The 5 Most Interesting Roster Questions as South Carolina Opens Spring Practice

As the South Carolina Gamecocks football team kicks off its spring practice in 2025, there are numerous questions and storylines that fans and analysts alike will be eager to follow. Under the leadership of head coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks are entering a crucial stage in their development, with many position battles yet to be determined. Spring practice offers the perfect opportunity to address some of these questions, as players and coaches work toward building a team that can compete at the highest level in the SEC.

For South Carolina, spring practice is a time of experimentation, refinement, and positioning. The program has made significant strides in recent years, and this offseason is vital in continuing that trajectory. With a number of key positions still up for grabs, the stakes are high, and a few standout players could solidify their spots in the lineup, while others may struggle to stay on the depth chart.

As spring practice opens, here are five of the most interesting roster questions that will undoubtedly shape South Carolina’s season in 2025:

1. Who Will Start at Quarterback?

The most significant question facing the South Carolina Gamecocks heading into spring practice is who will be under center for the team in 2025. With the departure of Spencer Rattler, who was the starter for the past two seasons, the Gamecocks are now left with a void that needs to be filled. Rattler’s leadership and playmaking ability were instrumental in keeping South Carolina competitive in a stacked SEC, but now it’s time for someone new to take the reins.

Currently, the Gamecocks have several quarterbacks competing for the starting job, including Luke Doty, Braden Davis, and Jai Millner. Each of these players has different strengths and weaknesses, which will make for an intriguing battle over the course of spring practice.

• Luke Doty: A former highly touted recruit, Doty has spent the past few seasons learning under Rattler. His dual-threat ability is one of his key assets, as he can make plays with both his arm and his legs. However, Doty has struggled with consistency at times and will need to prove that he can be a reliable starter for the Gamecocks moving forward. This spring, Doty will be aiming to show his growth and comfort in Beamer’s offensive system.
• Braden Davis: Another potential contender is Braden Davis, who is a more traditional pocket passer. Davis has a strong arm and the ability to make all the throws necessary at the college level. His biggest hurdle will be adapting to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses, something he didn’t face as much in high school. A solid performance in spring practice could give him the edge, but he will need to be able to showcase poise and accuracy.
• Jai Millner: A wildcard in this competition is Jai Millner, an athletic and highly mobile quarterback who has yet to see significant playing time at South Carolina. He has a lot of potential, but his experience and ability to make reads in the passing game will be key factors in whether he can take over as the starter.

The quarterback battle will be one of the most highly scrutinized position competitions in spring practice. It’s not just about talent; it’s about leadership, poise, and the ability to make plays under pressure. Whichever quarterback earns the starting role will need to perform consistently throughout the spring and into the fall to solidify the Gamecocks’ offensive identity in 2025.

2. Who Will Step Up in the Wide Receiver Corps?

While South Carolina’s quarterback position is getting most of the attention, the wide receiver room is also a crucial area of focus for the Gamecocks in 2025. The Gamecocks lost a number of key pass-catchers, including Josh Vann and Antwane “Teddy” Wells, leaving a gap at the position. As such, it’s imperative that younger receivers step up to fill those voids and provide consistency in the passing game.

Key players in this battle include:

• Ahmarean Brown: Brown, a transfer from Georgia Tech, comes in with an impressive resume as a deep threat. He has the speed to take the top off defenses and will be expected to be a key playmaker for the Gamecocks in 2025. However, he will need to prove that he can adapt to the SEC and provide the kind of impact South Carolina needs.
• Dakereon Joyner: Joyner has shown flashes of promise over the years but has been inconsistent in terms of production. This spring will be critical for him to show that he can finally take on a prominent role in the offense. His versatility makes him an intriguing option, but Joyner needs to demonstrate more consistency as a receiver to solidify his place in the starting lineup.
• Xzavier Leggett: Leggett has been a reliable contributor over the past couple of seasons, and he has the physical tools to become a breakout star for the Gamecocks. With the departure of several key receivers, Leggett will have a chance to become the number one target in the offense. A strong performance during the spring could propel him to the top of the depth chart.
• Juice Wells: The highly anticipated transfer from the FCS level, Wells has the size and skillset to immediately contribute. He will be one to watch during the spring, as he could become a focal point in the passing game if he clicks with whoever emerges as the starting quarterback.

South Carolina needs someone to step into the limelight and be a consistent threat in the passing game. With such a deep and talented pool of receivers, it will be fascinating to see who earns the opportunity to be a reliable target for the Gamecocks in 2025.

3. How Will the Offensive Line Evolve?

The offensive line is always a crucial aspect of any successful football team, and for South Carolina, it is a position group that has seen some turnover. Several key players from last season’s offensive line have graduated or moved on, and the Gamecocks will need to fill those spots with capable replacements.

The return of Ja’Quayne Parker, Javon Pugh, and Trey Jones provides some stability, but there are still questions regarding depth and who will be the mainstays in the starting lineup. Will Tate Johnson, who made an impression last season, step up as a key contributor in the trenches? Will Jaylen Nichols or Nate Adkins earn starting roles?

The development of the offensive line will be vital to the success of the offense in 2025. A cohesive and efficient line will be crucial to establishing the running game and providing the quarterback with ample time to make plays in the passing game.

4. Who Will Lead the Running Back Room?

South Carolina’s running back position has been another area of concern in recent years. While the team has some solid talent, they have lacked a true feature back who can consistently carry the load. With the departure of MarShawn Lloyd, the Gamecocks will need someone to step up and become the leader of the backfield.

The most likely candidates to take over the starting role include:

• JuJu McDowell: McDowell has shown flashes of his potential but has yet to emerge as a true workhorse back. His quickness and elusiveness make him a dangerous weapon in space, but McDowell will need to prove he can handle the physicality of the SEC as a primary ball carrier.
• Rashad Amos: Amos is another option who will have a chance to earn the starting role. He has good size and can run with power, making him a potential feature back. A solid spring performance could go a long way toward securing the starting job.
• Christian Beal-Smith: The transfer from Wake Forest could be a key contributor. Beal-Smith brings a wealth of experience and has proven capable in both the rushing and passing games. His versatility and leadership will make him a valuable asset to the Gamecocks’ backfield in 2025.

The running back position will be closely watched during spring practice, as South Carolina looks for a back who can take the pressure off the quarterback and provide balance to the offense.

5. How Will the Defense Adjust to New Leadership?

The South Carolina defense will undergo some changes heading into 2025. With the departure of several key players, including J.J. Enagbare and Zacch Pickens, the Gamecocks will need new leaders to step up on defense. The good news is that South Carolina has a number of talented players returning, including Sherrod Greene and Cam Smith, who will anchor the defense in 2025.

The defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary will all be important areas of focus during spring practice, as new players step into starting roles. The coaching staff will look to develop depth and identify which players can fill the leadership void left by last season’s departures.