South Carolina Gamecocks Prepare for Hot 2026 Season Opener Against Kent State
South Carolina opens its 2026 football season Saturday at 12:45 p.m. at Williams‑Brice Stadium, facing Kent State amid key storylines, injuries and extreme heat.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Dylan Stewart across Football, Baseball.
South Carolina opens its 2026 football season Saturday at 12:45 p.m. at Williams‑Brice Stadium, facing Kent State amid key storylines, injuries and extreme heat.

The Gamecocks are navigating injuries, emerging freshmen and veteran leadership as they fine‑tune their roster for the upcoming season.
After a 4-8 season, the Gamecocks aim for eight victories in 2026, bolstered by returning stars and a challenging slate that culminates in a Citrus Bowl berth.

The Gamecocks’ pass rush is set for a resurgence, led by returning star Dylan Stewart and emerging talents like Julian Walker.

Analysts highlight 25 emerging players whose performances in 2025 set the stage for breakout campaigns in 2026, blending seasoned veterans with rising stars across the nation

A cascade of lower‑body injuries across the Power Four conferences forces depth‑chart reshuffles and raises questions about early‑season championship contenders.
A deep dive into how name, image and likeness deals are driving unprecedented payrolls in college football, from multimillion-dollar quarterback contracts to high-school prospects securing six-figure agreements.

An in‑depth look at the expanded Football Bowl Subdivision rankings, the criteria behind them, and the storylines surrounding the teams and players poised to influence the 2026 season.
A preview of the 2026 college football season highlights Ole Miss’s title aspirations, Clemson’s slump, UCLA’s rebuild, Florida’s fresh leadership, Utah’s transition, Oklahoma State’s sleeper potential, Cal’s quarterback resurgence, and South Carolina’s surprise factor.

After three years without a College Football Playoff champion, the SEC confronts tougher schedules, roster turnover and rising competition, while key players and coaches aim to break the streak.
South Carolina’s season opener against Kent State may be missing key defensive players Jacarrius Peak and Dylan Stewart, who are still recovering from injuries, though coach Shane Beamer notes positive medical progress.

The Southeastern Conference continues to lead the nation in NFL Draft production and preseason All-America recognitions, with record-breaking numbers and emerging stars poised to influence the 2026 season.
Injuries to Jayden Sellers and Jayden Gibson end their seasons, while transfer Jacarrius Peak returns to practice, signaling a reshaped offensive line for the Gamecocks' September 5 opener against Kent State.

ESPN unveiled its 2026 college football preseason All‑America team, led by Texas with five first‑team selections, but the exclusion of Arch Manning and several standout players has ignited discussion across the sports media landscape.

Six Power Five coaches enter the 2026 season under intense scrutiny after disappointing performances, costly contracts and challenging schedules threaten their immediate futures.

The 2026 college football season looms as a make-or-break moment for Bill Belichick and Shane Beamer, whose early results, hefty contracts and tough schedules have intensified scrutiny.

A look at the coaches whose jobs hinge on immediate success, from Florida State's Mike Norvell to Maryland's Mike Locksley, as each battles a tough schedule, roster turnover and intense scrutiny.

Early preseason rankings by analyst Todd McShay forecast a competitive race among elite pass‑rushers, with injury concerns and new defensive schemes adding intrigue to the 2026 season.
The Gamecocks’ second preseason session on Aug. 8 showcased LaNorris Sellers’ connection with emerging receivers, the emergence of Texas transfer Christian Clark, and an open kicking battle, while injuries and new coaching directives shape the team’s early preparations.
A look at the challenges facing the Gamecocks' offensive line and edge rush, the emergence of transfer Hank Purvis as a drill leader, and the progress of position groups during the latest practice session.

The Gamecocks enter preseason camp after a 4-8 season, targeting a College Football Playoff berth in 2025 while navigating key injuries and competition for starting spots.
South Carolina prepares for the 2026 football season after a 4‑8 record, with Coach Shane Beamer returning, key starters poised for a comeback, and a highly ranked recruiting class set to face a demanding schedule.
The Gamecocks resume preseason work after a wave of injuries, with Jacarrius Peak and Dylan Stewart making progress and a staggered practice schedule set to begin Aug. 14.

South Carolina’s sack total fell from 41 to 21 in 2025, driven by the loss of Kyle Kennard, injury to Dylan Stewart, and a need for improved leadership and game‑situational play.