Skip to main content
Garnet and Cocky
Fansided

Shane Beamer plummets inside CBS Sports' FBS coach rankings for 2026

The Gamecocks finished 4-8 last season.
ByMorgan Moriarty|
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Nov 1, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer reacts during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer reacts during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The South Carolina Gamecocks are entering 2026 with quite different situations compared to the 2024 offseason. This time last year, the Gamecocks were riding high following a 9-4 season in Columbia. 

It was Beamer's best season in Columbia since he arrived in 2021, and was the most wins since Will Muschamp's season with the same record in 2017. On Wednesday, CBS Sports released its updated coach rankings for all 138 FBS head coaches. 

Unsurprisingly, the Gamecocks' head coach saw his ranking drop significantly from where he was last year. In 2025, the head coach checked in at 28th following the big season at South Carolina. 

In CBS' most recent rankings, Beamer dropped 12 spots, and checked in at 40th overall. He is one spot behind Virginia's Tony Elliott and just ranked ahead of Arizona's Brent Brennan. Per the outlet, nobody ranked Beamer higher than 33rd overall. 

"Beamer's ranking reflects South Carolina's win-loss record in a given season. In 2024, the Gamecocks were flirting with a College Football Playoff berth and finished 9-4 with a 5-3 mark in the SEC. As a result, Beamer rocketed up 18 spots from 46th to 28th in last year's rankings. Now, after a 4-8 season, he didn't finish higher than 33rd on anybody's ballot and fell 12 spots to 40th. This is another name that isn't guaranteed to be on anybody's ballot next year unless there's a marked improvement in the standings."

While the last sentence in that excerpt may sound daunting, all signs are pointing towards Beamer entering 2026 squarely on the hot seat.

There is some optimism in Columbia thanks to the hires of offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, as well as offensive line coach Randy Clements and running backs coach Stan Drayton. The Gamecocks also did well in the transfer portal this offseason, landing offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak to help quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who is also returning. 

But South Carolina has a tough schedule in 2026, including games against Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia and Clemson, per usual. The Gamecocks likely need to at least make a bowl game for South Carolina athletic director Jeremiah Donati to keep Beamer around.

ALSO READ: SEC announces massive scheduling shift that could impact rivalry weekend

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Home/South Carolina Football