When Shane Beamer brought in Mike Shula to run South Carolina’s offense in 2025, expectations immediately rose. With a long résumé that includes NFL head coaching experience and extensive work as a quarterbacks coach, Shula was tasked with retooling an attack that sputtered in 2024. Four games into the season, it’s clear the Gamecocks’ new play-caller has already left a noticeable imprint, though there’s still plenty of room for growth.
Game 1 – A Rocky Start
South Carolina opened the season against Virginia Tech, and the offensive performance was uneven. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers flashed moments of brilliance but also showed inexperience in Shula’s system. The Gamecocks struggled to establish a consistent run game, finishing with under 100 yards on the ground. While the play design showed more variety than last year, the execution left much to be desired.
Shula admitted afterward:
“We’re building timing and confidence. It’s not going to look perfect in Week 1, but I like the direction.”
Game 2 – Signs of Balance
The second week saw a major leap forward. South Carolina leaned on a more balanced approach, mixing quick passes with creative run looks. Sellers looked more comfortable, throwing for over 250 yards and protecting the football. Running back Dakereon Joyner benefited from better blocking schemes, racking up a pair of touchdowns.
The efficiency in the red zone stood out, with the Gamecocks scoring touchdowns on three of four trips inside the 20. Shula’s emphasis on situational football clearly showed.
Game 3 – SEC Reality Check
Conference play brought the first true measuring stick against Vanderbilt, and the offense stumbled again. South Carolina managed just one touchdown in a 31–7 loss, plagued by turnovers and missed assignments. Sellers left with a head injury in the first half, which threw the rhythm of the offense completely off.
Shula didn’t mince words afterward:
“We’ve got to be sharper. Injuries are part of the game, but the standard doesn’t change. Our consistency has to improve.”
Game 4 – Improvement Despite Growing Pains
In Columbia against Missouri, the offense regained some footing. Sellers, returning from injury, delivered a gritty performance, throwing a pair of touchdowns and showing poise under pressure. Shula leaned heavily on short, controlled passes to build rhythm, while also dialing up a few explosive plays downfield to keep the defense honest.
Although South Carolina ultimately fell short, the creativity in motion sets and adjustments at halftime highlighted Shula’s experience as a play-caller. The line still struggled in pass protection, but the offense’s ability to respond and put together sustained drives was an encouraging sign.
Early Verdict
Four games in, Mike Shula’s offense is still a work in progress. The positives — improved red-zone execution, more creativity in play design, and Sellers’ development — are balanced by ongoing concerns with consistency and protection.
Still, players and coaches alike believe the arrow is pointing up. Wideout Nyck Harbor recently said:
“Coach Shula’s putting us in positions to succeed. Now it’s on us to execute.”
If the Gamecocks can pair execution with Shula’s evolving scheme, South Carolina’s offense could look much different by season’s end.
