---
title: "Gamecocks Face Critical 2026 Season"
url: https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/08/23/gamecocks-face-critical-2026-season/
date: 2026-08-23T08:38:54-04:00
modified: 2026-08-23T08:38:54-04:00
author: "Marigold Whitcomb"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Aiken"
attribution: "HERE Aiken"
---

# Gamecocks Face Critical 2026 Season

*Source: [HERE Aiken](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/08/23/gamecocks-face-critical-2026-season/) — August 23, 2026 by Marigold Whitcomb*

The South Carolina Gamecocks enter the 2026 college football season with a highly-ranked defensive line but significant questions surrounding their offensive front. The team finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 4-8 record, despite reaching as high as No. 10 in the AP poll.

The defensive line is rated No. 9 nationally, with edge defender Dylan Stewart projected as a top-five pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Stewart, considered the No. 3 edge rusher in the country, showed significant improvement against the run last season, earning a 79.0 run-defense grade, which ranked seventh among qualified SEC edge defenders. Interior run defenders Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and Illinois transfer Tomiwa Durojaye also bolster the unit.

Conversely, the offensive line ranked 116th nationally in overall grade last season, contributing to quarterback LaNorris Sellers being sacked 40 times, the most among Power Four quarterbacks. The unit struggled with continuity, seeing at least six players at each guard and tackle spot, and three different centers. To address these issues, the Gamecocks added several transfers, including tackle Jacarrius Peak from NC State, center Carter Miller from UCF, and guard Hank Purvis from Purdue.

Jacarrius Peak, a top-15 offensive tackle nationally, earned an 84.1 pass-blocking grade last season, ranking 11th among all tackles. His health is crucial after he sustained a knee injury in February, missing spring practice. Head coach Shane Beamer anticipates Peak will be ready for Week 1. LaNorris Sellers, despite his physical tools, including the strongest arm and 88 forced missed tackles since 2024, has been hampered by a lackluster supporting cast, leading to him holding the ball too long and taking unnecessary sacks.

Former TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles takes over the offense, tasked with improving a unit that ranked outside the top 100 nationally in team rushing, receiving, pass-blocking, and run-blocking grades last season. A winning season in 2026 is likely necessary for head coach Shane Beamer to alleviate pressure regarding his job security.