Shane Beamer beat Frank Beamer's (former) team in the Beamer Bowl. The son triumphed over his father's former program, and the South Carolina Gamecocks flew home with a 24-11 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies.
The on-field victory wasn't the only win for Beamer and the Gamecocks, though. In attendance for the Week 1 matchup in Atlanta was five-star prospect Joshua Dobson, a native of South Carolina and someone that Beamer has his sights set on.
Dobson is the No. 1 cornerback in the class of 2027, according to On3 and Rivals. Already, the young defensive back has received dozens of Division I offers, including ones from the Gamecocks, the Clemson Tigers, and more.
Following the season-opening victory over Virginia Tech, Dobson had great things to say about the South Carolina head coach and his program.
"Beamer is doing big things in Carolina," Dobson said. "He continues to show that they can compete with the best."
South Carolina under Shane Beamer's tenure
- 30-22 overall (15-17 SEC)
- 3 bowl game appearances
- Win over UNC Tar Heels in 2021 Duke's Mayo Bowl
Since taking over the South Carolina program in 2021, Beamer has led the Gamecocks to 30 victories and 22 losses, winning nearly 60 percent of his games as a head coach.
Just a season ago, the Gamecocks tied for fourth in the SEC, with an impressive 9-4 overall record, including a narrow loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini in the 2024 Citrus Bowl, and a 5-3 record against conference opponents.
Dobson was right when he said that Beamer continues to prove that the Gamecocks football program can be one of the best in the country, especially as he continues to improve the team's yearly performance against fellow SEC teams.
With the 1-0 start under his belt and a five-star recruit singing his praises, Beamer is on track for yet another impressive season in Columbia.
Next, South Carolina will host the South Carolina State Bulldogs on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.