The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is expected to be the final college football game for South Carolina linebacker Bam Martin-Scott, who is in his sixth season with the Gamecocks. However, whether this game will truly mark the end of his college career remains uncertain. Martin-Scott, who began his college journey at Dodge City Community College in 2019, will take the field in the Citrus Bowl on Tuesday, but as he suits up for what could be his last appearance, he is unsure whether it will be the final time he dons the Gamecocks uniform. There is also a possibility that he may be granted the opportunity to return for the 2025 college football season, depending on the outcome of his eligibility situation.
The uncertainty surrounding Martin-Scott’s future stems from a recent legal development involving Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Pavia sued the NCAA, arguing that his time playing junior college football should not count against his NCAA eligibility. In a landmark decision, the court sided with Pavia, determining that his junior college experience should not limit his ability to play NCAA football. As a result of this ruling, the NCAA introduced a waiver that provides certain student-athletes with an extra year of eligibility. The new waiver applies specifically to those who would have exhausted their eligibility during the 2024-25 season, including Martin-Scott, and who are still within their five-year eligibility window.
However, there is a critical distinction that could affect Martin-Scott’s ability to benefit from the waiver. While Pavia started his college football career in 2020 at New Mexico Military Institute and was thus still within the five-year eligibility window, Martin-Scott’s journey began in 2019. This means he has already surpassed the five-year limit, which could prevent him from qualifying for the waiver. South Carolina’s head coach, Shane Beamer, commented on the situation, explaining that once the court ruling in favor of Pavia was announced, he and defensive coordinator Clayton White immediately began discussions with Martin-Scott. Beamer expressed hope that the NCAA would recognize the special circumstances and do the right thing by granting Martin-Scott the extra eligibility he seeks.
In the days following the ruling, Martin-Scott shared his plans to pursue the possibility of extending his eligibility. During a practice session ahead of the Citrus Bowl, the veteran linebacker revealed that he had already initiated the process of filing an appeal with the NCAA, seeking to extend his eligibility clock. While it is still unclear whether this appeal will be successful, it is evident that Martin-Scott and the South Carolina coaching staff are determined to explore every avenue to ensure that he can return for another season.
What is not in doubt is South Carolina’s desire for Martin-Scott to come back. The linebacker has become an integral part of the Gamecocks defense, and the team would benefit greatly from his return. Martin-Scott himself is equally enthusiastic about the prospect of playing another year for the Gamecocks. He expressed his deep affection for the program, stating, “I love this program. I like the trajectory it’s going on. I would love to come back.” His attachment to the team is clear, and his desire to contribute to South Carolina’s continued success is strong.
Martin-Scott’s return would be particularly valuable given the circumstances surrounding the Gamecocks’ defense heading into next season. In the 2024 season, Martin-Scott recorded 65 tackles, ranking third on the team, and added nine tackles for loss, also placing him third. His performances were a key component of South Carolina’s defensive efforts, and with the team expected to lose more than half of its starting players next season, including its two most prominent linebackers—Debo Williams and Demetrius Knight—Martin-Scott’s experience and leadership would provide much-needed stability and depth.
The departure of Williams and Knight creates a significant void in the Gamecocks’ linebacker corps, and Martin-Scott’s presence would help fill that gap. In 2024, Martin-Scott played in all 12 games for South Carolina, contributing 446 snaps, which ranked him 11th among the team’s defenders. Given the expected departures, it is anticipated that Martin-Scott would step into a full-time starting role in 2025 and would likely play an even more prominent role in the team’s defensive schemes. His experience and familiarity with the Gamecocks’ defensive system would make him an invaluable asset as South Carolina looks to rebuild and retool for the upcoming season.
Moreover, Martin-Scott’s return would bring added stability to a unit that will be undergoing significant changes. Losing two key linebackers like Williams and Knight would be a major blow to the defense, but having a seasoned player like Martin-Scott return for another year would help mitigate the impact of those losses. With his extensive experience, Martin-Scott would be in a position to lead the defense both on and off the field, providing guidance to younger players and helping ensure that the defensive unit remains competitive in the highly challenging SEC.
For now, Martin-Scott’s future with South Carolina remains uncertain. The process of appealing his eligibility and navigating the NCAA’s decision-making could take time, and it is unclear when a final ruling will come. However, what is abundantly clear is that Martin-Scott is committed to his team and is willing to fight for the opportunity to return for another season. His dedication to the Gamecocks, his passion for the sport, and his desire to leave a lasting impact on the program are evident, and fans and coaches alike are hopeful that he will have the chance to continue his journey with South Carolina for one more year.
The Citrus Bowl may very well be the last time Bam Martin-Scott plays in a college football game, but there’s also a chance it won’t be. Whether or not he returns for the 2025 season is still up in the air, but one thing is for certain: South Carolina’s defense would be significantly stronger with Martin-Scott back in the fold. His leadership, experience, and skill on the field make him a key piece of the Gamecocks’ future, and his potential return could be a game-changer for the team as they look ahead to the 2025 season.
Bam Martin-Scott begs for one more year at South Carolina, He’s asking NCAA for one grace which has Eluded him
