Myrtle Beach, SC, December 24, 2025
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame has spotlighted 14 finalists for the prestigious Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, recognizing the top collegiate football talent with ties to South Carolina. This annual award symbolizes the commitment and excellence in sports across the Palmetto State, celebrating athletes who embody sportsmanship and personal growth. The finalists represent a diverse range of skills and backgrounds, inspiring future generations of athletes in South Carolina as they pave the way for success in the world of football.
Myrtle Beach, SC –
State’s Best Battle for Blanchard-Rogers Trophy
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame spotlights the state’s top talent with 14 finalists vying for the prestigious Blanchard-Rogers Trophy.
Here in Myrtle Beach, the spirit of competition runs deep, echoing the dedication seen across South Carolina’s vibrant high school and collegiate sports landscape. Our local athletes and teams embody the values of hard work, discipline, and personal responsibility, foundations that extend far beyond the playing field, shaping character and leadership for future generations. High school sports in our community foster a profound sense of unity and pride, bringing residents together to celebrate the pursuit of excellence.
This commitment to athletic achievement is celebrated statewide, and the recent announcement by the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame underscores the rich talent pool within the Palmetto State. Fourteen exceptional collegiate football players with strong ties to South Carolina have been named finalists for the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, an honor that recognizes not just their skill but also their embodiment of sportsmanship and growth. This annual recognition is a powerful reminder of the opportunities sports create and the community identity they strengthen.
The unveiling of these finalists resonates with every aspiring athlete from our own Myrtle Beach SC high school football programs, highlighting the pinnacle of success achievable through perseverance and teamwork within South Carolina prep sports.
The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy: A Storied Legacy
The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is an esteemed annual award presented by the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame. It is widely regarded as “South Carolina’s Heisman”. This prestigious honor recognizes the most outstanding college football player who has significant connections to the Palmetto State.
The trophy is named in tribute to two legendary football figures: Felix “Doc” Blanchard and George Rogers. Felix “Doc” Blanchard, originally from Clio, and George Rogers, a former University of South Carolina running back, both distinguished themselves as Heisman Trophy winners during their collegiate careers. Their legacies symbolize the pinnacle of individual achievement in football and serve as an inspiration for the athletes considered for this state-level award.
Announcing the 2025 Finalists
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame has proudly announced 14 outstanding finalists for the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy. These finalists were selected based on their ties to South Carolina, meaning they were either born, raised, or played high school or college football within the state. The public, along with SCFHOF members and media, can cast their votes for the winner through January 30, 2026.
Among the talented group of nominees are several players who have made significant impacts on the field. The finalists include Sammy Brown, a sophomore linebacker from Clemson University, and four players from the University of South Carolina: junior defensive back Brandon Cisse, junior wide receiver Nyck Harbor, junior safety/nickel Jalon Kilgore, and senior edge rusher Bryan Thomas Jr.. Other notable finalists include graduate quarterback Reed Charpia from Newberry College, senior running back Montie Quinn from Curry College, and sophomore edge rusher Joshua Stoneking from Furman University. Each of these athletes exemplifies the dedication and skill celebrated by this award.
A Testament to Palmetto State Talent
The diversity and caliber of the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy finalists underscore the depth of football talent cultivated in South Carolina. From powerful linebackers to dynamic wide receivers and versatile defensive backs, these athletes demonstrate excellence both on and off the field. Their achievements reflect years of rigorous training, unwavering discipline, and a commitment to their teams and communities. This recognition not only celebrates their individual accomplishments but also highlights the robust athletic programs found across South Carolina, from small towns to major universities.
The award criteria, which encompass ties to the state through birth, upbringing, or play, ensure that the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy truly represents the best of South Carolina’s football heritage. It fosters a strong sense of state pride and demonstrates how personal responsibility and dedication can lead to remarkable athletic success.
Community Impact and Inspiration
For young athletes across the Grand Strand and throughout South Carolina, seeing these finalists recognized provides powerful inspiration. It reinforces the idea that hard work and perseverance can open doors to significant opportunities and high-level competition. This exposure generates excitement and engagement, strengthening the bond between collegiate sports and local communities, including those passionate about Midlands basketball and other prep sports.
Local businesses often play a vital role in supporting these athletic journeys through sponsorships and community engagement, understanding that successful sports programs contribute significantly to community identity and pride. The anticipation surrounding the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy finalists fuels discussions, encourages fan involvement, and ultimately reinforces the positive impact of sports on personal development and collective spirit.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Ceremony
The journey for these 14 finalists culminates in the announcement of the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy winner. The victor will be honored during the 13th SCFHOF Annual Enshrinement Ceremony, scheduled for April 16, 2026. This prestigious event will take place at the Hotel Hartness in Greenville, South Carolina. It will be a moment of celebration, recognizing not only the individual player’s excellence but also the collective passion for football throughout the state.
The ceremony underscores the importance of acknowledging the role sports play in shaping lives, fostering leadership, and creating pathways for future success. It stands as a testament to the enduring values that drive competition and achievement in South Carolina football.
As the excitement builds for the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, we encourage all our readers to support their local athletic programs and follow the journeys of these inspiring young men. High school sports are the heart of our community, offering invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. Keep an eye on HEREmyrtlebeach.com for more stories celebrating the triumphs and character-building moments in Myrtle Beach SC high school football and South Carolina prep sports. Support your teams, engage with our community, and cheer on the next generation of Palmetto State legends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy?
The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is an esteemed annual award presented by the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame, widely regarded as “South Carolina’s Heisman”. This prestigious honor recognizes the most outstanding college football player who has significant connections to the Palmetto State.
Who are Felix “Doc” Blanchard and George Rogers?
Felix “Doc” Blanchard, originally from Clio, and George Rogers, a former University of South Carolina running back, are the two legendary football figures after whom the trophy is named. Both distinguished themselves as Heisman Trophy winners during their collegiate careers.
How many finalists were announced for the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy?
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame has announced 14 outstanding finalists for the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy.
What are the criteria for being a finalist for the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy?
Finalists were selected based on their ties to South Carolina, meaning they were either born, raised, or played high school or college football within the state.
When and where will the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy winner be announced?
The winner will be honored during the 13th SCFHOF Annual Enshrinement Ceremony, scheduled for April 16, 2026, at the Hotel Hartness in Greenville, South Carolina.
Key Features of the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body | South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (State-level) |
| Award Name | Blanchard-Rogers Trophy (State-level) |
| Nickname | “South Carolina’s Heisman” (State-level) |
| Namesakes | Felix “Doc” Blanchard (Clio) and George Rogers (former USC running back), both Heisman Trophy winners (State-level) |
| Purpose | Recognizes the most outstanding college football player with ties to the Palmetto State (State-level) |
| 2025 Finalists | 14 outstanding collegiate football players (State-level) |
| Finalist Criteria | Born, raised, or played high school or college football in South Carolina (State-level) |
| Voting Period (2025) | Through January 30, 2026 (State-level) |
| Award Ceremony (2025) | April 16, 2026, at Hotel Hartness in Greenville, South Carolina (State-level) |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
