Live from the Gamecocks camp, the spotlight is squarely on South Carolina’s defense as we look ahead to next season.
What a season it’s been for the Gamecocks on defense. If you cast your mind back to Week 2 against Kentucky, you can’t help but feel for Brock Vandagriff, the Wildcats’ quarterback. His day was a nightmare, posting just 30 passing yards while being sacked five times in a crushing defeat. Since that game, Vandagriff has decided to retire from football, though it’s uncertain whether the pressure from Gamecocks stars like Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart played a part in that decision.
And who could forget that unforgettable Oklahoma blowout? It was a masterpiece of defensive prowess as the Gamecocks recorded nine sacks by nine different players — a true testament to their collective effort.
But as dominant as this defense has been, the Gamecocks face an uncertain future with several key players departing. Heading into 2025, the team will be without seven starters: Kennard, DT Tonka Hemingway, DT TJ Sanders, LB Demetrius Knight, LB Debo Williams, DB O’Donnell Fortune, and DB Nick Emmanwori. So, the big question is: Who will step up and fill the void?
Who Replaces Kyle Kennard?
One of the toughest questions is, of course: Who can step up opposite Dylan Stewart on the defensive line? Kennard, who had a breakout season with 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, was a crucial component of the Gamecocks’ success. Replacing that level of production isn’t easy, but with Stewart drawing so much attention, whoever lines up opposite him could still rack up impressive stats.
Senior Bryan Thomas Jr. looks like a solid option. He started in the Citrus Bowl, finishing with six tackles and a sack, and wrapped up the season with 4.5 sacks. Another potential candidate is Desmond Umeozulu, a junior with the physical tools but limited playing time in his first two seasons. The Gamecocks may also turn to the transfer portal — Jaylen Brown, a 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive end from Missouri, could be the wildcard. Though he’s young, Brown has the size and potential to make an impact.
What Happens to the Linebacker Room?
The linebacker position is also in flux. Much of the future of this group depends on Bam Martin-Scott’s appeal for an additional year of eligibility. Martin-Scott, a sixth-year senior, is seeking an NCAA waiver after missing out on the junior college player waiver. If granted, he would likely start alongside sophomore Fred Johnson, who impressed coaches and teammates despite limited action as a true freshman. If Martin-Scott isn’t granted the extra year, the linebacker room could look different. Jaron Willis or Shawn Murphy — the latter a recent transfer from Florida State — could play significant roles.
Who Replaces Nick Emmanwori?
The loss of Nick Emmanwori, the star safety who made four interceptions this season, leaves a big hole. Emmanwori had the freedom to make checks and ad-lib in a defense designed to let veteran secondary players react. Replacing his athleticism and versatility won’t be easy. Peyton Williams, who filled in after Emmanwori opted out of the Citrus Bowl, is one potential solution. Another option could be moving Jalon Kilgore, the talented nickel corner, to free safety — though that would require a shift in defensive scheme. South Carolina might also look to the portal for a ready-made solution.
Will Monkell Goodwine Become the Top D-Tackle?
With the departure of Sanders, Hemingway, Alex Huntley, and Deandre Jules, the Gamecocks are losing a significant portion of their defensive tackle production. So, who steps up to replace that 79% of production?
Monkell Goodwine, a redshirt senior, could be primed for a breakout. The former Alabama transfer had a strong showing in 2024 with 15 tackles and a solid workload, ranking fourth in defensive tackle snaps. Coaches seem to trust Goodwine’s ability, and with his experience, he could easily emerge as one of the top defensive tackles for the Gamecocks next season. Alongside him, Texas A&M transfer Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy could also provide some much-needed depth, despite his struggles at the SEC level.
As we look toward next season, these are just a few of the key questions the Gamecocks will need to answer. With so much talent lost, it will be interesting to see who rises to the occasion. One thing’s for sure: the defense will be facing a new challenge in 2025, but if recent history is any indication, South Carolina has the pieces to remain a formidable force.
