Preseason Camp Kicks Off
South Carolina’s football program is back on the practice field after a disappointing 4-8 campaign under coach Shane Beamer, a season that ended with a clear mandate to rebuild and chase a College Football Playoff spot in 2025.
The centerpiece of the early work is the health of two linemen who are pivotal to the team’s draft board: Jacarrius Peak and Dylan Stewart. Both are expected to be limited for the Sept. 5 opener, forcing the staff to look at Dayne Arnett, Shed Sarratt, Seth Smith and Anthony Addison to fill Peak’s role, while Caleb Herring and possibly Woods could step in for Stewart.
At kicker, Malik Orsan, Max Kelley and Upton Bellenfant are locked in a battle that Beamer and Smiley anticipate will stretch deep into camp, as the coaching staff evaluates consistency and leg strength before committing to a starter.
Quarterback depth also draws attention. Kendal Briles has confirmed Cutter Woods as the backup, while Landon Duckworth and Lucien Anderson vie for the third‑string role, adding competition that could shape the offense’s rhythm.
Emerging receivers Nyck Harbor and Jayden Sellers are slated to receive significant snaps, but their impact hinges on the offensive line’s health and performance, a unit that must gel quickly to unlock the team’s aerial potential.
Overall, the preseason camp serves as a laboratory where the Gamecocks will test replacements, assess fitness, and fine‑tune strategies, all with the ultimate goal of returning to contention for the 2025 playoff.