South Carolina Football 2025: Brandon Cunningham Shows Up, Shakes Up Gamecocks QB Room
Welp, nobody saw this one coming. South Carolina’s preseason camp just got a jolt—Brandon Cunningham, former T.L. Hanna quarterback, is on the 2025 roster. Seriously, he just popped out of nowhere. Coach Shane Beamer seemed as surprised as the rest of us, but hey, Columbia’s getting a new storyline and honestly, it’s about time.
Beamer’s First Look
Beamer first spotted Cunningham last summer at a camp. Dude’s big, moves like a gazelle, and yeah—he was slinging it all over the field for his high school.
“He was really impressive, playing quarterback for his school, obviously,” Beamer said, probably still a little stunned. “With your size and the way you run… we really think you could potentially be a receiver or defensive back.”
But Cunningham? Nah. Not interested in any of that. He wanted to be The Guy under center. And honestly, fair enough. He stuck to his guns, started at QB for T.L. Hanna, and grabbed all-region honors. Not too shabby.
Plot Twist: The Call
Here’s where it gets wild. Cunningham enrolls at USC, just planning on being a regular student. No football, no big plans. Then Beamer gives him a ring out of the blue.
“I called him up and said, ‘Hey, bud. If you’re coming here and you want to play football, we’d love to have you,’” Beamer said. Like it’s just that easy.
And just like that, Cunningham’s “chill college summer” flips upside down. Instead of relaxing, he’s getting obliterated in Coach Luke Day’s weight room. Welcome to D1, man.
“He wasn’t even planning on playing football,” Beamer cracked up. “A week later, he’s out here getting his face blown off by Coach Day. I’m proud of him.”
His Spot in the QB Circus
Right now, Cunningham’s rocking a green jersey—basically, he’s an extra arm in a QB room that’s already stacked. You’ve got Luke Doty, LaNorris Sellers, Cutter Woods, Air Noland, Jimmy Francis… It’s crowded.
But Beamer’s not hiding it: this QB thing might not last forever. “I do think long term, his position is probably receiver or defensive back,” Beamer said. “Right now, he’s just working at quarterback to help that room.” Translation: keep your eyes peeled, because this story’s probably got another twist or two coming.
(Oh, and if you want the roster, just hit up Gamecocks Online. Don’t be lazy.)
What’s Next?
So, here’s the deal: Cunningham’s path to Columbia was kinda weird, but that’s what makes it fun. He’s got the size, he’s fast, and he’s stubborn in a good way. Maybe he sticks at QB, maybe he doesn’t. Either way, he’s making things interesting—something this team could absolutely use.
Point is, Williams-Brice Stadium’s gonna be watching. Because let’s be honest, the best stuff in college football always comes outta left field.
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