Jacksonville State Gamecocks is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -7.5. Jacksonville State Gamecocks enters the season with a power rating of -7.5, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks head to North Dakota State next in Week 0. In 2025, Jacksonville State Gamecocks went 8-5 overall, 6-7 against the spread, and 8-5 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Jacksonville State Gamecocks Power Rating of -7.5 is 7.7 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Jacksonville State Gamecocks have logged 2,144 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 7,400 miles, ranking 65th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | North Dakota State | 1,072 mi | 2,144 mi |
| Week 1 | Eastern Kentucky | Home | 2,144 mi |
| Week 2 | Ohio | 430 mi | 3,005 mi |
| Week 3 | Georgia Southern | Home | 3,005 mi |
| Week 4 | Middle Tennessee | Home | 3,005 mi |
| Week 5 | — | Bye | |
| Week 6 | Kennesaw State | 70 mi | 3,145 mi |
| Week 7 | Florida International | Home | 3,145 mi |
| Week 8 | — | Bye | |
| Week 9 | New Mexico State | 1,220 mi | 5,585 mi |
| Week 10 | Sam Houston | Home | 5,585 mi |
| Week 11 | Western Kentucky | 222 mi | 6,028 mi |
| Week 12 | Missouri State | Home | 6,028 mi |
| Week 13 | Delaware | 686 mi | 7,400 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
The Gamecocks enter 2026 with Caden Creel as the centerpiece of the offense. Last season he threw for 1,514 yards and ran for 1,075 yards with 16 total touchdowns. The running back room lost Conference USA MVP Cam Cook but retains depth with Justus Savage, Andrew Paul, Khristian Lando, Jalen Likely and Lucas Farrington. The offensive line returns experienced starters Jeremiah Orr, Lance Johnson and Lucas Mrachkovskiy. New offensive coordinator Taylor Housewright will look to establish a consistent run game alongside Creel's dual-threat ability.
The secondary is anchored by first-team All-CUSA safety Caleb Nix, who recorded four interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 2025. Cornerbacks Tre'Quon Fegans and Jaheim Jenkins also return after strong seasons. This group provides experience and ball-hawking ability that should help the defense create turnovers and limit big plays.
Leading tackler Mac Sanders returns after posting 85 total stops and a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss as a freshman. Walker O'Steen, who ranked second on the team with 84 tackles, also returns alongside Ian Mitchell and Myles Butler. This unit gives the Gamecocks a reliable second level that can disrupt both the run and pass.
The Gamecocks lost their two top sack producers from last season, creating a void up front. Returnees Khurtiss Perry (21 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss), Gharin Stansbury (six quarterback hurries, five tackles for loss) and Jawaun Campbell (22 tackles) will need to step up. Wisconsin transfer Angel Toombs is expected to contribute in the rotation. How this group performs will be critical to the defense's overall success.
First-team All-CUSA kicker Garrison Rippa returns after a perfect 40-for-40 on extra points and a season-long field goal of 52 yards. Punter Conor Donaghy averaged 39.6 yards per punt last season. The return game has options in Darius Cannon and Dylan Gentry. Reliable special teams give the Gamecocks an edge in close games.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -7.5, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks's home field advantage rating is 2.5 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks travels 7,400 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 65th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -7.5.
