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South Carolina already listed as huge home favorites over Week 1 opponent

The Gamecocks offense has some high expectations heading into 2026.
ByMorgan Moriarty|
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South Carolina Head Coach Shane Beamer claps before he and the team enter the field before the game with Clemson at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025.
South Carolina Head Coach Shane Beamer claps before he and the team enter the field before the game with Clemson at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The South Carolina Gamecocks are just a few short months from kicking off their 2026 season. It's an important season for head coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, who are hoping to rebound after a down 4-8 season in Columbia. 

There is plenty of optimism surrounding the Gamecocks in 2026, thanks to the likes of returning starters in quarterback LaNorris Sellers, receiver Nyck Harbor and running back Matt Fuller. 

South Carolina will open the season at home on Sept. 5 against the Kent State Golden Flashes. The folks at Las Vegas have released early point spreads for some Week 1 games across the country, including the Gamecocks' Week 1 opponent. All lines via DraftKings Sportsbook

South Carolina is currently listed as 33.5-point favorites against the Golden Flashes. 

Having a convincing win with a big margin of victory for South Carolina will be big for Shane Beamer and this Gamecock team. Obviously South Carolina is expected to win big over a non-power conference opponent like Kent State, but scoring a lot of points will be key. In the offseason, Beamer brought in new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles from TCU, including new running backs coach Stan Drayton and offensive line coach Randy Clements. Last season, Kent State finished ranked 128th in scoring defense, allowing 33.6 points per game.

Kent State and South Carolina have met just one other time in program history, back on Oct. 5, 1995. That year, the Gamecock offense put up 77 in a 77-14 victory. It was a lone bright spot during a down 4-6-1 season in Columbia that year.  Gamecock fans would love to have another victory like that one 33 years ago, but winning by 33 points or more wouldn't be too shabby.  

This season, South Carolina also has high expectations in big-time players landed from the transfer portal. Some of the biggest names include offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak, offensive lineman Emmanuel Poku and running back Christian Clark.  

Just 103 days until the 2026 South Carolina season kicks off, but who's counting? 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 

ALSO READ: Several South Carolina softball players enter transfer portal

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