The South Carolina Gamecocks are set to open their 2026‑27 campaign against a familiar foe, NC State, in the ACC/SEC Challenge slated for Dec. 1 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.
Series history and recent results
The two programs have met 50 times, with the Wolfpack holding a 33‑17 edge. Their most recent encounter came in a preseason exhibition that went down to the wire, NC State edging the Gamecocks 88‑86.
South Carolina finished the previous season with a 13‑19 record under head coach Lamont Paris, a campaign marked by rebuilding efforts and a series of close contests.
Across the state line, NC State will usher in a new era under head coach Justin Gainey, who takes over after a period of transition and looks to imprint his philosophy on a roster eager for stability.
In addition to the Challenge, the Gamecocks have slotted a trip to California as part of the 2026 Acrisure Series, a non‑conference showcase that will test them against West Coast competition.
Implications for the upcoming season
Both coaches see the December showdown as a barometer for their programs’ trajectories. For Paris, a win could provide a morale boost as the team looks to improve on last year’s record, while Gainey hopes to signal that the Wolfpack are poised for a turnaround under his leadership.