South Carolina Gamecocks Aim to Bounce Back in 2026

After a disappointing 4-8 season, the Gamecocks look to rebound and become one of the most improved teams in college football.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The South Carolina Gamecocks are hoping to bounce back in 2026 after a 4-8 season in 2025. The team returns key players like quarterback LaNorris Sellers and defensive standout Dylan Stewart, and has made changes to the coaching staff and offensive line in an effort to improve. ESPN's David Hale believes the Gamecocks could be one of the most improved teams in college football this season, with a favorable early schedule and the potential for some big upsets.

Why it matters

The Gamecocks are looking to rebound after a down year and prove they can be a contender in the SEC. Improving on last season's 4-8 record would be a major boost for the program and head coach Shane Beamer, who is under pressure to get the team back on track. A turnaround season could also raise the Gamecocks' national profile and make them a team to watch in the college football landscape.

The details

The Gamecocks are returning several key players, including quarterback LaNorris Sellers and defensive standout Dylan Stewart. They've also made changes to the coaching staff, including bringing in Kendal Briles to call the offensive plays. Additionally, the team has completely reworked its offensive line, which has been an issue in recent seasons. However, the loss of offensive lineman Josiah Thompson to injury is a setback. The Gamecocks have a favorable early schedule, facing several teams that missed bowl games last year, which could help them build momentum. But the back half of the schedule is tougher, so they'll need to pull off some upsets to reach the eight or nine-win range.

  • The Gamecocks finished the 2025 season with a 4-8 record and just one win in conference play.
  • The 2026 season kicks off in September.

The players

Shane Beamer

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, who is under pressure to get the team back on track after a disappointing 2025 season.

LaNorris Sellers

The Gamecocks' starting quarterback, who was once considered one of the best in college football but needs to provide more consistent play from the pocket.

Dylan Stewart

A defensive standout for the Gamecocks and one of the most dominant players in the country.

Kendal Briles

The new offensive coordinator for the Gamecocks, who will be calling the plays in 2026.

Josiah Thompson

An offensive lineman for the Gamecocks who will miss the 2026 season due to injury, a setback for the team's efforts to improve the offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“How about South Carolina? The pressure is on coach Shane Beamer after a disappointing 4-8 year, but LaNorris Sellers and Dylan Stewart are back, five of the Gamecocks' first six games come against teams that missed a bowl last year, and although the back end of the schedule is tougher, it would take only an upset or two to get South Carolina into the eight- or nine-win range. And if there's anything we've learned from the Beamer-era Gamecocks, it's that they tend to play their best when no one's expecting it.”

— David Hale, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Gamecocks will look to build momentum early in the season with a favorable schedule, and then try to pull off some upsets in the back half of the year to reach the eight or nine-win range.

The takeaway

After a disappointing 2025 season, the South Carolina Gamecocks have made changes and are hoping to be one of the most improved teams in college football in 2026. With key returning players, a revamped coaching staff and offensive line, and a favorable early schedule, the Gamecocks have a chance to bounce back and prove they can be a contender in the SEC.