South Carolina Unveils Depth Chart Ahead of Week 2 Clash with SC State
Fresh off a statement win over Virginia Tech in the season opener, the South Carolina Gamecocks are turning their focus to their first home game of 2025. Ahead of Saturday night’s matchup at Williams-Brice Stadium against South Carolina State, the Gamecocks released their official depth chart for Week 2 — giving fans a closer look at who will be carrying the load under the lights.
Head coach Shane Beamer has often emphasized competition throughout fall camp, and that message carries into the early season lineup decisions. While the starting units on both sides of the ball remain largely intact from Week 1, there are notable updates that reflect both player performances and ongoing position battles.
Offense: Sellers at the Helm
Sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers will once again lead the offense after a confident showing against Virginia Tech. Backing him up is Dante Reno, who continues to develop and is expected to see action if the Gamecocks pull away late. The running back rotation remains a three-headed attack featuring Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, DJ Braswell, and transfer Rahsul Faison, giving USC flexibility between power and speed.
At wide receiver, veterans Nyck Harbor and JuJu McDowell are listed as starters on the outside, while Zavier Short is set to handle duties in the slot. The Gamecocks are also leaning heavily on the tight end group, with Joshua Simon earning the starting nod but backed by Nick Elksnis for heavier blocking packages.
Defense: Depth in the Trenches
Defensively, South Carolina will continue with Tonka Hemingway and TJ Sanders anchoring the interior of the line, while Desmond Umeozulu and Bryan Thomas Jr. handle the edge. Linebacker play has been one of the team’s strengths, led by Debo Williams, who headlines the unit after his standout Week 1 performance.
In the secondary, DQ Smith and Jalon Kilgore maintain their safety spots, while cornerbacks Marcellas Dial and O’Donnell Fortune bring experience to the outside. Freshman Gerald Kilgore is also listed as a backup, continuing his early emergence as a contributor in the defensive backfield.
Special Teams Consistency
Special teams remain steady with Mitch Jeter handling place-kicking duties and Kai Kroeger punting. Harbor and McDowell will also factor into the return game, giving USC explosive potential on kickoffs and punts.
Looking Ahead
South Carolina enters the matchup as heavy favorites, boasting a 42.5-point edge according to oddsmakers. The depth chart reveals a mix of experienced starters and young contributors ready to make their mark. For Beamer and his staff, Week 2 provides an opportunity not only to secure another win but also to evaluate depth in live-game action before the SEC grind begins.
Kickoff against South Carolina State is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Williams-Brice Stadium, with streaming available on ESPN+ and SECN
