The South Carolina Gamecocks are rebuilding after a down 4-8 season in Columbia. There is some optimism surrounding the Gamecock program, with a strong spring season from the likes of returning starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers, wide receiver Nyck Harbor and running back Matt Fuller. The Gamecocks also added some major pieces from the transfer portal, including offensive tackle Jaccarius Peak, offensive lineman Emmanuel Poki, running back Christian Clark and EDGE rusher Caleb Herring.Â
Although South Carolina will have to navigate a tough schedule in 2026, Shane Beamer will likely have to at least make a bowl game this season to stay off the hot seat, or worse.Â
On Tuesday, CBS Sports released the first post-spring football bowl projections for next season. The list includes both the 12 College Football Playoff teams, as well as the other major and mid-tier bowl games.Â
Brad Crawford projects South Carolina to go to the Texas Bowl, facing the Utah Utes. Although we have seen several different teams play in the Texas bowl in recent years, typically teams that reach between six and nine wins earn invites to the game.Â
Shane Beamer has led the Gamecocks three bowl games since 2021, including a Duke's Mayo Bowl victory over North Carolina that season. The Gamecocks have lost both their other two appearances under Beamer, including in the 2022 Gator Bowl to Notre Dame and to Illinois in the 2024 Citrus Bowl.Â
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