National analyst says South Carolina football has two of top three SEC standouts

During an appearance on That SEC Podcast with host Michael Bratton, Athlon Sports college football senior editor Steven Lassan showcased his rankings of the top 50 players in the SEC heading into the 2025 season. South Carolina football put three players on the list, including two of the top three players in the conference.

Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers, EDGE Dylan Stewart, and defensive back Jalon Kilgore all cracked Lassan’s top 50. Due to a power outage midway through his segment, Lassan did not have an opportunity to break down his South Carolina picks.

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According to the Athlon analyst, making the top 50 list was difficult, but Sellers came in at No. 1. The Gamecock signal-caller has made every preseason All-SEC squad this summer and has cracked some preseason All-American lists, too. Some betting outlets have Sellers as a top 10 Heisman Trophy candidate. BetMGM lists Sellers with the sixth-best odds nationally to win college football’s most prestigious award.

Stewart was No. 3 on Lassan’s list. A universal pick to preseason All-American teams, Stewart is viewed by some as the best pass rusher in college football. He ranks as the second-highest rated EDGE on Lassan’s list. Stewart logged 6.5 sacks as a true freshman last season. He was the 2024 Defensive Freshman of the Year, according to multiple outlets.

At No. 33, Kilgore slotted in for Lassan. A coaches’ second-team preseason All-SEC selection, Kilgore tied for the SEC lead in interceptions last season. A sure tackler with experience at multiple positions, he will stay at nickel this fall. Kilgore’s ability to help out in run support and stick with most receivers in coverage make him a unique talent.

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