South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori addressed his controversial bowl exit and formally announced his future NFL plans on Thursday night. The public announcement came two days after he played only the first half of the Gamecocks’ Citrus Bowl loss against Illinois.

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.

After the game, Emmanwori told the Post and Courier’s David Cloninger that he told his coach — which could mean safeties coach Torrian Gray, defensive coordinator Clayton White and/or Beamer — that he was only going to play a half.