Recently, Athlon Sports released its preseason All-SEC team and All-American team. Several South Carolina football players were honored by the national outlet as it predicted the top players for the 2023 college football season.
Wide receiver Antwane “Juice” Wells and punter Kai Kroeger made Athlon’s first-team All-SEC squad. Safety Nick Emmanwori was selected as a second-team All-SEC performer. Defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway (as a defensive tackle) and kicker Mitch Jeter were chosen for the All-SEC third-team. Quarterback Spencer Rattler was on Athlon’s fourth-team All-SEC unit and so were tight end Trey Knox, linebacker Mo Kaba, cornerback Marcellas Dial, wide receiver Xavier Legette (as a kick returner), and versatile playmaker Dakereon Joyner (as an all-purpose player).