Shane Beamer isn't just "shaking things up" in Columbia right now. He’s essentially hitting the factory reset button on an offense that stalled out way too often last season. If you’ve been following the university of south carolina football depth chart lately, you know the vibes have been... let's say, anxious. After a 4-8 finish in 2025, the January 2026 transfer portal window didn't just open; it exploded.
Honestly, the roster you saw in November is basically a memory at this point. With the 2026 spring ball on the horizon, we’re looking at a squad defined by two things: the freakish athleticism of the returning "Big Three" and a massive influx of portal bodies meant to keep the quarterback from running for his life every other snap.
The Sellers and Harbor Connection: Still the Ceiling
Everything starts with LaNorris Sellers. Despite the offensive struggles last year, Sellers is the undisputed QB1. He’s got that rare combination of size and a cannon arm that makes scouts drool, but his survival in 2026 depends entirely on the guys in front of him.
Backing him up is the freshman sensation Cutter Woods. Most fans are hoping Woods doesn't have to see the field too early, but in the SEC, you're always one awkward tackle away from the backup taking meaningful snaps.
Then there’s Nyck Harbor. Is 2026 the year he finally becomes the "megastar" everyone predicted? He’s sticking around, which is a massive win for Beamer. Harbor is essentially a track star in a linebacker’s body playing wideout. Alongside him, Mazeo Bennett Jr. has solidified himself as the reliable target. Bennett stepped up as a freshman and now carries the "veteran" tag in a room that saw Vandrevius Jacobs head to Miami and Brian Rowe Jr. bolt for UCLA.
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Rebuilding the Wall: The Offensive Line Overhaul
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The offensive line was, frankly, a mess last year. It was the primary reason the offense couldn't stay on schedule. In a move that shocked a few people, almost the entire starting unit hit the portal in early January. But there's a silver lining that has Gamecock Nation breathing again: Josiah Thompson.
After a brief flirtation with leaving, the sophomore tackle decided to return. He’s the cornerstone. To fill the gaps around him, the staff went shopping—hard.
- Jacarrius Peak: The big get from NC State. He’s 6'4", 285 pounds, and plays with a mean streak.
- Seth Smith: Coming in from Northern Arizona, Smith brings that "grown man" strength to the interior.
- Carter Miller: A UCF transfer who’s likely to plug into one of the guard spots immediately.
Basically, the university of south carolina football depth chart on the line is a puzzle being assembled in real-time. It’s a gamble, sure. Bringing in four or five new starters and expecting them to gel by September is a tall order for new O-line coach Randy Clements. But honestly? It couldn't be much worse than the revolving door we saw last season.
Defensive Identity: The "Collins" Effect
On the other side of the ball, the defensive line looks terrifying. Dylan Stewart is back for his sophomore campaign, and if his freshman highlights were any indication, he’s a future top-five NFL pick. He’s the type of edge rusher who changes how offensive coordinators sleep.
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The depth got a massive boost with the "Collins brothers" package deal. Kelby Collins (formerly of Florida) and Drew Collins give the Gamecocks SEC-proven size. Pairing them with Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy in the middle means South Carolina might actually have the beef to stand up to the Georgia and Alabama's of the world.
The Linebacker Room Stays Solid
While the offense was a whirlwind of exits, the linebackers decided to stick together. This is arguably the most stable part of the roster.
- Fred "JayR" Johnson: The heartbeat of the defense.
- Justin Okoronkwo: A high-motor guy who’s only getting better.
- Shawn Murphy: The veteran presence who keeps everyone lined up.
Having this group return intact is huge for defensive continuity. They know the system, they know the checks, and they won't be guessing when the ball is snapped.
The Kendall Briles Factor
You can't talk about the depth chart without mentioning the new guy calling the plays. Kendall Briles coming in as Offensive Coordinator changes the geometry of this team. He wants to go fast. Like, really fast.
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This means the running back rotation—now led by Matt Fuller and portal addition Jabree Coleman—has to be conditioned for a high-volume workload. Rahsul Faison is still there as the "old head" of the group, providing that tough-yardage reliability, but expect Fuller to be the breakout star here. He showed flashes last year, and in a Briles system, he could put up massive numbers if the holes are actually there.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
The biggest misconception is that "too many transfers equals a lack of chemistry." In the 2026 NIL era, this is the chemistry. Shane Beamer has been open about the fact that they needed a culture reset in the locker room. By bringing in guys like Nitro Tuggle at receiver and several SEC-vets on the lines, he’s looking for players who are "hungry" rather than just "talented."
It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy. If the offensive line clicks, Sellers is a Heisman dark horse. If they don't? It’s going to be a long year of watching #16 scramble for his life.
Actionable Insights for Gamecock Fans
If you're tracking the university of south carolina football depth chart through the spring, watch these three things:
- The Left Guard Battle: Watch how Carter Miller and the incoming freshmen compete. This spot was a weakness last year.
- Wide Receiver Rotation: Beyond Harbor and Bennett, someone has to step up. Keep an eye on Jayden Sellers (LaNorris's brother) and freshman Jordon Gidron.
- The Kicking Game: With Mason Love handling punting and potentially placekicking duties, special teams accuracy will be a major focal point in the Garnet and Black game.
Keep an eye on the second portal window in April. Historically, Beamer likes to save one or two scholarships for post-spring "surprises" that can fill remaining holes in the secondary. For now, the foundation of the 2026 Gamecocks is set—it's just a matter of seeing if the new pieces fit the old puzzle.