Live from Columbia: South Carolina Balances Bowl Prep, Transfer Portal, and NIL Deals in a New Era of College Football
With the South Carolina Gamecocks just days away from their Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against Illinois, the team is fully focused on closing the season with a historic 10th win. However, in the evolving landscape of college football, Shane Beamer and his staff are juggling much more than game preparation. Between transfer portal activity and managing NIL agreements, the modern demands on a head coach are immense.
Here’s a closer look at how the Gamecocks are navigating these challenges as they aim for their first double-digit win season in over a decade.
Transfer Portal: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Like every major program, South Carolina has felt the effects of the transfer portal, with a mix of departures, arrivals, and critical retentions shaping the roster.
Key Losses
South Carolina has seen 14 players enter the portal so far, with six already finding new homes. While most were depth pieces, a few departures stand out:
- Robby Ashford: The veteran backup quarterback transferred in from Auburn before the season and provided solid support to starter LaNorris Sellers. His lone start against Akron showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 324 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 227 yards and two scores. Losing an experienced backup like Ashford is a significant hit.
- Tight Ends Trio: Connor Cox, Nick Elksnis, and Reid Mikeska have all left, depleting depth at the position. Cox, in particular, was expected to contribute in 2025, making his departure a tough blow.
Key Additions
While the portal takes, it also gives, and South Carolina has secured seven transfer commitments so far, with a few standing out as potential difference-makers:
- Air Noland: The former five-star quarterback from Ohio State is the crown jewel of this cycle. Rated as the fourth-best QB prospect in the 2024 class, Noland will back up Sellers next season and could become the Gamecocks’ starter in 2025 if Sellers heads to the NFL.
- Nick Sharpe: The 6’2”, 355-pound offensive lineman from Wake Forest started nine games at right guard this season. With South Carolina losing three starters on the offensive line, Sharpe is primed to make an immediate impact.
- Shawn Murphy: The experienced linebacker arrives via Florida State after beginning his career at Alabama. As South Carolina rebuilds depth at middle linebacker, Murphy brings veteran leadership to the position.
Retaining Star Freshmen with NIL Deals
As NIL continues to reshape college football, retaining top talent often comes down to re-negotiating lucrative deals. South Carolina has been proactive in keeping its budding stars:
- LaNorris Sellers: The SEC Freshman of the Year and standout quarterback has signed a new NIL deal reportedly worth $2.7 million. Sellers’ deal, announced on Christmas Eve, secures his place in Columbia for the 2025 season, cementing his role as the face of the program.
- Dylan Stewart: The five-star EDGE rusher and defensive phenom recorded 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman. With several veteran pass rushers departing, locking Stewart down with a reported $1.5 million deal was a top priority.
Looking Ahead to the Citrus Bowl
While roster management demands much of Beamer’s attention, the immediate focus remains on Illinois and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. A win on December 31 at 3:00 p.m. (ABC) would mark a milestone season for the Gamecocks and showcase Beamer’s ability to navigate the modern challenges of college football while maintaining success on the field.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow South Carolina’s journey in this pivotal bowl matchup.
