With one day until South Carolina football kicks off 2025 season, a look back at No. 1, Alshon Jeffery

South Carolina football will take the field for the first time in the 2025 season on August 31st when the Gamecocks take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. That means kickoff is just one day away.

Though several really good players have worn the number at Carolina, there is a No. 1 that hangs on the pressbox at Williams-Brice Stadium. The name associated with that retired jersey is wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.

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At one time committed to "the other USC" (the Southern Cal Trojans), the Calhoun County High School product eventually flipped to the home-state Gamecocks. Jeffery joined other elite in-state prospects and eventual South Carolina football legends like Stephon Gilmore, DeVonte Holloman, and DJ Swearinger in the 2009 recruiting class.

Jeffery was not a major factor for the Gamecocks through the first month or so of his freshman season. However, against Kentucky in October, No. 1 established himself as Carolina's No. 1 option in the passing game. With three touchdowns and 138 yards in a one-score victory, Jeffery kick-started a Freshman All-American campaign.

Then, in 2010, the Palmetto State native had the greatest receiver season in program history. With over 1500 yards and nine touchdowns, Jeffery was an All-American and a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award on the Gamecocks' SEC East Champion squad. He had his two best performances of the year in a near-upset of eventual champs Auburn and against then-No. 1 Alabama. In those contests against Yellowhammer State teams, Jeffery logged 15 catches for 319 yards and four touchdowns.

Virtually every eye was on Alshon Jeffery in 2011, so his numbers took a hit. However, he was still a big-time player who registered 762 yards and eight touchdowns. South Carolina went 11-2 that season.

Despite the extra attention, Jeffery performed well enough to set new USC records for receiving yards and 100-yard performances. He tied Sidney Rice's career touchdown record and finished second in total receptions.

Jeffery's 2010 effort marked the most single-season yards and receptions total ever by a Gamecock.

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Following three excellent years in Columbia, the Chicago Bears selected Alshon Jeffery in the 2012 NFL Draft. He was a Pro Bowler with the Bears and is one of the best receivers in franchise history. Jeffery finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning Super Bowl LII. He caught a touchdown in the contest despite playing with a torn rotator cuff.

Jeffery is one of just six former Gamecocks to have their football jerseys retired. The Southeastern Conference honored him as an SEC Legend in 2022. He is a shoo-in for future induction into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame.

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