With South Carolina kicking off the 2025 season in less than a week, here's what EA Sports College Football 26 thinks of the Gamecocks.
Last week, EA Sports College Football 26 updated its in-game rosters, bringing the virtual identities of the game’s teams much closer to reality. South Carolina’s video game roster added nearly 30 new players (primarily freshmen and transfers).
With the game including relatively accurate depictions of this fall’s teams, and week one now here, GamecockCentral ran several simulations of the 2025 season to see what EA Sports thinks about South Carolina’s chances of having a special year.
Here’s what five simulations of the 2025 season looked like.
Simulation 1
In the first College Football 26 simulation, South Carolina went 8-4 in the regular season.
Three losses in a row to Kentucky, LSU, and Oklahoma nearly derailed the entire year, but a 5-1 finish (including a lopsided rout over Clemson) helped make for a solid overall showing. A Gator Bowl win over South Florida pushed USC’s record to 9-4 overall.
When the dust settled on the simulated college football season, the Texas Longhorns beat the Penn State Nittany Lions for the national title. Quarterback John Mateer won the Heisman Trophy for the Oklahoma Sooners. South Carolina finished No. 23 in the media poll and No. 22 in the coaches poll.
Statistical Leaders
Passing: LaNorris Sellers – 3492 yards, 33 TDs, 6 interceptions
Rushing: Rahsul Faison – 936 yards, 10 TDs; LaNorris Sellers – 478 yards, 6 TDs; Isaiah Augustave – 9 TDs
Receiving: Jared Brown – 62 receptions, 832 yards, 4 TDs; Nyck Harbor – 50 receptions, 827 yards, 4 TDs; Michael Smith – 47 receptions, 545 yards, 7 TDs; Mazeo Bennett – 5 TDs; Brian Rowe – 5 TDs
Defensive: Fred “JayR” Johnson – 82 tackles, 2 interceptions; Jalon Kilgore – 71 tackles, 3 interceptions; Bryan Thomas, Jr. – 51 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks; Dylan Stewart – 40 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 interception; Zavion Hardy – 5 sacks
Special Teams: Max Kelley – 11-for-14 on FGs, 54-for-55 on PATs; Mason Love – 4-for-4 on FGs, 69.5% touchback percentage on kickoffs, 43.9 yards per punt
Awards and Recognitions
- LaNorris Sellers was a second-team All-SEC selection at quarterback
- Brian Rowe was a Freshman All-SEC choice at wide receiver
- Michael Smith was a second-team All-SEC pick at tight end
- Dylan Stewart was a second-team All-SEC selection at defensive end/EDGE
- Jalon Kilgore was a second-team All-SEC performer at safety (his listed position in the game)
- LaNorris Sellers was a finalist for the Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award
- Michael Smith was a finalist for the John Mackey Award
- Jalon Kilgore was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award
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Simulation 2
South Carolina went 8-4 in the regular season in the second simulation.
The Gamecocks lost in blowout fashion to Virginia Tech and Kentucky and then lost close contests to Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Shane Beamer’s team finished 9-4 overall after crushing Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
In the CFP National Championship, the Texas Tech Red Raiders knocked off the Southern Cal Trojans. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings won the Heisman Trophy, and South Carolina finished No. 21 in both the media poll and coaches poll.
Statistical Leaders
Passing: LaNorris Sellers – 3134 yards, 17 TDs, 4 interceptions, 69% completion percentage
Rushing: Rahsul Faison – 823 yards, 17 TDs; Isaiah Augustave – 480 yards, 12 TDs; LaNorris Sellers – 394 yards, 4 TDs
Receiving: Jared Brown – 73 receptions, 946 yards, 4 TDs; Mazeo Bennett – 46 receptions, 740 yards, 7 TDs; Michael Smith – 55 receptions, 655 yards, 4 TDs; Nyck Harbor – 39 receptions, 529 yards, 3 TDs
Defensive: Fred “JayR” Johnson – 105 tackles; Brandon Cisse – 61 tackles, 2 interceptions; DQ Smith – 61 tackles, 2 interceptions; Gabe Brownlow-Dindy – 27 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks; Dylan Stewart – 23 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks (played just four games because of injury); Desmond Umeozulu – 5 sacks; Vicari Swain – 3 interceptions
Special Teams: Max Kelley – 10-for-13 on FGs, 54-for-55 on PATs; Mason Love – 63.3% touchback percentage on kickoffs, 45.6 yards per punt
Awards and Recognitions
- Michael Smith was a finalist for the John Mackey Award
- Fred “JayR” Johnson was a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award
- Mason Love was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award
- Michael Smith was a second-team All-SEC selection at tight end
- Fred “JayR” Johnson was a second-team All-SEC player at linebacker
- Mason Love was a Freshman All-SEC choice at punter
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Simulation 3
In CFB26’s third simulation of South Carolina’s 2025 season, the Gamecocks made the College Football Playoff following a 9-3 regular season effort.
