The South Carolina Gamecocks are finally set to kick off the 2026 season on Saturday. The Gamecocks will open the season at home against Kent State, and South Carolina is favored by over 30 points.
South Carolina will be eager to finally turn the page from last year's 4-8 season, taking the field for the first time since the down year. As we look ahead to the Gamecocks' home opener against Kent State, let's break down the three keys to victory for South Carolina to start the season 1-0.
1. Get QB LaNorris Sellers in a groove early
There is plenty of buzz surrounding returning star quarterback LaNorris Sellers. He's expected to have a big season, playing under new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles' offense in 2026.
Sellers looked far from comfortable last year, and he took a career-high 42 sacks. The key for the Gamecocks' signal caller against Kent State his first game will be getting him in a groove early. Call plays you know he is comfortable running in the first few series, then take what the defense gives you.
Of course, he is expected to find his favorite target from last season in returning wideout Nyck Harbor. But Briles shouldn't be afraid to spread out the field and utilize the other weapons South Carolina has, including DJ Black, Mazeo Bennett Jr., Lex Cyrus and Nitro Tuggle.
In the run game, it'll be the first look South Carolina fans will get of new running backs Jabree Coleman and Christian Clark. Mixing in plenty of runs on drives will be key to having both a balanced attack, and Sellers won't feel like he has to do everything on offense.
And of course, mixing in some designed run plays for Sellers will be a huge piece of getting the quarterback comfortable early. first look
2. Don't let up off the gas
All eyes will be on Gamecock head coach Shane Beamer, both this season and on Saturday afternoon. The sixth-year head coach, who has a 30-33 overall record in Columbia, will be coaching to keep his job this season.
If South Carolina comes out flat or doesn't play well early, that noise about Coach Beamer's future will only get louder. Coach Beamer needs to make sure his team is firing on all cylinders in its first game out of the gate. While playing well on offense and defense is obviously key, having a clean game without penalties that kill drives is also important .
No disrespect to Kent State, but South Carolina is expected to run up the score against a team like the Golden Flashes. Doing so will inject some much-needed confidence about this team for the fanbase, as well.
3. Establish a pass-rush early and often
South Carolina will be without star EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart as he still is rehabbing his back injury. But defensive ends Caleb Herring and Anthony Addison should step up in his absence. The Gamecocks will also look to get pressure inside from Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and Tomiwa Durojaiye, as well.
Kent State has an experienced quarterback returning in sophomore Dru DeShields, so getting after him will be key. The Golden Flashes gave up 27 sacks last season. South Carolina's defensive line will look to start the season off on a high note and establish a pass rush during Kent State's first few possessions.
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