At one point in the 2024 season, the South Carolina Gamecocks found themselves in the thick of the race for a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. However, despite their valiant efforts, head coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks fell just short of that goal. With only a traditional bowl game left to cap off their season, South Carolina faced a disappointing end, losing in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
Shane Beamer calls out preseason predictions for South Carolina following 9-4 finish
Despite the setback in the bowl game, the Gamecocks exceeded many expectations throughout the season. Shane Beamer was quick to highlight this achievement, pointing out the skepticism surrounding the team’s prospects before the season began. “There’s a lot of people, if you look at those preseason projections? Very few of them even had us in a bowl game in 2024,” Beamer recalled. “I may or may not have some of those saved on my phone as reminders because there was a lot. Some of y’all as well, some of the national media. I mean, there was one who thought we were going to go 3-9 and somebody thought we were going 5-7. There weren’t a lot of people picking us to be in a bowl game, much less the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.”
Reflecting on the season
Following the Citrus Bowl loss, an emotional Beamer expressed his disappointment in not finishing the season on a high note. However, he also emphasized the importance of looking ahead. “I wanted so much for them to get that 10th win,” he said. “We weren’t able to get it done, but like I just told them in there, just don’t lose sight of the journey that we’ve been on and what these guys have done since January when they came back. We’ve got a — I hurt for our seniors that we didn’t send them out better, but I just told them in there, ‘Don’t forget this feeling.’ We play Virginia Tech in 243 days and we’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then.”
Season performance and rankings
The Gamecocks finished the 2024 season with a commendable record of 9-4, earning them a spot as the 15th ranked team in the final College Football Playoff Selection Committee Rankings. They were tantalizingly close to making the new 12-team playoff field, just a couple of slots away from qualification. This performance not only showcased the team’s resilience but also set a solid foundation for the upcoming seasons.
Building for the future
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Beamer has turned his attention to enhancing the program. A significant part of that effort involves navigating the Transfer Portal, which has become a pivotal tool for college football teams. Currently, South Carolina’s transfer class ranks 18th in the 2025 On3 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings. This class features 16 players who have departed the program and 13 who have joined, indicating a dynamic shift aimed at strengthening the roster.
In addition to the transfer efforts, Beamer has also made strides in high school recruiting. The Gamecocks have assembled what is now the 19th-ranked recruiting class for the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking football Team Recruiting Rankings. This impressive class includes 11 four-star recruits and ranks 12th in the SEC, demonstrating Beamer’s commitment to building a competitive team for the future.
Looking ahead to 2025
As South Carolina gears up for the 2025 season, the expectations will undoubtedly be higher. After surpassing preseason projections in 2024, the Gamecocks are poised to capitalize on their momentum. The blend of returning talent, new recruits, and strategic transfers creates an exciting outlook for the program.
Beamer’s leadership will be crucial as the team prepares for their opening matchup against Virginia Tech. With a clear vision and a focus on improvement, the Gamecocks are ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. The journey from a disappointing bowl finish to a hopeful new season is one that fans will be eager to follow.
In the world of college football, every season brings new opportunities and challenges. For the South Carolina Gamecocks, the 2025 season represents a chance to build on the foundation laid in 2024. With a commitment to excellence and a roster full of potential, the Gamecocks are determined to make their mark in the upcoming season. Will they rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the playoff picture? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding this program is palpable, and the future looks bright.
