South Carolina's Bryan Thomas Jr. named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week

On Saturday, South Carolina whipped the Kentucky Wildcats, 35-13, behind a strong defensive effort. Arguably, the top defender in the game was Gamecock senior Bryan Thomas Jr. Following his performance, the SEC has named Thomas the league’s co-Defensive Lineman of the Week. The Southeastern Conference office announced the decision on Monday.

Thomas finished the game with seven tackles and two sacks. Both numbers are career-high marks for Thomas.

Thomas was one of several defensive standouts for South Carolina on Saturday, as the Gamecocks allowed under 250 total yards, including fewer than 100 total yards over the game’s final three quarters.

Become part of The Insiders Forum with GamecockCentral. Start for $1 your first week, and get a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership.

From the South Carolina Athletics release:

COLUMBIA, S.C. (September 29, 2025) – University of South Carolina Edge rusher Bryan Thomas Jr. has been selected as the SEC’s co-Defensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts in the Gamecocks’ 35-13 win over Kentucky on Saturday, the conference office announced today.

Thomas Jr., a 6-2, 249-pound senior from Windemere, Fla., was credited with a game- and career-high seven tackles, including five solo stops. He also set a career high by registering 2.0 of the Gamecocks’ 6.0 sacks against the Wildcats and added one quarterback hurry. Thomas Jr. led a Carolina defense that surrendered 232 yards of offense on the night including just 91 yards on the Cats’ final nine drives.

Thomas Jr. becomes the third Gamecock to be recognized by the SEC this season joining Fred Johnson (co-Defensive Player of the Week vs Virginia Tech) and two-time recipient Vicari Swain (co-Special Teams Player of the Week vs Virginia Tech and South Carolina State).

Thomas Jr. and the Gamecocks (3-2, 1-2 SEC) have a bye this week. They will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 11, when they travel to Baton Rouge, La., to take on the 13th-ranked LSU Tigers (4-1, 1-1 SEC).

Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!