On Thursday, the SEC announced that starting in 2026, all member programs will move from eight to nine conference games each season. To preserve tradition, each school will now play three permanent opponents annually, keeping conference rivalries alive in an era where realignment has threatened to erase them.
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, one opponent is already a lock. Clemson is already their in-state rival, and since they are in the ACC, South Carolina's three SEC locks come from inside the league. Tradition, geography, and television appeal will undoubtedly all play a role in how the Gamecocks' trio is chosen. Here is a look at the three opponents that make the most sense to see every seaoson.
Georgia Bulldogs
This border rivalry has deep roots. The South Carolina and Georgia game dates back to 1894, with the Bulldogs and Gamecocks clashing annually since 1992. Georgia leads the series 55-19-2, but Gamecock lore is filled with unforgettable games, for example the Gamecocks' upset of No. 3 Georgia in double overtime (20-17) in 2019.
The matchup has delivered its share of drama in those years, as well. Who can forget Steve Spurrier's iconic jab at the Dawgs: "I sort of always like playing them that second game because you could always count on them having two or three key players suspended,” he said back in 2012.
Georgia is a national powerhouse, and keeping the Bulldogs on the slate enusures that the Gamecocks will always have a marquee opponent circled on the calendar. While it may not be a rivalry of equals in recent seasons, the passion of the fanbases never disappoints. From upsets between the hedges to SEC East showdowns at Willy-B, this is a game that never has a dull moment.
Columbia and Athens are also just a few hours apart. Fans regularly travel in force for this game, and the programs recruit in overlapping areas. An annual Gamecock-Bulldogs game preserves a traditional "border war," combined with fan interest, Georgia should be a lock as a permanent opponent.
Florida Gators
Florida and South Carolina are relatively close, geographically speaking. The teams have met 38 times since 1911, with Florida leading the rivalry 31-10-3. There is an ongoing recruiting overlap for the Gamecocks and Gators. And fans on both sides regard Florida-South Carolina as a traditional conference clash.
Florida not only makes geographical and competitive sense as a permanent opponent, but Steve Spurrier's legacy deepens the storyline. As the architect of Florida's "Fun 'n' Gun" offense, Spurrier transformed Florida into a national powerhouse, becoming the winningest coach at Florida, and then later at South Carolina. The rivalry between the two programs has an added spice thanks to Spurrier's influence on the two teams.
Florida provides a potentially high-profile game, but also an opponent that is still beatable. Furthermore, the South Carolina baseball team has already designated Florida as one of its two permanent SEC opponents. Time for the football program to follow suit.
Kentucky Wildcats
Here me out.
Historically, Kentucky was a fellow SEC East division member and part of South Carolina's annual conference slate under the old format. That longstanding schedule relationship would naturally carry over for a permanent opponent. Kentucky is also the nearest SEC rival on the map, beyond Georgia and Florida.
Unlike matchups against some SEC heavyweights, like UGA, games versus Kentucky are often fairly balanced and entertaining. Locking in Kentucky ensures that one of South Carolina's permanent games isn't a mismatch, giving fans a competitive contest every season. Furthermore, keeping the Wildcats on the schedule annually preserves continuity with South Carolina's past SEC schedules.
Kentucky is also named as one of Gamecock baseball's permanent rivals, signaling a degree of program consistency that could carry over to football.
...or Tennessee Volunteers
South Carolina-Tennessee was another annual matchup in the SEC East for years. As of 2023, Tennesse leads the series 27-11-2. This rivalry is marked by dramatic swings and memorable streaks. From 2012 to 2018, every game (except one in 2017) was decided by a single possession.
The Gamecocks vs. Vols game remains one of the most tightly contested matchups in the SEC, with unforgettable moments. Such as the game in 2022, where South Carolina was a 21-point underdog and routed #5 Tennessee 63-28, becoming the highest scoring victory by an unranked team over a top-five opponent in AP history. That game also cost the Vols a trip to the College Football Playoff and, since he suffered a season-ending injury, cost Hendon Hooker a shot at the Heisman Trophy.
And no South Carolina fan can think of any matchup against Tennessee without recalling the heartbreaking moment Marcus Lattimore's career was forever altered.
Final Thoughts
The Southeastern Conference if officially adopting a nine-game schedule starting in 2026, featuring three permanent opponents and six rotating ones. This change is designed to preserve rivalries while balancing the competition within the league.
Whether it's Georgia's longstanding border war, Florida's Spurrier-fueled rivalry, Kentucky's balanced battle, or Tennessee's unforgettable history, South Carolina has built a web of meaningful ties within the SEC. As the league prepares to lock in three permanent opponents under the new nine-game model, one thing is for certain: the Gamecocks will not lack for rivalries rich in history, emotion, or competitiveness. These matchups don't just shape schedules, they shape memories for generations of fans to come.