The 2024 South Carolina Gamecock football season has been an incredible journey for both the team and the fans. Since the first game of the season, the Gamecocks have demonstrated resilience, skill, and determination on the field. This season has been marked by significant milestones, standout performances, and a renewed sense of hope for the future of the program.
One of the highlights of the 2024 season has been the emergence of new talent. Defensive end Dylan Stewart was a five star recruit and has become a key asset of the Gamecock defense. His athleticism, speed, and football IQ have set him apart as one of the best college football players for his position. He ended this season with 17 total solo tackles and 6 and a half sacks. Another impressive player was the freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Sellers shocked the world with his impeccable talent in all aspects of the game. Sellers finished the season with 2,534 total passing yards, 25 total touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. Sellers’ most impressive skill is his ability to break out of tackles. His size and impressive speed make it very difficult for him to be sacked. Sellers was named the 2024 National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year and the SEC Freshman of the Year. Stewart has been chosen as PFF’s National Defensive Player of the Week and has been named one of five finalists for the 7th annual Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. Both of these players made all SEC.
South Carolina’s schedule this season has included several high-stakes matchups. They were ranked 5th in the SEC for strength of schedule. This team was doubted by many, but continued to rise to the occasion and exceed expectations. Home games at Williams-Brice stadium were especially electrifying, with fans selling out almost every game and creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. The sense of community and pride among the Gamecock supporters is like no other, further fueling the team’s drive to succeed.
The head coach, Shane Beamer, played a vital role in the Gamecocks success. He is currently the highest paid coach in school history. Beamer is the first South Carolina coach to win back-to-back games against top-10 teams, the first to win three straight games over AP top-25 teams, and the first FBS coach since 1978 to win twice by 20+ points as a 20+ point underdog.
South Carolina’s most impressive games this year were the win against Texas A&M by 20 points, beating Missouri, the 17-14 win against Clemson, and almost beating Alabama with a final score of 27-25. They finished the season being ranked #14, just missing the CFB playoffs. The lessons learned and experience gained throughout the season will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future success. With a solid core of returning players and promising new recruits on the horizon, the Gamecocks are projected to continue their ascent in the SEC, and college football as a whole.
