Can South Carolina Answer These Two Major Questions for 2025? Greg McElroy Weighs In
Greg McElroy, ESPN and SEC Network analyst, took a deep dive into every SEC team on his podcast this week, analyzing the key questions each program must answer to feel confident heading into 2025. When it came to South Carolina, McElroy pointed out two major areas of concern—both of which were hot topics last offseason and continue to dominate discussions this year.
Wide Receiver Production Remains a Key Focus
“South Carolina had an impressive breakthrough last year,” McElroy noted. “I don’t think at this point in the spring of 2024, any of us would have said South Carolina is gonna be a fringe playoff contender. But the way this team was playing down the stretch, anything was possible.”
That success, however, was not without challenges—especially at wide receiver. Last season, the Gamecocks had to replace Xavier Legette, who was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. They took a committee approach under assistant Mike Furrey, and while the unit improved, it never became one of the SEC’s most dynamic groups.
With LaNorris Sellers leading the offense, McElroy believes the receivers must take a major step forward in 2025.
“We know that they have one of the best quarterback prospects in the country in LaNorris Sellers,” McElroy said. “The problem is the group that he had at wide receiver last year was extremely underwhelming. Those guys are all needing to collectively take a pretty big step towards allowing this passing attack to become a little bit more dynamic.”
Despite McElroy’s concerns, there is plenty of reason for optimism. Jared Brown, Nyck Harbor, and Mazeo Bennett all return, and South Carolina has added one of the deepest, most talented receiver classes in the country. If Harbor continues to develop—especially after skipping indoor track this year—the group could take a significant leap forward.
Replacing a Dominant Defense
While questions remain about the offense, the biggest challenge for South Carolina in 2025 will be rebuilding its elite defense. Last year, the Gamecocks finished top 20 nationally in scoring defense and rushing defense, but they now have to replace several key players.
Gone are Nick Emmanwori, Demetrius Knight, Kyle Kennard, and the entire two-deep at defensive tackle. That kind of turnover raises serious concerns about whether the Gamecocks can maintain their defensive dominance.
“We know we have the building block on offense, but the building block on defense is Dylan Stewart,” McElroy said. “He is the key, and they have to replace a lot on that side of the ball. This is a group that finished in the top 20 in scoring defense and rushing defense. Now they went out into the portal, they got some transfers, they have some reinforcements on the way, but will they be able to replace it?”
The Million-Dollar Question
With a talented quarterback in Sellers and a promising receiving corps, South Carolina’s offense could take a leap in 2025. But can the defense reload after major departures? That remains to be seen.
As McElroy pointed out, Dylan Stewart will be the cornerstone of the defense, and transfers from the portal will need to step up immediately. If they do, South Carolina could build on last year’s momentum. If not, the Gamecocks may face a step back in Shane Beamer’s next season.
For now, that remains the biggest unanswered question as South Carolina prepares for 2025.
