Depth Chart Thursday: Gamecocks Reshape Roster for Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026

Depth Chart Thursday: South Carolina Gamecocks

As the South Carolina Gamecocks navigate Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026, head coach Shane Beamer is heavily focused on rebounding from last year's disappointing 4-8 campaign, which concluded with a 28-14 loss to Clemson. With the traditional spring game scrapped due to Williams-Brice Stadium construction and replaced by the Garnet & Black Springfest block party on April 11, the staff has relied entirely on closed practice evaluations to shape the two-deep. Here is a look at the projected starters and key position battles shaping up this spring.

Offense: The Briles Era Begins

New offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has been tasked with revamping the struggling scoring attack. The offense will unquestionably run through returning starter LaNorris Sellers at quarterback. Sellers enters his second season as the starting signal-caller, looking to build on his explosive upside while limiting turnovers. Behind him, a competitive battle for the backup role features Cutter Woods, Landon Duckworth, and recent transfer addition Lucian Anderson III.

Protecting Sellers is paramount, prompting a massive transfer portal overhaul on the offensive line. Following the portal departures of Tree Babalade and Trovon Baugh, the Gamecocks secured elite transfer Jacarrius Peak to anchor the unit alongside key returning starter Josiah Thompson. On the perimeter, explosive returner Nyck Harbor remains a premier returning weapon for Sellers to target.

Defense: Reloading Under Clayton White

Defensive coordinator Clayton White faces the challenge of replacing significant NFL departures, including Jalon Kilgore, Brandon Cisse, Bryan Thomas Jr., Monkell Goodwine, and Nick Barrett. To aggressively bolster the defensive front, South Carolina brought in heavily touted transfers Kelby Collins, Tomiwa Durojaiye, and Caleb Herring.

The secondary and linebacker corps will lean heavily on returning experience. Justin Okoronkwo, Fred 'JayR' Johnson, Judge Collier, and Vicari Swain are all back as key pieces, while returning star Dylan Stewart will be counted on to generate consistent pressure off the edge.