Shane Beamer enters his sixth season after a 4-8 campaign (1-7 in the SEC). Rebuilding remains the priority with a new offensive coordinator and significant roster turnover. On offense, Kendal Briles comes over from TCU to take over the play-calling duties, while QB LaNorris Sellers is an experienced player who can improvise with his legs. Matt Fuller will look to get more carries this season, and the Gamecocks are excited for Texas transfer Christian Clark. The receiving room is looking for a boost with the addition of Purdue transfer Nitro Tuggle alongside Nyck Harbor. Up front, the offensive line brought in a host of transfers like Jacarrius Peak, Hank Purvis and Carter Miller. Josiah Thompson decided to return to school but will miss the 2026 season due to an injury.

On defense, Clayton White returns for his sixth season as the Gamecocks’ defensive coordinator. While top tackler DQ Smith is no longer with the program, Dylan Stewart, Justin Okoronkwo, and JayR Johnson return to a new-look front seven that also added a few transfers. In the secondary, Judge Collier and Peyton Williams return, while Kentucky transfer Quay’sheed Scott adds another piece.

Matthew Smiley enters his first season as Special teams coordinator with the luxury of having punt returner Vicari Swain back in action after returning three punt returns a year ago. In addition, Nyck Harbor is back as the kicker returner, as well as Mason Love at punter. The Gamecocks will have a new field goal kicker this season. With those pieces in place, fans once envisioned playoff contention, but the more realistic goals now are multiple conference wins and a bowl appearance. Progress under the new offensive scheme will be key.