South Carolina Gamecocks is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +10.3. South Carolina Gamecocks enters the season with a power rating of +10.3, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The South Carolina Gamecocks host Kent State next in Week 1. In 2025, South Carolina Gamecocks went 4-8 overall, 6-6 against the spread, and 5-7 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the South Carolina Gamecocks Power Rating of +10.3 is 10.1 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. South Carolina Gamecocks have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 5,003 miles, ranking 110th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Kent State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Towson | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 3 | Mississippi State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 4 | Alabama | 380 mi | 761 mi |
| Week 5 | Kentucky | Home | 761 mi |
| Week 6 | Florida | 308 mi | 1,376 mi |
| Week 7 | — | Bye | |
| Week 8 | Tennessee | Home | 1,376 mi |
| Week 9 | Oklahoma | 939 mi | 3,254 mi |
| Week 10 | Texas A&M | Home | 3,254 mi |
| Week 11 | Arkansas | 759 mi | 4,773 mi |
| Week 12 | Georgia | Home | 4,773 mi |
| Week 13 | Clemson | 115 mi | 5,003 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
South Carolina enters the season with a rebuilt offensive line after losing tackle Josiah Thompson for the year and with transfer Jacarrius Peak questionable due to a lingering knee injury. Last year the unit allowed 43 sacks, ranking 15th in the SEC, and the offense finished 15th in scoring and 14th in rushing. New coordinator Kendal Briles is expected to use quarterback LaNorris Sellers' mobility and quick passing to mitigate the line's weaknesses, leaning on a deep receiver and tight end group that includes Nyck Harbor, Nitro Tuggle, Donovan Murph, and Brady Hunt.
Sellers returns after a disappointing second season in which he was sacked 43 times and the offense struggled. He is described by an opposing SEC assistant as an elite athlete and one of the strongest players they have seen, but also very hot and cold. The key for Sellers is protection and a playbook that allows him to use his legs on designed runs and quick throws. If the line holds up, he can be a mismatch for defenses; if he feels overwhelmed again, the offense could repeat last year's struggles.
After ranking 10th in the SEC in 2025, the defense lost two draft picks and four-year starter DQ Smith. Edge rusher Dylan Stewart, limited by a back injury and constant double teams last year (12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks), is expected to team with heralded prospect Julian Walker to form a fearsome pass rush. The secondary is led by corner Judge Collier and safety Peyton Williams, who had two interceptions in 2025, with true freshman J'Zavien Currence emerging. The unit's early performance will be critical as it adjusts to new personnel.
Punter Mason Love returns after finishing fourth in the SEC with a 45.1-yard average in 2025, providing a reliable leg. However, the Gamecocks need a new placekicker after last season. Returner Vicari Swain, who returned three punts for touchdowns in 2025, gives the team a dynamic threat in the return game that could flip field position.
After a 9-4 season in 2024, South Carolina cratered to 4-8 in 2025 under head coach Shane Beamer. The program has struggled to sustain success, and this year's ceiling appears to be a winning season. The offensive line and Sellers' consistency are the biggest variables. If the defense can generate pressure and the offense finds rhythm under Briles, the Gamecocks could exceed expectations. If the line falters again, another middling season is likely.
South Carolina Gamecocks is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
South Carolina Gamecocks holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +10.3, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
South Carolina Gamecocks's home field advantage rating is 2.4 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
South Carolina Gamecocks travels 5,003 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 110th 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.
South Carolina Gamecocks: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +10.3.
