South Carolina Football Eyeing CFP Berth After Coaching Shakeup

Analyst Josh Pate sees Gamecocks as 'outside looking in' for 2026 playoff contention

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Despite a challenging 2025 season, South Carolina football isn't being written off in the early projections for the 2026 College Football Playoff. According to college football analyst Josh Pate, the Gamecocks are 'outside looking in' of the main CFP bubble, but possess the potential to easily climb into contention thanks to key players like Dylan Stewart and LaNorris Sellers.

Why it matters

South Carolina's inclusion in Pate's 'Outside Looking In' tier for CFP contention signals the program is on an upward trajectory after a 4-8 season. Head coach Shane Beamer has made significant coaching staff changes and the Gamecocks have secured four consecutive top-20 recruiting classes, fueling optimism about the team's future.

The details

Pate's assessment places South Carolina alongside BYU, Clemson, Houston, Iowa, Louisville, SMU, and Washington in the 'Outside Looking In' tier of his CFP contention rankings. This indicates the team isn't currently considered a strong contender, but isn't entirely dismissed either. Pate attributes the Gamecocks' inclusion to the presence of players like Dylan Stewart and LaNorris Sellers, stating 'Theoretically, it could happen' in regards to South Carolina making the playoff.

  • Pate released his 2026 CFP contention rankings in February 2026.

The players

Josh Pate

A college football analyst who released early projections for the 2026 College Football Playoff.

Shane Beamer

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks football team.

Dylan Stewart

A key player for the South Carolina Gamecocks football team.

LaNorris Sellers

A key player for the South Carolina Gamecocks football team.

Jacarrius Peak

A five-star offensive tackle who transferred to South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“Theoretically, it could happen.”

— Josh Pate, College Football Analyst (newsy-today.com)

“We would be in the playoff conversation in 2026.”

— Shane Beamer, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

South Carolina's path to CFP contention will hinge on the success of Beamer's coaching staff changes, the development of key players like Sellers and Stewart, and the team's ability to capitalize on its improved roster and coaching staff.

The takeaway

South Carolina's inclusion in Pate's 'Outside Looking In' tier for 2026 CFP contention represents a significant improvement from the team's 4-8 record in 2025, signaling the program is on an upward trajectory and has the potential to make a leap forward with the right coaching, player development, and recruiting.