The University of South Carolina men's soccer program revealed its 2026 calendar on July 7, outlining a demanding slate that blends preseason friendlies with a full conference campaign.
Preseason friendlies set the tone
Head coach Tony Annan will guide the squad, which enters the season as the nation’s four‑time attendance leader, aiming to translate crowd support into on‑field success.
The preseason will begin with three exhibition matches against North Carolina State, Mercer and Wofford, each scheduled to test different tactical approaches before the regular season kicks off.
The first official game will be on the road at North Florida on August 20, followed by a home opener against USC Upstate on August 24, and the Palmetto Series will culminate with a showdown against Clemson’s Tigers on August 28.
Non‑conference challenges and home‑field advantage
Beyond the early series, the Gamecocks will host matches against High Point, UNCG and the College of Charleston, while also welcoming Kentucky, Georgia Southern and Marshall to Columbia.
Road trips will take the team to West Virginia, Georgia State, UCF and Coastal Carolina, ensuring a balanced mix of opponents across the Southeast.
Conference play and the Sun Belt tournament
Sun Belt Conference action begins September 18 at Old Dominion, and the league’s home opener arrives September 27 against James Madison. Additional conference fixtures include contests versus Georgia Southern, Marshall and Kentucky, while away games will be played at West Virginia, Georgia State, UCF and Coastal Carolina.
The conference tournament is slated for November 8‑15, with matches hosted at campus sites across the league, providing a final push toward postseason aspirations.