Spring football is in full swing for the South Carolina Gamecocks and teams across the country. For head coach Shane Beamer, he and his staff are eager to move on from the disastrous 4-8 season in Columbia just last season.Â
But as spring ball continues, there is plenty of optimism in Columbia. The offense is returning the likes of quarterback LaNorris Sellers, star wide receiver Nyck Harbor and gained former Texas running back Christian Clark from the transfer portal.Â
On Friday, ESPN's Bill Connelly released his first preseason S&P rankings. The rankings take a look at four metrics—returning production, recent history, recruiting and coaching changes. Connelly puts the Gamecocks at 24th overall, right behind Clemson (No. 23) and Utah (No. 25). Here's a look at the rankings 1-30, although his list includes all 138 FBS schools:Â
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Notre Dame
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Texas
- Texas Tech
- Miami
- Texas A&M
- LSU
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- USC
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Ole Miss
- Penn State
- BYU
- Florida
- Missouri
- Washington
- Iowa
- Clemson
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Auburn
- Louisville
- SMU
- Kansas State
- Arizona
Speaking of Clemson, Connelly thinks both programs in The Palmetto State are in for a rebound.
"SP+ rightly told you to sell your Clemson and South Carolina stock last season," Connelly writes. But both might be positioned to rebound a decent amount, especially if new offensive coordinators turn out to be solid hires. I really didn't like Clemson bringing back Chad Morris in that regard, but new South Carolina playcaller Kendal Briles certainly has a better recent track record than the guy he's replacing (Mike Shula)."
The Gamecocks had already ranked fifth in South Carolina's returning production rankings Connelly released earlier this week.Â
Las Vegas' most recent win total for the Gamecocks in 2026 is 5.5. South Carolina fans could be in for a season closer to 2024's 9-4 finish if Connelly's projections pan out.