South Carolina Gamecocks Preseason Official Record Predictions

The 2026 season will kick off in four days. With game week prep upon us, it's time to give our official predictions on how the season will play out. Can South Carolina rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign?

Last season, the Gamecocks were predicted to be a major player in the College Football Playoff race. Things didn't exactly pan out, but that didn't deter this coaching staff from believing they are ready to compete once again. Will South Carolina appear in their first College Football Playoff? Will a down year cause changes in Columbia? The South Carolina on SI staff gives their thoughts below.

South Carolina Gamecocks on SI Record Predictions

LaNorris Seller — Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) dives for yardage against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Alex Joyce: 8-4

I flipped back and forth between seven and eight wins, but what brought me to eight was the belief in a better offensive system. Last season, due to a mixture of play, injuries, and poor play calling, the offense was a hot mess. Shane Beamer attacked that issue head on by hiring Kendal Daniels (QB/OC), Stan Drayton (RB/Assistant HC - Offense), and Randy Clements (OL), in addition to flipping the roster. The Briles system, known for being quarterback and receiver friendly, in combination with what will be a much improved offensive line should propel the Gamecocks back into bowl contention.

Defensively, Clayton White returns and once again has a veteran filled secondary. Like the offense, the defense struggled with the run in 2025. An influx of talent through the transfer portal and high school ranks should help in a big way. The defense should be a unit the team can lean on early in the season as the offense adjusts to a new play style

Competing for a bowl game may not be what fans, or even Beamer, have envisioned, but the Gamecocks face a tough schedule along with a lot of newness on offense. It may take a year for everything to gel completely. The ceiling could be a playoff push, while the floor could look like a repeat of last year. I believe the team is somewhere in the middle which is why I'm going with 8-4.

Joey Walraven: 8-4

After College Football Playoff expectations prior to the 2025 season, the Gamecocks failed massively and won four games. I was shocked they fell that badly, but between an objectively bad offensive coordinator and a makeshift offensive line that was constantly battling injuries, the Gamecocks really had their hands tied. Will that change this year?

With the addition of Kendal Briles filling the important shoes of offensive coordinator after spending time at TCU, I expect the team to take a leap forward. Unfortunately they are already battling the injury bug, losing two wide receivers to season ending injuries and likely going into the opener missing without star edge rusher Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak at tackle. It's the same battle the team faced last season.

Despite the injuries, I expect the new offensive regime to find their footing and get rolling, catapulting LaNorris Sellers back into the graces of the national spotlight. An eight win regular season would likely keep Shane Beamer in Columbia, as his seat appears to be warm. Playing teams like Georgia, Texas A&M, Alabama, and others won't make it easy to reach that number, but the Gamecocks certainly have the talent to be a tough out for any team they face.

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