Three South Carolina players were included in ESPN’s top 100 college football players list for the 2024-25 season.
The list, released on Wednesday, Jan. 22, was compiled by ESPN’s selection committee, featuring the top 100 players from across the nation.
Among those from South Carolina, junior Nick Emmanwori, who recorded 57 solo tackles, four interceptions, and entered the season unranked, earned the No. 66 spot.
“Emmanwori was the leader in total tackles (88) on a South Carolina defense that finished 14th nationally in yards per play allowed (4.84),” ESPN states. “The 6-3, 227-pound junior was named a first-team All-American by the AP and Sporting News and was a three-year starter for the Gamecocks. He was a unanimous first-team All-SEC selection and declared for the NFL draft after the Gamecocks’ bowl loss to Illinois.”
Ahead of Emmanwori was La Norris Sellers, the South Carolina freshman quarterback. In his breakout season, he recorded 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, guiding the Gamecocks to a 9-4 record.
“Sellers capped a stellar first year as South Carolina’s starting quarterback with a sensational performance in a 17-14 road win over rival Clemson in the regular-season finale,” ESPN notes. “His 20-yard touchdown run with 1:08 to play won it for the Gamecocks. The 6-3, 242-pound redshirt freshman finished with 3,208 yards in total offense and accounted for 25 touchdowns (18 passing and seven rushing).”
The highest-ranked player from South Carolina is defensive end Kyle Kennard.
A senior, Kennard tallied 20 solo tackles, 11.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
“Kennard had quite an impact in his only season at South Carolina, leading the SEC in tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (11.5) with three forced fumbles,” ESPN adds. “His single-season sack total ranks second in school history behind Jadeveon Clowney’s 13 in 2012. The Georgia Tech transfer won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the top defensive player in the FBS, and he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the coaches and the AP.”
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In December, South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains accepted the head coaching position at Appalachian State. Following his hire, he brought along two Gamecock off-field assistants, Ryan Yurachek and Riley Watkins, to join his offensive staff.
As a result, Shane Beamer needed to fill a couple of positions. On Saturday, it was reported that one of those roles had been filled.
According to Jordan Kaye of The State, South Carolina is adding Davis Koetter to the staff. Koetter, the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Dirk Koetter, will join the Gamecocks after over two years with the Texas Longhorns. His specific role at South Carolina has not yet been disclosed.
During his time at Texas, Koetter contributed to the offense and helped the Longhorns reach the College Football Playoff in consecutive seasons.
Koetter had also interviewed for the quarterback coach position at Boise State earlier this offseason. He played wide receiver at BSU, and his father is the team’s offensive coordinator.
The NCAA has eased its restrictions on the number of assistants and their duties, giving South Carolina more flexibility to hire replacements for Watkins and Yurachek.
Even with Koetter joining the staff, the Gamecocks retain flexibility. The new rules also allow Koetter to coach on the field, should Beamer decide to assign him that responsibility.
