'It's his time': Nick Barrett returns to South Carolina with big opportunity ahead of him
Mostly everyone was having fun last season — except Nick Barrett. While South Carolina won nine games in 2024, including six straight to end the regular season, Barrett watched on from the sidelines.
The fourth-year defensive lineman saw action in four games during the regular season before deciding to redshirt. Barrett put it bluntly when he said it was “boring” not being able to play as much as he had in years past.
“All the guys out there, we’re winning, we’re kicking butt, having fun. I can’t really do too much because I had to redshirt,” Barrett said. “I had to just sit there and watch my guys have fun. I mean, I enjoyed seeing everybody do well, but I wanted to be a part of that. In certain instances, I couldn’t do anything. I just had to take a backseat.”
There was a plan in place, though. A reason why this had to happen. After the season ended, South Carolina lost nearly all of its defensive linemen who either ran out of eligibility or declared for the NFL Draft. The Gamecocks beefed up the room in recruiting during the offseason, but Barrett and Monkell Goodwine are the only returnees for 2025.
“We got (DeAndre) Jules, Boogie (Huntley), TJ (Sanders), Tonka (Hemingway), all those guys leaving,” Barrett said. “I know the whole defense. I can come back, and I can help with the defense next year.”
Top 10
- 1New
Baseball Field of 64
Projecting NCAA Baseball Tournament
- 2
ESPN Top 25
Way Too Early hoops rankings
- 3
Pop Isaacs
Creighton guard commits to Houston
- 4Hot
Mel Kiper
2-round mock draft
- 5
Seth Trimble
Announces UNC return
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Stay on top of all things Gamecocks for just $1 for 7 days—lock in this special offer today!
With a wide-open competition, Barrett now has a chance to earn serious playing time. He’s played in 39 games throughout his college career, but only ever started in one. That could certainly change this season.
“He’s seen a lot, and it’s his time,” defensive line coach Travian Robertson said. “He’s hungry. He’s been waiting. He’s changed his body, he’s changed his mindset. It’s great to have Nick back.”
So far in spring practice, he’s impressed his teammates and coaches as the main veteran of his position group. Barrett has taken on a leadership role in that room as he wants to set the example for the newcomers joining the team.
“He’s been here for a long time. He’s definitely the general of the d-line room,” Goodwine said. “Him being that guy for the d-line, and me knowing him personally, Nick is a great guy. So I think overall, he’s going to step up and be the guy who we need.”
