After losing a bulk of last year's linebackers to graduation and subsequently the NFL, the South Carolina Gamecocks will start a new group of linebackers for the 2025-26 season. With the season looming in less than two weeks, the team's linebackers look to get situated heading into the season.
South Carolina’s linebackers will have a revamped look this season after losing Demetrius Knight Jr., Debo Williams and Bam Martin-Scott this offseason. The former South Carolina trio all ranked top five on the team in tackles in 2024.
Sophomore linebacker Fred “JayR” Johnson will be returning for his second year with the Gamecocks. As a freshman, Johnson appeared in all 13 games of the season, recording six tackles.
The sophomore described his game as a versatile linebacker as he steps into a larger role for the 2025-26 season.
“(I’m) a guy who can play all three positions,” Johnson said. “(I) can run sideline to sideline, can make a tackle downhill, can guard your receiver, tight end, running back.”
Shifting from primarily playing in a special teams role last season, Johnson said he will step up as a leader in the linebacker room this season. Johnson also said the linebackers have embraced their roles and have established a solid chemistry with each other.
Redshirt junior linebacker Shawn Murphy, a Florida State transfer, reinforces the new look of the South Carolina linebackers. After missing the front half of the season due to injury, Murphy played in the final four games for the Seminoles, tallying 13 tackles and recovering a fumble.
Entering South Carolina as the third school in his collegiate career, Murphy looks to bring talent and wisdom to an athletic linebacker room.
“We got some physical freaks in the linebacking room,” Murphy said. “I think we’re very aggressive, we’re fast, very physical. I feel like we do a lot of good things and we’re all on the same page when it comes to everything.”
Murphy credited South Carolina’s strength and conditioning coaches for getting the linebackers ready for the 2025-26 season.
“I’ve never done anything like what we do here, but I love it,” Murphy said. “It's challenging and we get to compete at the same time while getting better and stronger. And I feel like we’re building real armor with our bodies so we can last long for the season.”
Along with Murphy, sophomore Justin Okoronkwo enters the program after spending his freshman year with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Okoronkwo appeared in all 13 games last season which included a five-tackle performance against No. 21 Missouri.
“(Okoronkwo) is very athletic,” Murphy said. “He’s a great football player. He’s very smart, and he’s very technical”
Junior defensive back Jalen Kilgore said the Gamecock defense will still strive to be elite despite losing seven of its eleven 2024 starters.
“We just try to stick on the standard that we had last year and just continue to be an elite defense,” Kilgore said. “We’re bringing more depth and just bringing those guys along, and just keep on going with the same standard.”
Redshirt junior Jaron Willis, freshman Donovan Darden and freshman Taeshawn Alston are among the linebackers that round out the linebacker position for this upcoming season.
After being recognized as a co-Most Improved special teams player in the spring, Willis is searching for a larger role at the linebacker position this season. Darden and Alston were both recruited from North Carolina high schools that recorded 24 and 12 tackles for loss in their farewell seasons, respectively.
What's Next?
The No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks face the Virginia Tech Hokies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 31. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN.