South Carolina football’s 2024 roster is a mix of seasoned leadership and promising young talent, providing Gamecock fans with optimism for another successful season ahead.
In College Football Network’s ranking of the top 100 true freshmen for this season, USC’s future is looking bright with four first-year players making the cut.
Dylan Stewart, as expected, led the charge as the top defensive freshman in college football, coming in at No. 2 overall, trailing only Ohio State’s wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The 5-star recruit made a significant impact as an EDGE player, posting 6.5 sacks while playing on a defensive line that collectively recorded 28.5 sacks. Stewart is poised to break several USC freshman records and looks to be a major asset for the Gamecocks moving forward.
Next on the list at No. 42 is left tackle Josiah Thompson, who started every game in 2024 except one due to injury. He showed steady improvement throughout the season, becoming one of the top true freshman offensive linemen, with only Colorado’s Jordan Seaton ranked higher. Thompson will anchor the Carolina offensive line once again in 2025, solidifying his place as a key player for the team.
Wide receiver Mazeo Bennett ranked No. 65 on the list and No. 12 among wide receivers. Known for his ability to create separation, Bennett scored three wide-open touchdowns early in the season before being sidelined by injury. Despite this setback, Bennett led USC with 30 catches, totaling 337 yards and three touchdowns. He’s expected to compete for the top receiver role next fall.
Finally, Michael Smith, a tight end, rounded out the list at No. 100. Although he played behind NFL-bound Josh Simon and veteran Brady Hunt, Smith showed flashes of his potential, particularly with a crucial touchdown against Missouri. With just 10 catches on the season, Smith made valuable contributions, logging significant playing time whenever healthy. Many believe he could emerge as a standout next year.
The Gamecocks have done an excellent job keeping their top young players, with all four—Stewart, Thompson, Bennett, and Smith—returning for the 2025 season. Notably, only one high school recruit from USC’s 2024 class will not be returning next year.
Under head coach Shane Beamer, South Carolina is set to bring in another impressive freshman class, ranked in the top 20 nationally for the third consecutive cycle. With this influx of talent, we may see even more Gamecocks featured on College Football Network’s 2025 list.
