“SEC Surge: Athlon Sports Projects South Carolina Among Top Contenders — Gamecocks Slotted Sixth in Conference Preseason Standings Amid Rising Expectations, Returning Talent, and CFP Ambitions Under Coach Beamer”
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a development underscoring growing confidence in the South Carolina Gamecocks, **Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan has placed the 2025 Gamecock football team at No. 6 in the conference, signaling high expectations for a program trending toward College Football Playoff contention .
Even more telling than the ranking itself is Lassan’s assessment: South Carolina heads into the new season fresh off a 9–3 campaign and six-game winning streak that left them one victory short of securing a spot in the CFP. With key contributors returning and a stable coaching leadership under Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks are now regarded as strong challengers in one of college football’s toughest conferences .
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🔥 2024 Recap: One Win From Playoff Glory
Lassan highlights the Gamecocks’ end-of-season surge:
> “The Gamecocks were one of the hottest teams in college football at the end of the regular season with six straight victories to finish 9–3.”
That run brought them to the edge of playoff qualification, generating renewed belief in the program’s upward trajectory.
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📊 What Went Right — And What’s Coming Up
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is noted as a key reason for optimism. The redshirt sophomore blossomed in 2024, averaging 342.8 total yards per game in November and demonstrating potent dual-threat ability across the field .
Lassan also cited potential offensive upgrades under first-year coordinator Mike Shula, who aims to leverage Sellers’ passing ability and lift a receiver unit anchored by Nyck Harbor, Jared Brown, and Mazeo Bennett .
On defense, the Gamecocks return star edge Dylan Stewart, while facing challenges in replacing departed contributors along the defensive tackle and linebacker corps .
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📋 Ranking the Conference: South Carolina in Context
Athlon placed South Carolina behind national favorites like Texas, Georgia, LSU, Alabama, and Florida. The top six SEC preseason standings are:
1. Texas
2. Georgia
3. LSU
4. Alabama
5. Florida
6. South Carolina
This group represents the elite of the conference, and the placement indicates broad recognition of Gamecock potential.
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🎙️ Beamer’s Blueprint: Building on Momentum
LSU’s bowl loss and early-season improvement in 2024 positioned South Carolina as a threat in 2025. With the offense and defense returning core pieces, Shane Beamer now faces the challenge of converting promise into postseason reality.
A smoother offensive line, deeper backfield, and solidified defense are among his top priorities—especially with hopes of cracking the top-5 for the first time in program history.
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🧭 Quarters, Recruiting, and Playoff Vision
The assessment continues the trend that South Carolina’s recruiting and portal activity may soon elevate them into playoff contention. Lassan suggests the program, with talent like Sellers and Stewart, is already capable of strong starts and high-profile wins .
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🗓️ What’s Next in Tiger Territory
Fall camp evaluation: Offensive line and receiver development will be key.
Non-conference tests: Early games will set tone and expectations.
SEC contests: High-stakes matchups vs. top-tier teams will define playoff hopes.
Official release in Athlon’s full SEC preview: More inside analysis is expected.
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✔️ Final Take: A Program Poised for Breakthrough
Coming off a historic end to last season, South Carolina’s No. 6 preseason ranking reflects both lingering skepticism and undeniable potential. With leadership, talent, and belief in place, the Gamecocks are firmly in the conversation.
Athlon’s prediction is louder than rank—it’s a declaration: South Carolina belongs among the SEC elite, and the foundation is laid for what could be a defining season in Columbia.
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