Former South Carolina Stars Emmanwori and Jones IV Win Super Bowl

Defensive standouts from the Gamecocks help lead Seattle Seahawks to championship victory.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Former South Carolina football players Nick Emmanwori and Ernest Jones IV are now Super Bowl champions after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13. Emmanwori and Jones were key contributors to the Seahawks' dominant defensive performance, with Jones leading the team in tackles and Emmanwori making several crucial plays.

Why it matters

This Super Bowl victory caps off impressive rookie and sophomore seasons in the NFL for the two former Gamecocks, showcasing the talent pipeline from the University of South Carolina to the professional ranks. Their success highlights the continued growth and competitiveness of the Gamecocks football program under head coach Shane Beamer.

The details

Emmanwori, a second-round draft pick in 2025, finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and played a vital role in the Seahawks' stifling defense. Jones, a third-round pick in 2020, was traded to Seattle in 2024 and led the team in tackles in the Super Bowl. Together, the two former South Carolina standouts helped the Seahawks limit the Patriots to just 331 total yards and force three turnovers.

  • The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.
  • Emmanwori was drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Jones was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft before being traded to the Tennessee Titans and then the Seattle Seahawks in 2024.

The players

Nick Emmanwori

A former three-year starter for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, Emmanwori was a second-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2025 and finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Ernest Jones IV

A linebacker who played for the University of South Carolina from 2018-2020, Jones was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft before being traded to the Tennessee Titans and then the Seattle Seahawks in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Congratulations to @ernestjones and @Eman7Nick! SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!”

— South Carolina Football (Twitter)

The takeaway

The success of Emmanwori and Jones in the NFL, culminating in a Super Bowl championship, demonstrates the continued rise of the University of South Carolina football program under head coach Shane Beamer. Their achievement highlights the pipeline of talent flowing from Columbia to the professional ranks and the Gamecocks' ability to develop elite defensive players.