When Tad Hudson took the snap at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 22, 2025, it wasn’t just a homecoming—it was a test. The 22-year-old Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback, returning from a midseason injury, was supposed to ignite a struggling offense. Instead, he became part of a humiliating 51-7 loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks, a game that exposed more than just a talent gap—it revealed a program in transition.
Return From the Sidelines
Hudson hadn’t started since Week Five, when a shoulder strain forced him out. In his absence, backup Samari Collier led the offense through three games, managing just one touchdown and two turnovers. Coach Tim Beck had been coy about the QB situation, telling reporters on November 19 that “both guys are ready to go.” But when Hudson jogged onto the field against South Carolina, it was clear: this was his moment. He’d thrown for 620 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions across seven starts that season. His career record as a starter? 21-2. He was the guy who’d replaced an erratic Morris in Week Two and turned the offense into something watchable.“He’s a hard worker,” said a 247 Sports scout after the game. “But this wasn’t about effort. It was about mismatch.”
The Game That Got Away
From the opening snap, South Carolina made it clear they weren’t here to play. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers launched a 75-yard bomb to his younger brother, Jayden Sellers, on the first play. The crowd erupted. The Chanticleers didn’t recover. By halftime, South Carolina had racked up 419 of their 579 total yards. Sellers finished with 274 passing yards, 82 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. His brother Jayden caught four passes for 127 yards and a score.Hudson, meanwhile, managed 174 passing yards—but it was the fumble that defined his night. With 7:12 left in the second quarter, he was hit hard by Bryan Thomas Jr., the Gamecocks’ defensive lineman. The ball popped loose. South Carolina recovered at the Coastal Carolina 12-yard line. Three plays later, tight end Brady Hunt caught a 5-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 31-0.
Coastal Carolina’s offense, averaging 194 rushing yards per game, managed just 46 on the night. Their passing game? Inconsistent. Their protection? Nonexistent. And Hudson, despite his poise, was sacked twice and pressured on over half his dropbacks.
Why This Loss Stings
This wasn’t just a loss. It was a reckoning. South Carolina entered the game 1-7 in SEC play. Coastal Carolina, a Sun Belt contender, was supposed to be the underdog. But the gap felt wider than the scoreboard suggested. The Gamecocks’ offensive line dominated. Their secondary shut down Coastal’s receivers. Even their special teams—usually a liability—blocked a punt and turned it into a touchdown.Coastal’s lone bright spot came with 9:14 left in the fourth quarter, when receiver Jameson Tucker recovered a blocked punt and raced 17 yards for a touchdown. It was the Chanticleers’ first score in 53 minutes. It meant little. But it mattered to the players on the field.
“We didn’t quit,” Hudson said after the game, his voice low but steady. “We just got outplayed.”
What This Means for the Season
The defeat dropped Coastal Carolina to 4-6 on the year, all but ending their bowl hopes. Their final game—against No. 21 James Madison on November 29—will now be a battle for pride, not postseason positioning. Hudson is expected to start. But questions linger: Is he healthy? Can the offensive line protect him? And more importantly, can this team build momentum for next season?Beck didn’t offer excuses. “We’ve got to get better,” he told reporters. “Every single position. Not just the quarterback.”
Meanwhile, South Carolina’s win snapped a five-game losing streak and gave new life to their own season. For Sellers, it was a breakout performance that could elevate his NFL draft stock. For the Gamecocks, it was a reminder that talent still matters—even in a rebuilding year.
Behind the Numbers
Hudson’s 2025 season stats tell a story of promise and pressure:- 620 passing yards (54.4% completion rate)
- 3 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
- 21-2 record as a starter
- Improved decision-making from sophomore to junior year
- First career touchdown: 50-yard strike in Week One
His accuracy improved. His leadership was praised. But against elite SEC speed and physicality, his limitations showed. He’s not a prototypical NFL prospect—but he’s exactly what Coastal Carolina needs: a steady hand who can manage a game and make smart throws.
The real question isn’t whether Hudson will start next week. It’s whether the Chanticleers can build a system around him that doesn’t ask him to carry the whole team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tad Hudson’s injury affect Coastal Carolina’s offense?
When Hudson was sidelined, Coastal Carolina’s offense stalled, averaging just 14.3 points per game in his absence compared to 24.7 with him under center. Backup Samari Collier struggled with consistency, turning the ball over twice in three starts. Hudson’s return was meant to restore rhythm, but the offensive line’s inability to protect him and the lack of explosive playmakers limited his impact against South Carolina.
Why did South Carolina dominate so thoroughly?
South Carolina’s offense, led by LaNorris Sellers, exploited Coastal Carolina’s weak secondary and porous run defense. The Gamecocks’ offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing Sellers to operate comfortably. Defensively, Bryan Thomas Jr. and company pressured Hudson relentlessly, forcing mistakes. Coastal Carolina’s season average of 194 rushing yards dropped to 46, revealing a massive talent and scheme mismatch.
What’s next for Tad Hudson and Coastal Carolina?
Hudson is expected to start against No. 21 James Madison on November 29, 2025, in what will likely be his final regular-season game. The focus now shifts to offseason development: improving offensive line depth, adding playmakers at receiver, and refining his decision-making under pressure. If he returns healthy next year, he’ll be the undisputed leader of a team aiming to break into the top half of the Sun Belt.
Did South Carolina’s win change their season outlook?
Yes. After five straight losses, the 51-7 win over Coastal Carolina gave the Gamecocks their first victory since September and provided momentum heading into their rivalry game against Clemson. LaNorris Sellers’ performance elevated his draft profile, and the team’s ability to execute in all phases showed signs of progress under coach Shane Beamer—even if the overall record remains poor.
How does this loss compare to previous Coastal Carolina defeats?
This was their worst loss since a 56-7 defeat to Appalachian State in 2023. Unlike previous blowouts, this one came against a team with a losing conference record, making it more disappointing. The Chanticleers had beaten South Carolina in 2022 in a 38-31 upset, so the 44-point margin felt like a regression. The offense looked out of sync, and the defense appeared unprepared for the speed of SEC-level talent.
What role did coaching decisions play in the outcome?
Tim Beck’s decision to start Hudson over Collier was logical, but the game plan didn’t adjust quickly enough to South Carolina’s pressure. Coastal Carolina called too many short passes into coverage and failed to utilize their running backs effectively. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s coach Shane Beamer dialed up aggressive blitzes and exploited Coastal’s lack of depth on the offensive line. Coaching adjustments in the second half were minimal—too little, too late.
