South Carolina Coach Prioritizes Clemson Rivalry Over Other Regional Games

Beamer says Gamecocks will focus on SEC schedule and annual Palmetto Bowl matchup

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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South Carolina head football coach Shane Beamer addressed the future of the Clemson rivalry and other regional non-conference games, stating that the Gamecocks will prioritize their annual matchup with the Tigers over playing additional power conference opponents outside the SEC. With both the ACC and SEC moving to nine-game conference schedules, Beamer believes it doesn't make sense for South Carolina to play two power conference foes in addition to their SEC slate, putting them at a competitive disadvantage compared to their SEC peers.

Why it matters

The future of high-profile non-conference rivalries in college football is in question as conferences move to expanded league schedules. Beamer's comments highlight the difficult decisions programs must make in balancing conference obligations, traditional rivalries, and overall roster management and competitiveness.

The details

Beamer said he loves the in-state rivalry with Clemson and wants to continue playing the game, known as the Palmetto Bowl, despite the challenges of fitting it into an expanded SEC schedule. He noted that South Carolina, along with other SEC East teams like Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida, already have an in-state rival on the schedule annually, putting them in a different situation than other SEC programs. Beamer believes playing an extra power conference opponent outside the SEC in addition to the nine-game conference slate would put the Gamecocks at a competitive disadvantage compared to their SEC peers.

  • South Carolina's 2026 schedule features two non-conference games against Kent State and Towson before SEC play begins on September 19 against Mississippi State.
  • A home-and-home series with North Carolina is still on the books for 2028 and 2029, but it's unclear if that will actually take place.

The players

Shane Beamer

The head football coach of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

Clemson Tigers

South Carolina's in-state rival football program.

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What they’re saying

“I'm all for competition. I love those regional rivalries and would love to continue those. But at the same time, with us going to nine SEC games — we're in a little bit of a different situation. Us, Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida in the SEC because we all play an in-state rival already... I want to continue to play that Clemson game. It's great for the state of South Carolina and I love the rivalry and I don't want to give that up anytime soon.”

— Shane Beamer, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks (On3)

“It doesn't make a lot of sense to me if there's 12 other schools in the SEC that are playing nine SEC games plus a power four opponent, And then we decide to play nine SEC games plus two power four opponents. I'm all about the competition but you've also got to be smart with the competitive balance and health of your own roster.”

— Shane Beamer, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks (On3)

What’s next

South Carolina's future non-conference schedule remains uncertain, with the status of the planned home-and-home series with North Carolina in 2028 and 2029 still unclear.

The takeaway

Beamer's comments highlight the difficult decisions facing college football programs as conferences expand their league schedules. While regional rivalries are important, coaches must balance those traditions with the need to maintain a competitive roster and schedule within their conference.