Gamecocks Spring Game 2025: Backup QB Battle Steals the Show
The Gamecocks Spring Game 2025 South Carolina Gamecocks spring game at Williams-Brice Stadium was a thriller, with the backup quarterback race taking center stage. While LaNorris Sellers is locked in as QB1, the fight for QB2 brought the heat, with freshman Cutter Woods and veteran Luke Doty turning heads. Here’s everything you need to know about the night, from jaw-dropping plays to what it means for Shane Beamer’s squad heading into the season.
Cutter Woods Lights Up Williams-Brice
Freshman Cutter Woods, straight out of Anderson, South Carolina, looked like he belonged on the big stage. The kid was fearless, slinging a 51-yard bomb to Vandrevius Jacobs on his first pass attempt. A few plays later, he punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown, one of only two scores in the game. Woods finished 6-for-13 for 120 yards, leading all quarterbacks in passing yards, though an interception showed he’s still got some learning to do.
Coach Beamer couldn’t stop raving about Woods’ swagger. “Certain guys elevate when the lights come on, and that’s Cutter,” Beamer said. “He’s a winner.” Whether it was grinning through live scrimmages against SEC defenders or dominating the team’s offseason wiffle ball tournament (yep, you read that right), Woods has that “it” factor. Fans are already buzzing about his potential to be a future star.
Luke Doty Proves He’s Still Got It
If Woods brought the flash, sixth-year man Luke Doty brought the finesse. The veteran, who’s split time between quarterback and receiver, was surgical, going 10-for-12 for 85 yards and a touchdown. His 16-yard TD pass to freshman Malik Clark sealed the win for the Garnet team. Beamer called Doty a “great leader” who makes the team better, whether he’s at QB, receiver, or even special teams.
Doty’s experience in a young QB room is gold. “It’s like riding a bike,” Doty said about returning to quarterback. “I’ve had ups and downs, but they’ve made me who I am.” His accuracy and ability to escape pressure make him a strong contender for the QB2 spot, and fans love his never-quit attitude.
Air Noland, Dante Reno, and Jimmy Francis: Quick Hits
The rest of the quarterback room got some run, too. Ohio State transfer Air Noland went 9-for-16 for 67 yards but threw a pick. Dante Reno, the recruiting guru, struggled, completing just 1-of-5 passes for 1 yard and taking a sack. Walk-on Jimmy Francis saw limited action and didn’t attempt a pass. Beamer’s still high on all of them, saying, “They’ve all flashed and are trending up.”
QB Performance Table
| Quarterback | Completions | Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutter Woods | 6 | 13 | 120 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Luke Doty | 10 | 12 | 85 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Noland | 9 | 16 | 67 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dante Reno | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jimmy Francis | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
What’s Next for the Gamecocks QB Room?
Beamer’s not rushing to name a QB2 just yet. “I’m pleased with all those guys,” he said, hinting the competition will spill into fall camp. With Sellers as the undisputed starter, the backup role is critical in the SEC, where injuries or tough games can thrust a QB2 into the spotlight. Woods’ big-play potential and Doty’s steady hand make them the frontrunners, but Noland’s pedigree and Reno’s recruiting chops keep them in the mix.
The spring game showed this team’s got depth and heart. As Gamecock Nation gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how this young, talented QB room develops. One thing’s for sure: Williams-Brice is gonna be electric come fall.
