
South Carolina Gamecock, LaNorris Sellers with his $2.7M NIL Deal and a Box of Cheese Its
South Carolina Gamecocks Prepare for Citrus Bowl Matchup Against Illinois Amid Key Developments
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Gamecocks are just five days away from their highly anticipated Citrus Bowl matchup against Illinois. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. on ABC and ESPN+, with fans eager to see the first-ever gridiron clash between these two teams. While the Orlando-based bowl game brings plenty of intrigue, several key storylines have emerged that Gamecocks supporters will want to follow closely.

Pursuing 10 Wins
The South Carolina Gamecocks are on the verge of achieving a historic 10-win season, something accomplished only four times in program history (1984, 2011, 2012, and 2013). Shane Beamer’s squad turned its season around after starting 3-3, finishing with six straight wins, including dominant performances against Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and Clemson. A victory in the Citrus Bowl would solidify South Carolina’s remarkable campaign and boost momentum heading into 2025.
Thanks for the awesome welcome @CitrusBowl !! 🤙🏻 https://t.co/s4ETZhDiX4
— Shane Beamer (@CoachSBeamer) December 26, 2024
Personnel Changes and Draft Implications
Personnel is always a major topic during bowl season, and this year is no different. South Carolina Gamecocks – All-American EDGE Kyle Kennard has opted out of the Citrus Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft. Running back Rocket Sanders, who declared for the draft earlier this month, will also miss the game. Despite his absence, Sanders’ contributions during his lone season in Columbia helped revive the Gamecocks’ run game and produced unforgettable moments, such as his game-winning touchdown against Missouri.
Meanwhile, junior quarterback LaNorris Sellers, a key figure in South Carolina’s resurgence, recently signed a groundbreaking $2.7 million NIL deal to remain at USC. Sellers, a 2025 Heisman hopeful, is poised to break several freshman records in the Citrus Bowl, including total yardage and passing touchdowns.
Key Injuries and Emerging Talent
The South Carolina Gamecocks’ tight end room remains a question mark heading into the bowl. Brady Hunt’s status is uncertain after missing the final two games of the regular season, while Josh Simon and Michael Smith have been playing through injuries. Redshirted players like Tree Babalade (OL) and Nick Barrett (DL) are expected to see action under the NCAA’s bowl game participation rules, providing a glimpse of the program’s future talent.
Records Within Reach
Several Gamecocks are on the brink of breaking school records. LaNorris Sellers needs just 47 more yards to surpass Todd Ellis’ freshman total yardage record and three more passing touchdowns to set a new freshman mark. Freshman EDGE Dylan Stewart, with 6.5 sacks, is close to breaking Jadeveon Clowney’s freshman sack record. Punter Kai Kroeger, meanwhile, is eyeing the program’s single-season punting average record.
Saying Goodbye to a Special Senior Class
The Citrus Bowl will mark the final game for several standout seniors. Tonka Hemingway, Boogie Huntley, and Josh Simon are among those who have left lasting impacts on the program. Special teamers Kai Kroeger and Hunter Rogers, considered among the best at their positions, will also suit up for the last time in garnet and black.
Looking Ahead
As South Carolina prepares for its showdown against Illinois, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team handles the absence of key players like Sanders while capitalizing on the talent of rising stars like Sellers and Stewart. The game represents not only a chance to secure a 10-win season but also to solidify the Gamecocks’ position as a rising force in college football.
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