Three permanent rivals that will shape South Carolina's SEC identity

The SEC's nine-game schedule in 2026 means the South Carolina Gamecocks will get three permanent opponents. Which rivalries should define the Gamecocks' future?

South Carolina v Georgia | Kevin C. Cox/GettyImagesOn Thursday, the SEC announced that starting in 2026, all member programs will move from eight to nine conference games each season. To preserve tradition, each school will now play three permanent opponents annually, keeping conference rivalries alive in an era where realignment has threatened to erase them.

For the South Carolina Gamecocks, one opponent is already a lock. Clemson is already their in-state rival, and since they are in the ACC, South Carolina's three SEC locks come…