South Carolina will begin its spring football practices on Wednesday, March 4, marking the start of the sixth season under head coach Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks are scheduled for 15 sessions over six weeks, concluding with their final practice on April 11.
After a disappointing 4-8 record last season, South Carolina is focusing on improving its ability to close out games. The team often held leads or trailed by only one score entering the fourth quarter in most contests last year but was unable to secure victories against ranked opponents such as Missouri, Alabama, and Texas A&M. In previous seasons under Beamer, the Gamecocks were much more successful in these situations.
Coach Beamer has made several changes during the offseason to address these issues. He hired Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Randy Clements as offensive line coach, and Stan Drayton as running backs coach. These additions aim to strengthen an offense that struggled in 2025.
The roster has also been updated with 25 transfer players, including eight new offensive linemen—six of whom are redshirt seniors—giving South Carolina what it says is the most experienced offensive line in college football with a combined total of 8,797 career snaps. Three running backs have joined through transfers to add depth and competition at that position.
Additional moves addressed needs on the defensive line and wide receiver corps while bringing in new special teams players who will compete for starting roles.
Despite many new faces this spring—including a dozen true freshmen who enrolled early—the team returns 12 starters from last year’s squad. Key returning players include quarterback LaNorris Sellers, wide receiver Nyck Harbor, and edge rusher Dylan Stewart. All three are considered potential early picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
South Carolina’s schedule remains challenging as the SEC expands to a nine-game conference slate this season. After two non-conference home games against Kent State and Towson, the Gamecocks face a demanding stretch of league matchups before finishing with their annual rivalry game against Clemson.
Kendal Briles takes over as offensive coordinator for his first season at South Carolina after joining from TCU along with Randy Clements. Stan Drayton joins as running backs coach. Returning weapons include Sellers at quarterback—who was a preseason Heisman candidate last year—and Harbor at receiver. The receiving group features second-year players Donovan Murph and Jayden Sellers following impactful freshman campaigns.
On defense, Clayton White continues as defensive coordinator alongside co-defensive coordinator Torrian Gray. Edge rusher Dylan Stewart is highlighted by national publications as one of college football’s top impact players for 2026. The linebacking group returns Fred “JayR” Johnson, Justin Okoronkwo, and Shawn Murphy without major changes from transfers.
In the secondary, starters Judge Collier (corner) and Peyton Williams (safety) return despite losses due to graduation and draft eligibility.
Special teams sees Matthew Smiley join as coordinator after several years coaching in the NFL; he replaces both placekicker and long snapper positions vacated by graduation but retains Mason Love at punter. Kick return duties fall to Nyck Harbor while Vicari Swain returns punts after earning All-American honors last season.
