What are the remaining needs for South Carolina football’s 2025 class?

The 2025 South Carolina football recruiting class currently checks in at number 29 nationally according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

While the Gamecocks have hit target numbers at some positions, there are others in which there’s significant work to do.

The postseason NCAA transfer portal will open on December 9, 2024 and is expected to be a part of USC’s strategy at certain positions.

Another angle that could change the equation: How does USC end up handling the allowance of up to 105 scholarships beginning in 2025?

Position by position numbers in a recruiting cycle are more fluid than ever, given that a team’s roster can have significant attrition after a season.

Exclusively for GamecockCentral.com subscribers, we take a look at what Shane Beamer’s program needs to do to close out this class.

Quarterback

Status of the position: South Carolina flipped in-state signal caller Cutter Woods from Wake Forest and have hit the target of a high school quarterback for 2025.

There are three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster this season, all with remaining eligibility.

Remaining needs: In terms of the high school ranks, the Gamecocks are finished with Woods in the boat. It’s the portal era, so there’s always a chance of attrition, particularly at this position. We wouldn’t rule out the staff looking to the portal for depth – as the staff did this offseason – if a need arose. Right now, things could be status quo with three returners and the incoming Woods.

Running Back

Status of the position: USC totally flipped this room in the offseason, adding three backs via the transfer portal. At least two – JuJu McDowell and Rocket Sanders – will depart after this season. Oscar Adaway could ask for another year, and four more scholarship backs are on the roster as well.

Remaining needs: Marquel Blackwell hasn’t found his high school back in this class yet and it seems he’s being patient on that front. The portal is also an option here. It probably makes sense for the Gamecocks to take one from some level. Also keep in mind that committed prospect Jaquel Holman – on the board as a linebacker – could play this spot.

Wide Receiver

Status of the position: The Gamecocks have three players committed here to add to a roster that has a good bit of upperclassman experience for 2024. Most of those players could opt to return next season, too.

Remaining needs: USC would take another high school wideout if it’s the right one – probably a guy with some size. Again, the portal is another spot where they could turn after the season.

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Tight End

Status of the position: Aside from Josh Simon, everyone else on the roster still has eligibility beyond this season. The Gamecocks have one – Preston Douglas – committed in this class.

Remaining needs: Something could come up, but we get the sense that USC’s finished with high school guys at this spot. If it’s deemed a need, we’ll keep an eye on the portal here, too.

Offensive Line

Status of the position: USC’s recruited some talent here, so there will be mix of young talent and returning experience, even losing a couple guys after the ’24 season. Right now, the Gamecocks have one player committed along the OL for this cycle.

Remaining needs: Given how many guys South Carolina has pursued/brought in on official visits here, it stands to reason that the staff wants a couple more from the high school ranks. The past few cycles have brought some portal acquisitions on the o-line, too. Expect there to be more activity here.

Defensive Line

Status of the position: USC has one defensive tackle and three EDGE prospects committed in this class. The Gamecocks have a host of guys that will be gone after this season at tackle and will lose at least one starter at EDGE after this season.

Remaining needs: USC will continue to recruit an EDGE or two, but defensive tackle is the bigger need. South Carolina will look to take players from all three levels- high school, JUCO, and the transfer portal. The latter will be a critical piece, to find some guys who can step in immediately in 2025. We expect several more takes on the interior, ultimately .

Linebacker

Status of the position: There are several seniors on the roster, so USC’s eyeing a bigger class here. They have it, with four from the high school ranks.

Remaining needs: USC lost one high school pledge in Jaiden Braker. With him no longer in the fold, USC could still choose to stand pat here. There are several players who are seniors on the roster, so some guys will need to quickly step up. Could USC look to the portal again to supplement the prep prospects they have landed? Perhaps.

Defensive Back

Status of the position: Torrian Gray will lose a starting corner and probably a starting safety after this season. There are some quality young players still on the roster, and three defensive backs committed for the ’25 cycle.

Remaining needs: The trio of prospects already pledged are more of nickel/safety types, so it stands to reason that Gray may want to bring in a high school corner as well, if possible. The portal is always an option.

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