Where South Carolina football ranks in ESPN's future power rankings

On Wednesday, ESPN published its 2025 preseason edition of its future power rankings. As evidenced by the name, the rankings are forward-facing and encompass a look at more than just the 2025 season. Instead, the worldwide leader ranked each program in the power conferences (plus Notre Dame) based on their two-year outlook. South Carolina slotted in at No. 18.

In the SEC, that marked the 8th-best ranking. USC trails Texas (1), Georgia (3), LSU (8), Tennessee (9), Alabama (10), Florida (15), and Ole Miss (16). The rival Clemson Tigers checked in at No. 7.

Said ESPN about the Gamecocks,

“Previous future power ranking: Not ranked

“Returning quarterback: Yes. LaNorris Sellers is back after a breakout season when he passed for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for 674 yards and seven scores. He earned third-team All-SEC honors.

“Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Everything hinges on Sellers’ development. Sellers is just a redshirt sophomore and has the size and skills to play in the NFL. But he’s not there yet and must significantly cut down on turnovers to solidify himself as a top prospect. If Sellers departs in 2026, South Carolina could turn to Ohio State transfer Air Noland, the No. 52 overall recruit in the 2024 class.

“Offensive line/defensive line outlook: South Carolina lost a lot on the defensive front with Kyle Kennard, the Nagurski Trophy winner and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, moving on along with Tonka Hemingway and T.J. Sanders. The group has a multiyear centerpiece in Dylan Stewart, who had 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles as a freshman. South Carolina has some returnees and transfer options at tackle but will need multiple players to take on bigger roles, including talented senior Nick Barrett and possibly junior college transfer Zavion Hardy. The Gamecocks also must build around Stewart and Bryan Thomas Jr. at end. The offensive line returns promising non-seniors at tackle in Josiah Thompson and Cason Henry. South Carolina’s interior line will look different. Transfers like Boaz Stanley (Troy) and Nick Sharpe (Wake Forest) will get a look alongside returnee Trovon Baugh.

“Roster management: The Gamecocks knew they would be losing a lot to the NFL from a top-20 team. Their goal was keeping their top non-seniors, which they did — Sellers, Stewart, cornerbacks Jalon Kilgore and Judge Collier, and young receivers Mazeo Bennett Jr. and Nyck Harbor are all back. South Carolina lost some scholarship players to the portal but not many key contributors. The team also added much-needed transfers at defensive tackle, interior offensive line, and added a potential starter in the secondary in NC State cornerback Brandon Cisse. Utah State running back Rahsul Faison, an All-Mountain West selection, could be a big addition, but he’s still waiting on an NCAA waiver. South Carolina signed top-20 classes in each of the past two years, which should help offset any upcoming losses.

“Star power: South Carolina has a national awards candidate on each side of the ball in Sellers and Stewart. The question is: Who joins them? Kilgore had a team-high five interceptions last season and will be one to watch on defense, along with Collier, DQ Smith, and Thomas. South Carolina will look for more from its returning receivers, namely Bennett and Harbor, and Faison should be on the All-SEC radar, if cleared.

“Coaching staff: Coach Shane Beamer rebounded from a tough 2023 season to win nine games and nearly reach the CFP last season. He now must show he can reload and sustain after so many NFL departures. South Carolina elevated former Alabama coach Mike Shula as offensive coordinator after Dowell Loggains left for Appalachian State. Defensive coordinator Clayton White is back for his fifth season, and the rest of the staff is intact.”

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ESPN clearly values South Carolina’s star power heading into the 2025 season. LaNorris Sellers and Dylan Stewart are two of the best players in college football. However, the outlet seems less convinced about the rest of the Gamecocks’ roster, especially on defense.

Most around college football believe Carolina’s offense will take a step forward in year two of the LaNorris Sellers era. There are still a few holes to fill from last year’s team. However, offensive coordinator Mike Shula will have plenty of talented pieces to work with at the skill positions. The offensive line could be an improved unit, too.

If South Carolina can replace a long list of key contributors from last year’s defense, 2025 could be special. USC lost five starters to the NFL Draft and several others to UDFA contracts and/or graduation. Thanks to some important transfer portal recruiting wins and the development of younger players from last year’s team, there is reason for optimism about the team’s defense, too.

South Carolina will kick off its 2025 campaign against Virginia Tech in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Gamecocks and Hokies will do battle on Sunday, August 31st at 3:00 p.m.

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