Bowl game opt-outs are simply a part of the game now for college football coaches.
Whether due to players entering the NCAA Transfer Portal or electing to get a jump start on their preparations ahead next April’s NFL Draft, college football players regularly decide to put their own personal interests ahead of the team’s in what outsiders may view as a meaningless bowl game.
But, outside of a pair of key starters in running back Rocket Sanders and pass rusher Kyle Kennard opting out to focus on their future in the NFL, the No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks have mostly kept its bowl roster intact ahead of Tuesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowlgame vs. No. 20 Illinois.
For fourth-year Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer, the bowl buy-in is highly encouraging amid a bounceback 2024 season that had South Carolina(9-3) among the first four out of the College Football Playoff 12-team field.
It says they’re very invested, it says they’re very motivated to go try and get a 10th win. This is a group that’s been very committed to one another going all the way back to last year,” Beamer said Saturday from Orlando. “And trying to get a 10th win is something they’re very hungry to do, along with spending a week together down here in Orlando.
“It says that our culture is strong. It says that our players enjoy being a part of this program, and it says that our guys are really excited about being down here and competing on the 31st.”
