Shane Beamer explains what South Carolina's low opt out numbers says about team

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 Bowl game 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.”

Shane Beamer explains how South Carolina landed Air Noland

Former Ohio State quarterback Air Noland surprised many with his committment to South Carolina during the winter transfer portal window. With LaNorris Sellers set to return to the program next season, he may not see the field as much as he would at another program.

Despite this, Beamer revealed the recruiting pitch that lured Noland to Columbia, and how the former four-star quarterback impressed him with his response.

“Credit to him, cause all he wants is an opportunity to compete,” Beamer told reporters ahead of the Citrus Bowl. “I said to this to you guys last year, a lot of quarterbacks were interested in South Carolina because of Spencer (Rattler). They wanted to come here, but they went on to other Power Five schools and became starters because they wouldn’t come here because I wouldn’t promise them the starting job.

“I didn’t promise Air anything but the chance to compete.”

Noland set off to make a good impression right away, even before he committed to Beamer and company.

“He saw an opportunity to learn under LaNorris and learn under Coach [Mike] Shula,” Beamer continued. “Mike Shula was a big attraction to him. I did not know Air, was really impressed with he and his family while they were down here. He walked around with a notebook for the two days he was here and took notes. I was really impressed.”

Barkley Truax contributed to this report.