The 2026 NFL season is officially in the books, and for a handful of former South Carolina Gamecocks, it marked the end of a rookie year filled with promise, progress, and in one case, a trip to the Super Bowl. From second-round picks making immediate impacts to undrafted free agents carving out roles, South Carolina’s 2025 draft class left its mark across the league.
Let’s break down how each of these rookies fared in their debut seasons - from the trenches to the secondary, and everywhere in between.
Offense
Torricelli Simpkins - OL, New Orleans Saints
Simpkins quietly put together a solid rookie campaign in the Big Easy.
The offensive lineman appeared in 15 games, earning two starts - one in Week 3 against Seattle, the other in Week 5 against the Giants. While he wasn’t a full-time starter, Simpkins showed the kind of versatility and reliability that coaches love in young linemen.
He held his own when called upon, and that kind of early experience can pay dividends down the line.
Raheim Sanders - RB, Cleveland Browns
It was a slow start for Sanders, who saw just three carries in early September before being sidelined for several weeks.
But when the Browns turned to him late in the year, he responded. Over four games, Sanders racked up 92 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, while adding three receptions for 21 yards.
It wasn’t a massive workload, but it was enough to show flashes of what he can bring to a backfield when given the chance.
Gage Larvadain - WR/PR, Cleveland Browns
Larvadain might’ve entered the league as an undrafted free agent, but he didn’t stay under the radar for long.
The rookie wideout played in 13 games for Cleveland, catching seven passes for 71 yards. But where he really made his mark was on special teams.
Larvadain returned 24 punts, including a 44-yard return that showcased his burst and field vision. He’s the kind of player who can stick around in this league by doing the little things right.
Defense
Nick Emmanwori - S, Seattle Seahawks
Emmanwori came into the league with high expectations as a second-round pick, and he delivered - in a big way.
The rookie safety was a force for the Seahawks all season long, racking up 94 total tackles (66 solo), 2.5 sacks, 15 pass breakups, and an interception. He didn’t just play well - he helped lead Seattle to the Super Bowl, and his performance earned him a spot as a finalist for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
That’s not just a strong debut - that’s the kind of season that lays the foundation for a star-level career.
Demetrius Knight Jr. - LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Knight was a tackling machine in his first year with the Bengals.
He totaled 106 stops over 17 games, including three sacks, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions. His ability to fly to the ball and make plays in coverage gave the Bengals a versatile presence in the middle of their defense.
His 12-tackle outing against the Jets on October 26 highlighted just how impactful he can be. Knight looks like a long-term piece for Cincinnati’s defense.
T.J. Sanders - DL, Buffalo Bills
Sanders didn’t get a ton of snaps early, but as the season progressed, so did his role. In 12 games, he recorded 16 tackles and a sack, with his best performance coming in late December against the Browns when he notched three tackles.
Sanders showed growth throughout the year - a good sign for a young defensive lineman adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NFL trenches.
Kyle Kennard - EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
Kennard had a quieter rookie year, appearing in five games for the Chargers and recording two tackles - one in Week 3 and another in Week 6.
While his role was limited, the Chargers clearly see potential in the young edge rusher. Year two will be a big one in terms of development and opportunity.
Tonka Hemingway - DL, Las Vegas Raiders
Hemingway saved his best for last in his rookie campaign.
After a slow start, he came on strong in the final stretch of the season, recording eight of his nine total tackles in the last five games. He capped things off with a two-sack performance against the Chiefs on January 4 - a statement outing that showed just how disruptive he can be when he’s on.
That late-season surge could be a sign of things to come.
Bam Martin-Scott - LB, Carolina Panthers
Martin-Scott made the most of his undrafted status, playing in all 18 games for the Panthers.
He contributed at linebacker and on special teams, logging 23 total tackles. His best game came against the 49ers, when he recorded six tackles.
He’s the kind of player who does the dirty work and earns his keep through effort and consistency - traits that keep you on NFL rosters.
Special Teams
Kai Kroeger - P, New Orleans Saints
Kroeger handled punting duties for the Saints and turned in a solid rookie season.
He punted 56 times with an average of 44.8 yards per attempt, including a long of 61. He also pinned 18 punts inside the 20, showing good control and placement.
In addition to punting, he served as the holder on the field goal unit - an often overlooked but critical role. Kroeger’s consistency and poise were a steadying force on special teams.
Practice Squad Contributors
While not active on game days, several former Gamecocks continued their development on NFL practice squads. Alex Huntley (Dolphins), Joshua Simon (Falcons), Dalevon Campbell (Chargers), and Vershon Lee (Vikings) all spent the season learning the pro game and waiting for their shot. Practice squad roles are often the first step toward making a 53-man roster, and these players are still very much in the mix.
Final Thoughts
South Carolina’s 2025 class proved to be more than just draft-day hype. From Emmanwori anchoring a Super Bowl defense to Knight and Martin-Scott flying around the field, this group showed it belongs. Whether they were early picks or undrafted underdogs, these rookies found ways to contribute - and in some cases, shine - on football’s biggest stage.
If year one was any indication, the NFL should get used to hearing these names. The Gamecocks are making noise on Sundays.