The SEC has long been defined by its perennial powerhouses—Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Florida. These programs dominate the spotlight, steer the playoff narrative, and pack their trophy shelves year after year. But this season, there might be a new name crashing the party: South Carolina. During Tuesday’s ACC Media Days, SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee made waves when he questioned the SEC’s true depth, saying, “The SEC has had the same six schools win the championship since 1964… That’s top-heavy to me. That’s not depth.” While his remarks stirred debate, they also resonated—especially with programs like South Carolina. Long relegated to the SEC’s middle tier, the Gamecocks see 2025 as a potential turning point, a chance to disrupt the established order and stake their claim among the elite.
The Gamecocks are aiming to shake up the long-standing hierarchy in a conference often criticized as “top-heavy.” And while Rhett Lashlee’s comments sparked conversation, not everyone agrees with his assessment of the SEC.
On Wednesday morning’s edition of ESPN’s Get Up, Paul Finebaum didn’t mince words. He called Lashlee’s remarks “comical” and didn’t hesitate to point to SMU’s checkered history as a counterpunch, using the program’s troubled past to question the credibility of the coach’s critique.
Since the SEC introduced its championship game in 1992, just six programs—Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, LSU, and Tennessee—have claimed the conference crown. South Carolina came close in 2010, but their title hopes were dashed by Cam Newton and his Auburn squad. Since then, the Gamecocks have flirted with contention but haven’t been able to sustain success. That could change in 2025.
If South Carolina is going to shake up the SEC’s well-established pecking order, it will begin with quarterback LaNorris Sellers. The dynamic dual-threat sophomore turned heads with a stunning performance against Clemson last season and has the poise, athleticism, and upside to emerge as one of the league’s breakout stars. Around him, the Gamecocks have stocked up on speed and playmaking talent. If the offensive line holds steady and the defense takes a step forward, South Carolina could be one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC.
Their 2025 schedule is no walk in the park—few are in this conference—with matchups against LSU, Kentucky, Texas A\&M, and Alabama providing clear opportunities to climb the ladder and prove they belong.
Lashlee’s pointed remarks may have ruffled feathers across the SEC, but they hit home for programs like South Carolina. And if the Gamecocks manage to crash the party in 2025, they won’t just rewrite their own story—they might help redefine what true depth in the SEC really looks like.
Leave a Reply