It was a weird year. Again, Carolina lost to Virginia Tech, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. However, they beat everyone else to sneak into the 12-team field. Despite beating Ole Miss by three touchdowns during the regular season, a first-round playoff rematch got away from the Gamecocks.
At season’s end, the Oklahoma Sooners won the College Football Playoff National Championship Game over the Illinois Fighting Illini, and Mateer also won the Heisman Trophy again for the Sooners. South Carolina finished ranked No. 8 in the final polls despite owning a 9-4 record.
Statistical Leaders
Passing: LaNorris Sellers – 3518 yards, 24 TDs, 3 interceptions, 71% completion percentage
Rushing: Rahsul Faison – 1122 yards, 15 TDs; LaNorris Sellers – 572 yards, 9 TDs; Oscar Adaway – 8 TDs
Receiving: Jared Brown – 70 receptions, 1013 yards, 2 TDs; Mazeo Bennett – 47 receptions, 750 yards, 9 TDs; Nyck Harbor – 47 receptions, 673 yards, 6 TDs
Defensive: Fred “JayR” Johnson – 76 tackles; Peyton Williams – 68 tackles; Jalon Kilgore – 62 tackles, 1 interception; Dylan Stewart – 43 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8 sacks; Brandon Cisse – 55 tackles, 3 interceptions; Monkell Goodwin – 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks
Special Teams: Max Kelley – 14-for-17 on FGs, 62-for-62 on PATs; Mason Love – 69% touchback percentage on kickoffs, 45.6 yards per punt
Awards and Recognitions
- LaNorris Sellers was a finalist for the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Davey O’Brien Award
- Rahsul Faison was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award
- Shane Beamer was a finalist for the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award
- LaNorris Sellers was a second-team All-SEC contributor at quarterback
- Rahsul Faison was a second-team All-SEC selection at running back
- Max Kelley was a Freshman All-SEC performer at kicker
- Mason Love was a Freshman All-American and also a Freshman All-SEC pick at punter
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Simulation 4
The fourth College Football 26 simulation was one that will make South Carolina football fans happy. According to this edition of the Gamecocks’ season, the College Football Playoff will end with Shane Beamer hoisting the National Championship trophy.
The path to the title was winding, as South Carolina lost to Vanderbilt but cruised to an 11-1 regular season record. Then, the Alabama Crimson Tide blitzed the Gamecocks 42-7 in the SEC Championship game. However, USC knocked off Nebraska and Notre Dame in the first two CFP rounds. Then, they got revenge on Alabama in the National Semifinal before defeating Michigan to win the program’s first championship.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings won the Heisman Trophy, though LaNorris Sellers was a finalist. South Carolina’s final overall record was 15-2, and with the extra games, some of the players’ statistics were inflated.
