Three South Carolina football stars make ESPN’s top 100 list for 2024-25 season

(WCIV) — Three South Carolina stars made ESPN’s top 100 college football players list for the 2024-25 season.

The list, published on Wednesday, Jan. 22, was put together by ESPN’s selection committee and includes the top 100 players from around the country on every roster.

From South Carolina, Nick Emmanwori, a junior who claimed 57 solo tackles, four interceptions and came into the season unranked, claimed the No. 66 spot on the list.

“Emmanwori was the leader in total tackles (88) on a South Carolina defense that finished 14th nationally in yards per play allowed (4.84),” ESPN writes. “The 6-3, 227-pound junior was named a first-team All-American by the AP and Sporting News and was a three-year starter for the Gamecocks. He was a unanimous first-team All-SEC selection and declared for the NFL draft after the Gamecocks’ bowl loss to Illinois.”

Ahead of Emmanwori was South Carolina star freshman quarterback La Norris Sellers. In a breakout season, he amassed 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the Gamecocks to a 9-4 record.

“Sellers capped a stellar first year as South Carolina’s starting quarterback with a sensational performance in a 17-14 road win over rival Clemson in the regular-season finale,” ESPN writes. “His 20-yard touchdown run with 1:08 to play won it for the Gamecocks. The 6-3, 242-pound redshirt freshman finished with 3,208 yards in total offense and accounted for 25 touchdowns (18 passing and seven rushing).”

The highest-ranked player on the list is defensive end, Kyle Kennard.

Kennard, a senior, racked up 20 solo tackles, 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

“Kennard had quite an impact in his only season at South Carolina, leading the SEC in tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (11.5) with three forced fumbles,” ESPN writes. “His single-season sack total ranks second in school history behind Jadeveon Clowney’s 13 in 2012. The Georgia Tech transfer won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the top defensive player in the FBS, and he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the coaches and the AP.”