South Carolina star safety Nick Emmanwori is expected to declare for 2025 NFL Draft after sitting out the second half of the Gamecocks' 21-17 Citrus Bowl loss to Illinois. The junior registered five tackles in the game but was absent after halftime as the Illini put together a series of long drives to close out a hotly contested game.

The Illini rallied three times before overcoming the Gamecocks in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl thanks to two touchdowns by Josh McCray.

Tempers flared at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Tuesday between South Carolina and Illinois. After Illini defensive back Jaheim Clarke went down with an injury, his coach Bret Bielema walked over to check on him.