The South Carolina Gamecocks are 1-0, after putting together a 57-0 home victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday. Now, sixth-year head coach Shane Beamer turns the page for the Gamecocks' Week 2 opponent in Towson.
Ahead of South Carolina's second home game of the season, he updated the status of two of his biggest stars in offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak and Dylan Stewart.
Speaking with reporters at his weekly press conference, Coach Beamer shared that both guys recently practiced in pads. Although them suiting up for Saturday's game against the Tigers feels "unlikely," a return in time for Week 3's game against Mississippi State could be the best likelihood:
Shane Beamer said both edge Dylan Stewart (back) and OL Jacarrius Peak were in full pads today at practice
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) September 8, 2026
He said they were "extremely doubtful" to play this week against Towson but seemed to indicate that they could return for the Mississippi State game next week (as expected)
Peak has been rehabbing a knee injury since the winter, and Stewart is still working on a back injury he suffered and played through throughout last season. South Carolina didn't miss either guy too much during the Gamecocks' Week 1 blowout win over Kent State.
Gamecocks showed gritty toughness playing in record heat against Kent State
In Peak's absence, the Gamecocks turned to true freshman Darius Gray for the starting left tackle spot, and he performed quite well. Sellers was sacked just once on Saturday, but it was a result of a broken pocket as opposed to just one guys getting free. The one thing that could have been a bit better for South Carolina was the pass-rush, which just earned a single sack on Kent State's Dru DeShields. The sack was credited to redshirt freshman defensive lineman Anthony Addison.
Why having Peak and Stewart back for Mississippi State is a best-case scenario
Of course, South Carolina fans would love to have both guys back as quickly as possible. But getting them back against Mississippi State will be key, as the Gamecock defense will be going up against a talented quarterback in Kamario Taylor.
MSU opened the 2026 season at home against UL-Monroe. Taylor threw for 354 yards with four interceptions, while completing 64.7% of his passes. He was effective on the ground as well, getting 59 yards on six carries with a touchdown. This is Taylor's first season starting for the Bulldogs, playing behind starter Blake Shapen last season mostly as a running quarterback.
The Bulldogs even put up 762 yards of total offense, which was a new Mississippi State record. Since both Peak and Stewart are now practicing with pads, it won't be long before both are cleared to suit up full-go.
South Carolina fans could be witnessing the beginning of the end for Dabo Swinney, Clemson
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