From the SEC Offices: Top Gamecocks and Commodores Lead the Charge on Leadership Councils
In a significant boost to student-athlete leadership, four standout players from the Southeastern Conference have been elected by their peers to serve as officers on the SEC Leadership Councils.
South Carolina’s Oscar Adaway III has been named Chair of the SEC Football Leadership Council, while Vanderbilt’s Bryan Longwell takes on the role of Vice Chair. On the other side of the spectrum, Alabama’s Barry Evans and Texas’ Ethan Doehler have been elected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council (SAAC).
Oscar Adaway III, a North Little Rock, Arkansas native, made his mark last season with the Gamecocks by appearing in 13 games and starting twice. His highlight came in the Citrus Bowl against Illinois, where he rushed for a 36-yard touchdown. Now, in his first year on the SEC Football Leadership Council, Adaway is poised to bring fresh insight and leadership to the program.
Bryan Longwell, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, enters his second year on the SEC Football Leadership Council. Having started all 13 games for Vanderbilt in 2024 and leading the team with 89 tackles, Longwell’s consistent performance has clearly resonated with his peers.
On the SAAC side, Barry Evans from Mascoutah, Illinois, returns as Chair for a second consecutive year. A key member of Alabama’s nationally-ranked track and field team, Evans has already represented the SEC at the NCAA Convention and participated in last year’s SEC Spring Meetings alongside six other student-athletes. His leadership both on and off the field makes him a critical asset in shaping the student-athlete experience.
Joining Evans is Texas’ Ethan Doehler, a junior from San Antonio who stands out on the top-ranked Texas swimming and diving team. Doehler’s academic accolades—including being named to the CSCAA Scholar All-America Team and earning a spot on the Big 12 Academic Honor Roll—underscore his well-rounded profile, making him an excellent fit for the role of Vice Chair on the SAAC.
These councils serve as crucial communication channels between SEC student-athletes, campus leaders, and conference office staff, addressing vital issues like student-athlete wellness, playing rules, and overall experience.
With leaders like Adaway, Longwell, Evans, and Doehler at the helm, the SEC is clearly investing in the future of its student-athletes, ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest levels. Stay tuned as these rising stars drive positive change across the conference.
