South Carolina’s pass rush has taken a noticeable dip, with the team recording just 21 sacks in the 2025 season compared to 41 a year earlier, dropping them to 14th place in the SEC rankings.
Defensive coordinator Clayton White pointed to a combination of fewer passing attempts by opponents and the departure of 2024 Nagurski Trophy winner Kyle Kennard, who left for the NFL, as primary factors behind the decline.
The Gamecocks also surrendered 43 sacks themselves, a statistic that reflects how trailing teams tended to pass more often, forcing the defense into more passing situations than desired.
Adding to the challenge, standout lineman Dylan Stewart played much of the season nursing a back injury, which limited his effectiveness and drew double‑ and triple‑team coverage that further reduced sack opportunities.
White noted that Stewart’s adjustments to beat those extra defenders were inspired by techniques he observed from the Raiders, but the team still needs to generate more favorable game situations to boost sack production.
A Path Forward for the Defense
The coaching staff is focusing on creating more balanced offensive schemes that keep opponents on the field longer, while also encouraging younger players to step up in Stewart’s absence.
If Stewart can return to full strength, his presence alone could reshape the pass rush dynamics, but the program is also investing in depth and scheme versatility to mitigate future losses.
The Gamecocks’ success in 2026 will likely hinge on how quickly they can translate these strategic adjustments into on‑field results, a narrative that will unfold on the fields of Williams‑Brice.