The University of South Carolina’s athletic legacy will take center stage this week as the school celebrates a new class of legends. The 2025 Lettermen’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honor six Gamecock greats — headlined by basketball icon A’ja Wilson — on Thursday, with the group set to be recognized again during Saturday’s football game against Alabama at Williams-Brice Stadium.
But that’s not the only Hall of Fame news making waves in the Palmetto State.
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) also announced its 2025 class of nominees on Thursday, featuring 65 total names — including 11 standout figures from the University of South Carolina.
The Gamecock nominees include:
Robert Brooks (Greenwood), Sheldon Brown (Lancaster), Larry Craig (Six Mile), Todd Ellis, Lou Holtz (coach), Johnathan Joseph (Rock Hill), Marcus Lattimore (Duncan), Corey Miller (Pageland), Sidney Rice (Gaffney), Connor Shaw, and Travelle Wharton (Fountain Inn).
Legendary Gamecocks Among the Nominees
Robert Brooks (1988–1991) made the transition from high school running back to wide receiver at South Carolina, earning All-South Independent honors before enjoying a stellar NFL career with the Green Bay Packers — where he’s now a member of the team’s Hall of Fame. Brooks is already enshrined in the USC Lettermen’s Hall of Fame.
Sheldon Brown (1998–2001), one of the most versatile athletes in school history, starred in both football and baseball at USC. A two-time All-American cornerback under Lou Holtz, Brown spent over a decade in the NFL and has also been recognized in the school’s Hall of Fame.
Larry Craig (1935–1938) famously chose South Carolina over Clemson and became one of the program’s earliest two-way stars. A multi-position player for the Gamecocks and later for the Green Bay Packers, Craig earned spots in both the Packers and USC Lettermen’s Halls of Fame.
Todd Ellis (1985–1989), the Gamecocks’ all-time passing leader, remains one of the most influential figures in program history — both as a record-setting quarterback and longtime radio voice of the Gamecocks.
Lou Holtz (1999–2004), a College Football Hall of Famer, famously led the greatest single-season turnaround in NCAA history, taking the Gamecocks from 0–11 in 1999 to 8–4 in 2000.
Johnathan Joseph (2004–2005), known for his elite speed and lockdown coverage, became one of USC’s most dominant cornerbacks before embarking on a 15-year NFL career, highlighted by two Pro Bowl appearances.
Marcus Lattimore (2010–2012), a five-star recruit and program-changing running back, remains a fan favorite. Despite career-ending injuries, Lattimore’s name still sits near the top of South Carolina’s record books.
Corey Miller (1987–1990), a fierce linebacker and defensive end, later transitioned into a respected sports media figure in Columbia.
Sidney Rice (2004–2006) electrified Williams-Brice Stadium during his All-American career and went on to become an NFL Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings.
Connor Shaw (2010–2013), widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in school history, posted a 27–5 record as a starter, including an undefeated 17–0 home record and three consecutive 11-win seasons.
Travelle Wharton (1999–2002), a dominant offensive lineman, allowed zero sacks across 47 games and later became an NFL mainstay and respected coach.
Both the Lettermen’s Hall of Fame induction and SCFHOF nominations serve as reminders of the deep roots and remarkable talent that have shaped South Carolina’s athletic history.
The newest class of Gamecock legends — from A’ja Wilson’s basketball brilliance to Marcus Lattimore’s gridiron heroics — continues to elevate the university’s proud legacy in both state and national sports history.
