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South Carolina faces 2026 season opener with hopes to avoid another rollercoaster season

The South Carolina Gamecocks have locked in their opening opponent for the 2026 football season, announcing a home matchup with Kent State at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. The game will mark only the second time the two teams have shared the field. Their previous meeting dates back to 1995, when the Gamecocks delivered one of the most dominant performances in school history with a 77-14 victory. That win still stands as South Carolina’s modern-era scoring record. That game featured an explosive offensive showing led by legendary quarterback Steve Taneyhill, who completed 20 of 24 asses for 263 yards and four touchdowns.