South Carolina Gamecock fans far and wide will be gearing up for game week, as the 2026 season is finally here. While Gamecock Nation will be hyper-focused on the Gamecocks' season opener against Kent State on Saturday Sept. 5, there are other big college football games to keep an eye on.
Week 1 across the country features some big, marquee matchups all weekend long, starting as early as Thursday evening. Let's take a look at some of the biggest college football games South Carolina fans should watch for.
Thursday, Sept. 3
Colorado at Georgia Tech: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
Like Shane Beamer, Deion Sanders enters the 2026 season on the hot seat, coming off of a 3-9 season last year. Overall, Prime Time is just 16-21 across three seasons with the Buffs. Getting a big win on the road against a Georgia Tech team that has gone 16-10 over the last two seasons would be a great way to get back in Buffs fans' good graces.
Under fifth-year Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key, the Yellow Jackets have made it to three consecutive bowl wins. Getting Tech to be an actual threat inside the ACC is the next step for him. He has to replace his longtime offensive coordinator in Buster Faulkner this season, as he is now with the Florida Gators.
Friday, Sept. 4
No. 7 Miami vs. Stanford: 9 p.m. ET on ESPN
Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes were just one play away from winning it all last season against Indiana. The Canes are a legitimate national championship threat yet again this season. The Canes also landed a true Heisman threat at quarterback, getting Darian Mensah from Duke via the transfer portal.
But Miami opens this season with no cakewalk, having to travel over 3,000 miles cross-country to take on the Stanford Cardinal. Stanford, led by first-year head coach Tavita Pritchard, had a thrilling Week Zero victory over Hawaii. The Cardinal held off a furious Rainbow Warrior comeback to win 37-27 at home. This should be a fun atmosphere in Palo Alto, as it's the first time Stanford gets to host Miami.
Former Gamecocks to play: Miami WR Vandrevius Jacobs
Saturday, Sept. 5
Kent State vs. South Carolina: 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network
South Carolina fans are eager to get the 2026 season kicked off and finally put last year's 4-8 finish behind them. South Carolina should win big, as the Gamecocks have won the last three against MAC opponents an average score of 40-5.
This will also be the first opportunity for fans to see what Kendal Briles offense looks like. The Gamecocks are favored by over 30 points, as they return star quarterback LaNorris Sellers, running back Matt Fuller and receiver Nyck Harbor.
The Gamecocks will be without stars Jacarrius Peak and Dylan Stewart for this one, but both are expected to return from their injuries sometime over the next few weeks.
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Boise State vs. No. 2 Oregon: 3:30 p.m. on CBS
Boise State made history as the first-ever non-power school to make the 12-team CFP just two years ago, and the Broncos went 9-5 last season. But the Broncos have a tough task ahead of them, going on the road to face Dan Lanning and an Oregon Ducks team that is loaded with talent, including quarterback Dante Moore. Oregon is listed as a 24.5-point favorite, but it'll be interesting to see if Boise, who is playing in a reimagined Pac-12 this year, can hang with the Ducks.
Clemson vs. No. 11 LSU: 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
I mean, what's better than watching Dabo Swinney lose big games in primetime? This one gives college football fans their first look at new Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin, who had one of the most dramatic exits we've seen in the modern coaching carousel when he left Ole Miss. He is expected to win big with a loaded roster at LSU, including star transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt.
It'll also be interesting to see if he plays the former NFL players he signed that set off an NCAA and SEC court battle, including tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive end Zxavian Harris. Both guys played for him at Ole Miss.
For Clemson, the Tigers open the 2026 season not ranked for the first time since 2011. Swinney also made headlines when he said his roster is "full of nobodies" at the start of fall camp.
If Clemson can hang with LSU playing one of the toughest environments in college football, it will vindicate Swinney a bit, and he can show he's still got it. Not to mention If Clemson falls flat as expected, it could mark the beginning of the end of the Swinney era with the Tigers. LSU is a 10.5-point home favorite.
Former Gamecocks to play: LSU EDGE rusher Jaylen Brown
Sunday, Sept. 6
Wisconsin vs. No. 4 Notre Dame: 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC
Notre Dame is a favorite to win a national championship last year, and the Irish will be looking to make up for being left out of the CFP last year. The Fighting Irish return star quarterback CJ Carr, who's getting some preseason Heisman buzz, as well as leading receiver Jordan Faison. The defense could be one of the best in the country, returning 10 starters from last season.
If Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell's team can look competitive in a hostile environment like South Bend, it might cool down his seat a little. He is 17-21 across three seasons, and has had losing seasons in each of his last two years.
No. 24 Louisville vs. No. 9 Ole Miss: 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
How lucky are we to get two Sunday night college football games?! This one should be a doozy, as Rebels head coach Pete Golding is eager to prove his playoff run he had with Ole Miss was no fluke. He returns star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who will be looking to have his best season yet and should compete for the Heisman.
Louisville will also look to make a statement against the Rebels, and the Cardinals have a chance to breakthrough to the CFP conversation this season. Head coach Jeff Brohm 28-12 across his last three years, and the Cardinals get three starting running backs back from last season.
Former Gamecocks to watch: Louisville OL Cason Henry, CB Myles Norwood, Ole Miss TE Michael Smith
Monday, Sept. 7
No. 19 SMU vs. Florida State
To close out Labor Day weekend and college football's Week 1, we get an ACC showdown between SMU and FSU. The Mustangs will be a contender in the ACC once again, and star quarterback Kevin Jennings is anticipated to have a huge season now that he's fully healthy.
Florida State played in Week Zero against New Mexico State, and it wasn't too pretty. The Noles won 34-17, but were favored by over 30 points. FSU's offensive line looked like it had some issues, as well. If this game goes poorly for the 'Noles at home, Norvell could be done in Tallahassee sooner rather than later.
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