Statistical Leaders
Passing: LaNorris Sellers – 4017 yards, 32 TDs, 3 interceptions, 67% completion percentage
Rushing: Rahsul Faison – 1087 yards, 14 TDs; LaNorris Sellers – 850 yards, 5 TDs; Isaiah Augustave – 5 TDs; Oscar Adaway – 5 TDs
Receiving: Nyck Harbor – 64 receptions, 1097 yards, 7 TDs; Jared Brown – 61 receptions, 826 yards, 5 TDs; Michael Smith – 52 receptions, 623 yards, 7 TDs; Mazeo Bennett – 45 receptions, 523 yards, 8 TDs
Defensive: Brandon Cisse – 86 tackles, 3 interceptions; Jalon Kilgore – 82 tackles, 3 interceptions; Judge Collier – 80 tackles, 3 interceptions; Shawn Murphy – 77 tackles, 2 interceptions; Fred “JayR” Johnson – 50 tackles (played in just six games because of injury); Dylan Stewart – 49 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 12 sacks; Gabe Brownlow-Dindy – 47 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks; Bryan Thomas, Jr. – 44 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 7 sacks
Special Teams: Max Kelley – 19-for-26 on FGs, 72-for-72 on PATs; Mason Love – 69.3% touchback percentage on kickoffs, 43.7 yards per punt; Jared Brown – 1 punt return TD
Awards and Recognitions
- LaNorris Sellers was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Davey O’Brien Award
- Rahsul Faison was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award
- Dylan Stewart was a finalist for EDGE Rusher of the Year (named Ted Hendricks Award in real life)
- Shane Beamer was a finalist for the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award and also won SEC Coach of the Year
- Clayton White was a finalist for the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach
- LaNorris Sellers was a second-team All-American performer at quarterback and also a first-team All-SEC selection at quarterback
- Rahsul Faison was a first-team All-SEC pick at running back
- Dylan Stewart was a second-team All-SEC selection at defensive end/EDGE
- Gabe Brownlow-Dindy was a second-team All-SEC selection at defensive tackle
- Brandon Cisse was a second-team All-SEC choice at cornerback
- Air Noland was a Freshman All-SEC pick at quarterback (he was also the only SEC freshman to take a snap at the position and threw for 17 yards on the year)
- Max Kelley was Freshman All-SEC at kicker
- Mason Love was a Freshman All-SEC tabbing at punter
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Simulation 5
In GamecockCentral’s final simulation of the 2025 season, South Carolina finished 9-3 in the regular season but was left out of the College Football Playoff.
Once again, Kentucky and Oklahoma beat the Gamecocks, and so did No. 1-ranked Texas A&M. USC beat Clemson by the familiar score of 17-14.
When the final confetti dropped at the end of the season, the Texas Longhorns had defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions for the national title. Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed won the Heisman Trophy. South Carolina finished No. 13 in both polls after blowing out Boston College in the Citrus Bowl to go 10-3.
Statistical Leaders
Passing: LaNorris Sellers – 3075 yards, 18 TDs, 5 interceptions
Rushing: Rahsul Faison – 870 yards, 12 TDs; LaNorris Sellers – 863 yards, 8 TDs; Isaiah Augustave – 352 yards, 8 TDs
Receiving: Jared Brown – 65 receptions, 869 yards, 1 TD; Brian Rowe – 51 receptions, 792 yards, 8 TDs; Michael Smith – 50 receptions, 701 yards, 4 TDs; Nyck Harbor – 46 receptions, 608 yards, 2 TDs
Defensive: Peyton Williams – 76 tackles; Brandon Cisse – 73 tackles, 2 interceptions; Jalon Kilgore – 71 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 TDs; Shawn Murphy – 70 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions; Dylan Stewart – 37 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 9 sacks; Bryan Thomas, Jr. – 36 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 8 sacks; Gabe Brownlow-Dindy – 28 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks
Special Teams: Max Kelley – 16-for-19 on FGs, 49-for-49 on PATs; Mason Love – 3-for-3 on PATs, 67.1% touchback percentage on kickoffs, 45.2 yards per punt; Jared Brown – 1 punt return TD
Awards and Recognitions
- Michael Smith was a finalist for the John Mackey Award
- Jalon Kilgore was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award
- LaNorris Sellers was a second-team All-SEC choice at quarterback
- Brian Rowe was a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award
- Brian Rowe was a Freshman All-SEC pick at wide receiver
- Josiah Thompson was a second-team All-SEC selection at left tackle
- Dylan Stewart was a second-team All-SEC choice at defensive end/EDGE
- Jalon Kilgore was a first-team All-SEC pick at safety (his listed position on the game)
- Max Kelley was a Freshman All-SEC performer at kicker
- Mason Love was a Freshman All-SEC player at punter
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Trends
Though everything within these simulations is virtual (and some of the things that transpired in the mock run-throughs of the season were flat-out unrealistic), there were a handful of trends that were common in the five simulations.
The Gamecocks couldn’t beat Kentucky or Oklahoma.
