusher, Harbour has the potential to wreak havoc on opposing defenses.

2. Spencer Rattler – Quarterback (Senior)

While Spencer Rattler is already one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, his potential for a breakout season in 2025 is still very much alive. After transferring to South Carolina from Oklahoma, Rattler showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Gamecocks, but inconsistency and the challenges of transitioning into a new system hampered his progress.

However, with a full year to settle into the offensive scheme and build chemistry with his wide receivers, Rattler could finally reach the heights that many expected when he was a highly-touted prospect. If he can improve his decision-making, reduce turnovers, and become more consistent with his passing, Rattler has all the tools to lead South Carolina to a breakout season in 2025. Given his raw talent and experience, Rattler could be the key to unlocking the Gamecocks’ offense and taking their game to the next level.

3. Marshawn Lloyd – Running Back (Junior)

Marshawn Lloyd has been a promising back for South Carolina since his arrival on campus, but he’s yet to fully break out as the star of the backfield. After recovering from injury in 2023, Lloyd showed flashes of his talent in the 2024 season, but consistency and staying healthy will be key for him to elevate his game further in 2025.

Lloyd possesses the combination of vision, agility, and power that makes him a potential workhorse for the Gamecocks. As the 2025 season progresses, expect Lloyd to become more involved in the offense, potentially seeing increased carries and playing time. If he stays healthy and puts everything together, there’s no reason he can’t emerge as one of the SEC’s top running backs and provide a much-needed dynamic to the Gamecocks’ offense.

4. Jaheim Bell – Tight End (Junior)

Jaheim Bell has already shown his potential as one of South Carolina’s most dynamic playmakers, especially as a hybrid tight end and fullback. With his size (6’3″, 232 pounds) and speed, Bell is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He can line up in the backfield, in-line as a traditional tight end, or even split out as a wide receiver.

After a solid 2024 campaign, Bell has the potential to take his game to the next level in 2025. He’s a physical specimen who has the ability to dominate both in the run game and the passing game. With South Carolina looking to expand its offense and take advantage of mismatches, Bell is one of the top candidates to have a breakout season. His ability to make plays in the red zone and move the chains with his athleticism makes him a key target for Spencer Rattler.

5. Jordan Burch – Defensive Line (Junior)

Jordan Burch has been a steady contributor for the Gamecocks since his arrival, but he has yet to truly break out as a dominant force on the defensive line. A former five-star recruit, Burch has shown flashes of his potential, but 2025 could be the year he puts it all together. At 6’5” and 275 pounds, Burch has the ideal size and athleticism to disrupt the pocket and wreak havoc in the backfield.

Burch’s ability to play both defensive end and tackle gives him versatility and allows him to be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. With a strong offseason under his belt and continued development in defensive coordinator Clayton White’s system, Burch could be poised for a breakout year as one of the SEC’s top pass rushers. If he can improve his consistency and elevate his game to the next level, Burch could be a key player for South Carolina’s defense in 2025.

6. Antoine Wells Jr. – Wide Receiver (Senior)

Antoine Wells Jr. had a solid 2024 season, but he has the potential to break out as one of the SEC’s top wide receivers in 2025. With his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, Wells is the kind of player who can change a game with just one big play. After transferring from James Madison, Wells showed he could make an impact in South Carolina’s offense, but in 2025, he could emerge as the team’s go-to wide receiver.

Wells is a physical receiver who can win battles for contested catches but is also a dangerous threat after the catch. As Spencer Rattler continues to develop and build chemistry with his receivers, Wells has the chance to become his primary weapon in the passing game. If he can stay healthy and take his game to another level, Wells has the tools to break out as one of the top playmakers in the SEC.

7. Cam Smith – Cornerback (Junior)

Cam Smith is one of the most underrated players on the Gamecocks’ roster, but he has the potential to emerge as one of the top cornerbacks in the country in 2025. After showing flashes of his elite talent as a freshman and sophomore, Smith is now poised to take on a leadership role in the South Carolina secondary. At 6’0” and 190 pounds, he has the size and agility to match up against top-tier SEC receivers.

Smith has excellent ball skills, great instincts, and the physicality needed to excel in the SEC. With his ability to shut down top receivers and make plays on the ball, Smith has all the tools to be a breakout star in 2025. If he can continue to develop his technique and consistency, Smith could become one of the top cornerbacks in the nation and elevate South Carolina’s defense to new heights.

8. Jalen Nichols – Offensive Tackle (Sophomore)

Jalen Nichols is an emerging star on the offensive line for South Carolina. As a freshman, he gained valuable experience and showed he has the potential to be a key piece of the Gamecocks’ offensive line for years to come. In 2025, Nichols is expected to take on an even bigger role, and his development will be crucial for the success of the offense.

Nichols has the size (6’6″, 320 pounds) and athleticism to be a standout offensive tackle, and his ability to protect Spencer Rattler and open holes in the running game will be essential for South Carolina’s offensive production. If Nichols can continue to improve his technique and gain confidence, he could develop into one of the SEC’s top offensive linemen and provide much-needed protection for his quarterback.

9. Debo Williams – Linebacker (Junior)

Debo Williams has been a standout on the defensive side of the ball for the Gamecocks, but he has yet to truly break out as one of the SEC’s top linebackers. Williams is a sideline-to-sideline player who possesses excellent speed, tackling ability, and football IQ. He’s been a steady contributor to South Carolina’s defense, but 2025 could be the year he takes on a more prominent role as a leader and playmaker.

With an increased workload and an expanded role in the defense, Williams could emerge as a dynamic linebacker who is capable of making plays all over the field. His ability to cover ground quickly and make tackles in space makes him a key piece of the Gamecocks’ defense, and a breakout season in 2025 could be in the cards for Williams.

10. Xavier Legette – Wide Receiver (Sophomore)

Xavier Legette is another young wide receiver who could be poised for a breakout season in 2025. Legette has already shown flashes of brilliance, and with his speed, route-running ability, and playmaking ability, he could become one of Spencer Rattler’s most reliable targets. If Legette continues to develop and gain confidence, he could emerge as a go-to weapon in the passing game and add another layer to South Carolina’s already explosive offense.

The 2025 season is full of promise for the South Carolina Gamecocks, and while the team will lean on veterans to carry them, there are numerous breakout candidates who could step up and play pivotal roles. From the highly-anticipated playmaking ability of Nicholas Harbour and Spencer Rattler to the emerging stars on defense like Jordan Burch and Cam Smith, there is no shortage of talent ready to make a name for themselves.

As the Gamecocks continue to grow under Shane Beamer, 2025 could be the year that several of these players push South Carolina to new heights. Whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams, expect big things from these breakout candidates as they aim to leave their mark on the program and the SEC.