Shane Beamer Opens Up on South Carolina’s Rise and Battle to Retain Star Talent
The South Carolina Gamecocks have been steadily climbing under Shane Beamer, and after their best season since 2017, the head coach knows that keeping key players in Columbia is crucial for sustained success.
Since Beamer took over in 2021, South Carolina has posted a 29-22 overall record and gone 15-17 in SEC play. The 2024 season was a breakthrough, as the Gamecocks finished 9-4, closing the regular season on a six-game winning streak. They were even in the conversation for a College Football Playoff spot before being edged out by Alabama and Miami.
With momentum on their side, Beamer made it a priority to retain the Gamecocks’ top talent, including LaNorris Sellers and Dylan Stewart. He spoke with On3’s Pete Nakos about why keeping them was essential.
“They didn’t need to go anywhere else to continue to accomplish what they wanted to accomplish here,” Beamer said. “They realized that everything we said in the recruiting process, we were going to do and be. That’s who we are.”
But holding onto top players wasn’t easy. Beamer acknowledged that multiple teams attempted to lure Sellers into the transfer portal, which is a direct violation of NCAA tampering rules.
“(Tampering is) year-round,” Beamer explained. “There are so many third parties involved, and people are reaching out to players all over the country. You know it’s going on, and you realize that someone’s always in either our players’ ears or someone close to them.”
Despite the challenges, South Carolina is earning national respect. In On3’s way-too-early Top 25 rankings released on January 22, the Gamecocks were ranked No. 8—a sign that Beamer’s vision for the program is paying off.