This year’s Oklahoma game is one of the most “toss-up” games on the schedule; however, the matchup against Kentucky doesn’t feel that way. South Carolina will be favored (potentially heavily) in that game, barring something unforeseen. Somehow, though, USC lost those meetings four times each in the simulations.
South Carolina never lost to Clemson, Missouri, Coastal Carolina, or FCS Southeast/South Carolina State.
Despite Clemson being one of the toughest games on the 2025 schedule, South Carolina didn’t lose to the Tigers in any of the five CFB26 simulations. They also went undefeated against Missouri, Coastal Carolina, and SC State (generically named “FCS Southeast”). They only lost to Alabama once but also beat them two other times that season (won in the regular season, lost in the SEC Championship Game, won in the CFP).
USC won a lot.
All five simulations saw South Carolina win at least eight games in the regular season. The Gamecocks also made the College Football Playoff twice (winning the championship once) and won bowl games in the other three seasons. A perfect 5-0 record against Clemson sent Carolina into December with good feelings, too.
LaNorris Sellers is Superman.
In all five simulations, LaNorris Sellers threw for over 3000 yards and tallied over 3500 yards of offense. He also limited his interceptions. In the simulations, South Carolina scored a lot of touchdowns, largely because of Sellers’ efforts. Frankly, if those things happen in real life, it will mean special things for the 2025 Gamecocks.
#FreeSul
At the time of this writing, South Carolina still has not gotten an official ruling on running back Rahsul Faison’s eligibility. If the College Football 26 simulations are anything close to reality, getting No. 1 on the field would be a huge boost. He averaged about 14 touchdowns and over 900 yards rushing in the mock seasons.
Returning wide receivers showed up.
Jared Brown was the top target for LaNorris Sellers in most of these simulations. Nyck Harbor also posted some strong seasons. So did sophomore Mazeo Bennett. With the youth in the Gamecocks’ receiver room, having a clear top three at the position could be very beneficial to the development of the freshmen. Brown reached 800 yards in all five simulations, and both he and Harbor each surpassed 1000 yards once.
A Michael Smith breakout could be incoming.
If the game developers at EA are right about tight end Michael Smith, his 2025 season will be impressive. Smith made three All-SEC teams in the five simulations and also was a finalist for the John Mackey Award multiple times. He averaged better than 500 yards and 5 touchdowns.
B-ready for B-Rowe.
True freshmen don’t often play a ton in the video game world. Still, in two of the simulations, Brian Rowe emerged as a Freshman All-SEC selection. He was the clear choice of virtual offensive coordinator Mike Shula as the top freshman wideout on the team. Donovan Murph was the only other freshman pass-catcher who saw many snaps through the simulations. Behind returners Jared Brown, Nyck Harbor, and Mazeo Bennett, Rowe was often the top USC receiver.
Dylan Stewart’s presence opens things up for other defensive linemen.
In all, Dylan Stewart’s numbers seemed not-so-Dylan-Stewart-esque in a few of these simulations. Still, he must have drawn a lot of attention because the team sack numbers remained high. Bryan Thomas, Jr. (three times), Gabe Brownlow-Dindy (twice), Monkell Goodwine, Zavion Hardy, and Desmond Umeozulu all had at least one five-sack season.
Fred “JayR” Johnson is a stud.
Sophomore linebacker Fred “JayR” Johnson didn’t play a lot on defense in 2024. However, according to CFB26, Johnson’s second year in garnet and black will be a big one. He led the Gamecocks in tackles in all three simulations in which he was fully healthy and made an All-SEC team. When he was out, transfer newcomer Shawn Murphy then played well.
Keep an eye on junior defensive backs.
Juniors Jalon Kilgore and Brandon Cisse were the top defensive backs statistically for the Gamecocks through five mock seasons, as both players made All-SEC teams and posted impressive stats as tacklers and coverage players. Redshirt junior Peyton Williams even led the team in tackles during one virtual projection.
Kicking is a freshman affair.
Max Kelley was the starting placekicker in all five simulations, and Mason Love handled punting and kickoff duties in all five, as well. Both the true freshman and redshirt freshman performed well each year. Also on special teams, senior wideout Jared Brown took a punt to the house in two simulated seasons.
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Category: General Sports
