The Seattle Seahawks are heading to the Super Bowl, and they're bringing a heavy dose of South Carolina Gamecocks pride with them. In a thrilling NFC Championship showdown that came down to the wire, linebacker Ernest Jones IV and defensive back Nick Emmanwori played pivotal roles in securing a 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, punching their tickets to Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8.
The dynamic duo showcased exactly why the Seahawks invested in their talents, combining for 13 total tackles and three crucial pass breakups that helped stifle the Rams' high-powered offense when it mattered most. Their performance not only highlighted their individual growth at the professional level but also put a spotlight on the University of South Carolina's ability to develop NFL-ready talent.
Jones IV led the Seahawks' defensive unit with a team-high eight total tackles, demonstrating the sideline-to-sideline presence that has become his trademark in the NFL. The fifth-year veteran has evolved into the heart of Seattle's defense, and his leadership was on full display as the Seahawks held off a late Rams surge. Emmanwori, meanwhile, made his presence felt in the secondary with five total tackles and an impressive three pass breakups, proving that his rookie campaign was no fluke and that he belongs among the league's elite defensive backs.
The victory sets up an intriguing Super Bowl matchup against the New England Patriots, who secured their own conference title with a win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. While the Patriots' roster includes former Gamecock Marcellas Dial, the cornerback has been sidelined for the entire 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury, leaving him unable to participate in the big game. This unfortunate circumstance means that Jones IV and Emmanwori will be the sole South Carolina representatives on the field, carrying the torch for their alma mater on football's biggest stage.
Ernest Jones IV's journey to Super Bowl LX represents the culmination of years of steady improvement and dedication. Now in his fifth NFL season, the linebacker has posted career numbers across the board, amassing 139 tackles and a personal-best six interceptions during the 2025 campaign. His second season with the Seahawks has been particularly remarkable, as he's become the defensive play-caller and emotional leader that head coach Pete Carroll envisioned when bringing him to the Pacific Northwest.
Over his five-year professional career, Jones IV has accumulated 591 total tackles, establishing himself as one of the most reliable linebackers in the league. His ability to read offenses, combined with his athleticism and tackling technique, has made him indispensable to Seattle's defensive scheme. The Super Bowl appearance serves as validation for a player who has consistently flown under the radar despite his production, and it provides him with an opportunity to cement his legacy among the league's top defensive players.
Nick Emmanwori's rookie season has been nothing short of spectacular, and his NFC Championship performance only added to his growing legend. As a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Emmanwori has exceeded all expectations since being selected in the second round with the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. In 16 regular-season games, the young safety recorded 89 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception, showcasing the versatility that made him such an attractive prospect.
His ability to impact the game in multiple ways—whether stopping the run, rushing the passer, or covering receivers—has drawn comparisons to some of the league's hybrid defensive stars. Emmanwori's three pass breakups in the NFC Championship demonstrated his advanced ball skills and awareness, traits that should serve him well against a Patriots offense that thrives on exploiting defensive mistakes. Should the Seahawks emerge victorious in Super Bowl LX, Emmanwori would become one of the few rookies to win a championship while also being named Defensive Rookie of the Year, a distinction that would place him in elite company.
The South Carolina connection runs deep for both players, who developed their skills under the bright lights of Williams-Brice Stadium. Jones IV was a cornerstone of the Gamecocks' defense from 2018 through 2020, a three-year stretch that saw him accumulate 199 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, while also intercepting two passes. His college career was marked by consistent improvement and a work ethic that caught the attention of NFL scouts, eventually leading to his selection in the NFL Draft and his path to Seattle.
Emmanwori's time in Columbia was more recent but equally impactful. After a standout 2024 season that saw him register 88 tackles, six pass breakups, and four interceptions, he declared for the NFL Draft and caught the eye of Seahawks general manager John Schneider. Over his three seasons with the Gamecocks, Emmanwori amassed 244 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and six interceptions, establishing himself as one of the most productive defensive backs in the SEC. His journey from a relatively unknown recruit to a second-round draft pick and Super Bowl participant in less than a year exemplifies the rapid development that can occur with the right coaching and opportunity.
The Super Bowl LX matchup presents a fascinating contrast in styles. The Seahawks' defense, anchored by their South Carolina duo, will face a Patriots offense that has shown remarkable balance throughout the postseason. New England's ability to attack both on the ground and through the air will test every aspect of Seattle's defense, particularly the communication between Jones IV and Emmanwori as they adjust to formation shifts and motion.
For Jones IV, the game represents a chance to match wits with Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who is known for his complex schemes and ability to exploit linebacker mismatches. The veteran linebacker will need to be at his diagnostic best, using his film study and instincts to stay one step ahead of New England's play-calling. His performance in the NFC Championship suggests he's up to the challenge, but the Super Bowl stage brings a different level of pressure and scrutiny.
Emmanwori, meanwhile, will likely draw assignments covering Patriots tight ends and slot receivers, roles that require the exact combination of physicality and coverage skills he's displayed all season. His three pass breakups against the Rams proved he can make plays on the ball in critical moments, a trait that could prove decisive against a Patriots quarterback who has shown a tendency to force throws under pressure. The rookie's composure will be tested, but his body of work suggests he's prepared for the moment.
The Gamecocks' pipeline to the NFL continues to strengthen with each passing season, and the success of Jones IV and Emmanwori serves as a powerful recruiting tool for head coach Shane Beamer and his staff. When high school prospects see former South Carolina players competing for championships and earning individual accolades, it validates the program's ability to prepare them for the next level. The Super Bowl appearance is particularly significant as it comes during the heart of recruiting season, giving the Gamecocks' coaching staff tangible evidence of their player development success.
Beyond the immediate impact on recruiting, the success of these two defenders reflects positively on the SEC's reputation as the premier conference for producing NFL-ready talent. South Carolina may not have the same historical pedigree as some of its conference rivals, but the performances of Jones IV and Emmanwori demonstrate that the Gamecocks can compete with anyone when it comes to developing elite defensive players. Their journey from Columbia to Santa Clara is a testament to their individual hard work, but also to the quality of coaching and competition they faced in the SEC.
As Super Bowl LX approaches, the spotlight will intensify on every player, coach, and storyline associated with the big game. For Ernest Jones IV and Nick Emmanwori, the week leading up to the championship will be filled with media obligations, practice sessions, and the realization that they're living out a childhood dream. Both players have handled the pressure of the postseason with remarkable poise, suggesting they're ready for the circus that accompanies the Super Bowl.
The Seahawks' defensive game plan will undoubtedly center on their ability to create confusion for the Patriots' offense while maintaining gap integrity and coverage discipline. Jones IV's role as the defensive signal-caller will be crucial in ensuring everyone is aligned correctly, while Emmanwori's versatility will allow defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt to deploy multiple looks without substituting personnel. This chess match within the game could very well determine which team hoists the Lombardi Trophy.
Gamecocks fans across the country will be tuning in with particular interest, watching two of their favorite sons compete for football's ultimate prize. The pride of seeing South Carolina represented on such a grand stage cannot be overstated, especially when both players have been so vocal about their love for the university and the impact it had on their development. Their success is a shared success, a collective achievement that bonds former players, current students, and future recruits to the Gamecocks program.
In the end, whether the Seahawks emerge victorious or fall short against the Patriots, Ernest Jones IV and Nick Emmanwori have already made their mark on the 2025 NFL season. They've proven that South Carolina produces more than just quality college players—it develops champions. Their performance in Super Bowl LX will be the next chapter in a story that began in Columbia and has now reached its climax in Santa Clara, a story that will inspire the next generation of Gamecocks to dream big and work even harder.