The Gamecocks showed up this year in the 2025 NFL Draft, with five former South Carolina players being drafted.
Nick Emmanwori was the first name off the board in the second round, even though he was projected to go in the first. The All-American safety didn’t have to wait long on Friday night, however. The Seattle Seahawks traded up to select Emmanwori with the third pick in the second round, 35th overall. He was the second safety taken in the draft.
Shortly after, defensive lineman T.J. Sanders joined him when his name was called. The Buffalo Bills also traded up, selecting Sanders at No. 41 overall (second round, pick No. 9). Sanders was the sixth defensive tackle selected.
Eight names later, linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. kept the Gamecock momentum going. The Cincinnati Bengals picked the veteran Gamecock at No. 49 overall (second round, pick No. 17). Knight was the fourth linebacker drafted.
South Carolina EDGE rusher Kyle Kennard was drafted fourth and came off the board on Day 3. The Los Angeles Chargers selected Kennard in the fourth round, No. 125 overall. He was the 18th EDGE draftee taken.
Tonka Hemingway rounded out the Gamecock draft class later in the fourth round also. The Los Angeles Raiders selected the defensive tackle with the No. 135 overall pick (fourth round, pick No. 33). Hemingway was the 16th defensive tackle chosen this draft.
Several other Gamecocks were undrafted but have since signed as free agents or secured training camp invitations.
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