South Carolina Gamecocks Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

South Carolina Gamecocks kick off 2026 season against Kent State, aiming to build momentum and leverage home-field advantage before facing a challenging SEC schedule.

South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer faces a pivotal off-season, with three key offensive coaching positions to fill following a disappointing 2025 season. The Gamecocks, who finished 4-8, have let go of their offensive line coach, offensive coordinator, and running backs coach. Despite a challenging season, Beamer has secured all 14 high school recruits, but the transfer portal looms. Beamer is taking his time to hire an offensive coordinator, with Mike Furrey and Shawn Elliott among potential candidates. The new hires are crucial for improving the Gamecocks offensive performance, particularly in the running game and protecting quarterbacks from sacks.

South Carolina Gamecocks kick off their 2026 season against Kent State Golden Eagles on September 5, marking a crucial year for the team. The Gamecocks and Golden Eagles last met in 1995, with South Carolina winning 77-14, a modern-day scoring record. This game is part of a new SEC scheduling format, with South Carolina now playing only three non-conference games per season. The full conference schedule and dates will be announced later this week.

Nick Sharpe, South Carolinas graduate transfer guard, enters the NCAA Transfer Portal, seeking a new team after one season with the Gamecocks. Linebacker Jaron Willis also joins the portal, following a two-year stint with South Carolina. The team prepares for an active offseason in the transfer portal, with new offensive coaches joining the staff.

Nick Sharpe, South Carolinas offensive lineman, is reportedly entering the transfer portal after less than a year with the Gamecocks. The 62, 330-pound player, who started 17 games in his college career, including 5 for South Carolina, is the fifth Gamecock to announce transfer plans this year. Meanwhile, South Carolina is expected to be active in the transfer portal and has optimism for the 2026 season, despite a challenging 2025 campaign.

South Carolina football announces a schedule change for their 2026 season opener, now hosting Kent State instead of Miami. The last meeting between these teams was in 1995, with South Carolina winning. South Carolina finished 4-8 in 2021, while Kent State ended with a 5-7 record. The Gamecocks full SEC schedule and other non-conference games will be announced soon.

South Carolinas football program is on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator, with Kendal Briles, known for his high-scoring, air-raid offense, emerging as a strong candidate. Briles offensive philosophy, which focuses on spreading out defenses and taking deep shots, could significantly alter South Carolinas offensive approach. This hire is crucial for Coach Beamer, as it could shape the teams future and his tenure.

South Carolina linebacker Jaron Willis is entering the NCAA transfer portal, seeking a new team for his final year of eligibility. After three seasons with the Gamecocks, Willis recorded seven tackles and two fumble recoveries in eleven games. His decision opens up opportunities for a fresh start or increased playing time. Well follow his journey to find the right fit for his final college football season.