The South Carolina Gamecocks will soon be kicking off their 2026 football. With the season fast approaching, it's time to take a look at each and every opponent on South Carolina's 2026 schedule.Â
The Gamecocks schedule is already considered to be one of the toughest in the entire country, and we're here to break it all down game by game.Â
In Week 2 on Sept. 12, South Carolina will take on the Towson Tigers, who play in the FCS out of the Colonial Athletic Association.Â
Let's break down just what is all in store for the Gamecocks as they take on Towson.Â
Opponent breakdown: Towson
Towson is led by third-year head coach Pete Shinnick, who won a DII national championship at West Florida in 2019, and made it to the playoffs four times. He compiled a 56-21 overall record across his nine seasons there.Â
But to date, he has had a harder time getting Towson off the ground so far in his tenure. Entering his fourth season with the Tigers, he is 18-17 overall. 2024 was his best season at the helm, going 7-5, as well as a 6-6 finish last season.Â
Historically, Towson hasn't fared well against FBS opponents. Its last two games were against SEC opponents, LSU and Florida in 2012 and 2019, respectively. The Tigers lost 38-22 to LSU, and was shutout against Florida 38-0.Â
Towson lost 44-17 to Maryland last season, and fell 38-6 to the Terps in 2023. The Tigers also lost 51-20 to Wake Forest in 2018. Its lone upset over an FBS opponent came in 2013, when the Tigers beat UConn 33-18.Â
Offensively, the Tigers will be led by returning quarterback Andrew Indorf, who had a sensational true freshman season last year. He threw for 2,344 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, while completing 59.6% of his passes.Â
Defensively, Towson allowed 25.08 points per game, which finished last season ranked 47th overall in the FCS.
Key statistics to knowÂ
This marks the first-ever meeting between Towson and South Carolina. Although a point spread is not out just yet for the Gamecocks and Tigers, Towson covered in both of its last two games against SEC opponents in Florida and LSU.Â
South Carolina does well against FCS opponents historically. The Gamecocks haven't lost to an FCS opponent since 2015, when South Carolina fell 23-33 to The Citadel. Under head coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks have also defeated FCS teams by an average of 36.8 points.Â
I'll be interested to see if by this week, either of South Carolina stars Jacarrius Peak or Dylan Stewart will be able to suit up. News broke in late August that neither will be ready to go by South Carolina's Week 1 game against Kent State.Â
Coach Beamer obviously might feel better about waiting for them to suit up until South Carolina's first SEC game against Mississippi State the following week. But seeing if there's any chance of Peak or Stewart playing is something to keep an eye on. Â
Towson vs. South Carolina game details
- When: Saturday, Sept. 12
- Kickoff time: 7 p.m. ET
- Live Streaming: SECN+Â
The Gamecocks will have their first night game of the 2026 season against the Tigers. Williams-Brice Stadium will be rocking. The game will not air on television at this time. but that could change
Towson vs. South Carolina prediction
South Carolina 42, Towson 10
The Gamecocks will have another big scoring day just as they get ready to open SEC play the week after.
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