Shane Beamer confirms one high-profile opt-out for South Carolina’s bowl game
South Carolina won’t be at full strength when it takes on Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer announced Wednesday that edge rusher Kyle Kennard will opt out of playing in the Orlando bowl game and will shift his focus to preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kennard, the winner of the Bronco Nagurski Award given to the top defensive player in college football, was remarkable in his one season at South Carolina. He led the SEC in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (15.5) while forcing a trio of fumbles.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Field Yates projected Kennard to be selected 26th overall by the Green Bay Packers.
At least one other player is still deciding whether or not to play in the bowl game, Beamer said. He did not identify which player that is.
South Carolina has lost 14 players to the transfer portal, with backup QB Robby Ashford being the biggest name to announce plans to leave the program.
The Citrus Bowl is 3 p.m. Dec. 31 on ABC.
This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 1:07 PM.
