DQ Smith, a four-year South Carolina standout with over 200 tackles and a TD interception, is headed to Virginia Tech — eligible to play in 2026 thanks to a Louisiana court ruling and avoiding the NFL draft. He’ll start practicing Tuesday, joining a Hokies secondary already leading the nation in defensive snaps under new coach James Franklin. With VMI as their opener on Sept. 5, Smith’s veteran presence could be a game-changer for a defense hungry for cohesion and depth.

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The South Carolina Gamecocks face a thrilling kicker competition heading into their game against Kent State, with Max Kelley, Upton Bellefant, and Malik Orsan all vying for the starting spot—none have locked it down yet. Coach Shane Beamer and special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley say they’re letting the best performer emerge naturally, since kickers aren’t like quarterbacks. With each contender bringing strong experience or potential, fans will get their first real look on Saturday at 12:45 PM ET—and maybe even see a rotation early. It’s a competitive, exciting mystery to watch unfold.

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Gamecocks football heads into their season opener against Kent State without two key starters—offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak and EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart—both sidelined by lingering injuries. Coach Shane Beamer confirmed they’re improving but not yet cleared for Week 1. Peak battles a knee injury from February, while Stewart, who played through a back issue last year, is nearing contact clearance. Though the early slate features winnable games against Kent State and Towson, the real test comes in SEC play starting Week 3 against Mississippi State. In the meantime, backups like Dayne Arnett, Shed Sarratt, Seth Smith, Darius Gray on the line, and Caleb Herring at EDGE are stepping up. The priority? Getting Peak and Stewart fully healthy before the big conference matchups.

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South Carolina Gamecocks kick off their season Saturday against Kent State in a high-stakes home opener, aiming to rebound from last year’s 4-8 campaign. With new talent and an offensive overhaul under first-year OC Kendal Briles, Coach Shane Beamer’s squad faces one of the toughest SEC schedules ahead — including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Clemson. The game airs live at 12:45 PM ET on SEC Network and Watch ESPN — don’t miss the chance to see if this revamped team can make a statement right out of the gate.

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South Carolina Gamecocks aim to rebound from a disappointing 4-win 2025 season with major offensive changes, new coordinators, and a revamped roster—hoping a fresh playbook and improved line can spark success. Defense gets upgrades through transfers and recruits, especially in the secondary, designed to hold down early games while offense finds its groove. Despite injury concerns—including key receivers and starters potentially sidelined—the team’s ceiling could be a playoff push, but the floor might mirror last year’s struggles. With a brutal schedule against Georgia, Texas A&M, and Alabama, an 8-win season may keep head coach Shane Beamer in place—but time and chemistry will be critical.

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South Carolina Gamecocks hit the ground running — or at least, they’ll be doing so without key starters Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak for their season opener against Kent State. Coach Shane Beamer confirmed the absences, but there’s good news: both are on track to return soon, with Peak showing progress on his knee and Stewart nearing full contact clearance. The timing works out well — early-season matchups against Towson and Mississippi State give them breathing room to recover before facing tougher conference foes. While missing starters stings, the Gamecocks are managing smartly and expect these players back in the mix before long.

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South Carolina’s top defensive prospect Dylan Stewart and elite transfer left tackle Jacarrius Peak are both sidelined for their game against Kent State due to lingering injuries, but both are showing progress in recovery. Stewart, a potential 2027 NFL Draft top-five pick, and Peak, a standout ACC tackle, are crucial for the Gamecocks’ success — especially as they prepare for a tough road showdown against Alabama later this season. Coach Shane Beamer confirmed their absence but noted they’re ramping up practice activity, with Stewart nearing contact clearance and Peak increasing reps. While the loss stings for this weekend, the focus is on getting them back healthy for the long haul — and the high-stakes games ahead.

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South Carolina’s 2026 season opener isn’t just about the game—it’s a recruiting masterclass. The Gamecocks hosted elite 2027 commit Jayden Broadie, a top-11 edge rusher from North Carolina, for an official visit during kickoff. With his high school tape showing disruptive potential and offers from other power programs, Broadie’s campus experience gives fans a sneak peek at the revamped squad—and reinforces Coach Beamer’s aggressive recruiting strategy. This move is part of a broader plan to secure future talent, including key prospects slated to visit in the fall, as South Carolina continues building its long-term championship foundation.

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