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· collected 2026-08-20 · by Steve Reed The Associated Press
The South Carolina Gamecocks, ranked No 13 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, are expecting a turnaround season led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers. The team overhauled its offense by adding nine players through the transfer portal, including tackle Jacarrius Peak and four new starters on the line to protect Sellers from sacks. In his first season as starter in 2024, Sellers ran for 674 yards and seven touchdowns, but was limited to 270 yards and five scores last season due to a leaky offensive line. With a new heavy run-pass option system installed by coordinator Kendal Briles, the Gamecocks hope to allow Sellers' dual-threat abilities to shine, making him a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-20,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
The University of South Carolina's football team, the Gamecocks, is hoping that an overhauled offensive line will allow their star quarterback LaNorris Sellers to have a breakout season. Last year, Sellers was limited by a leaky line that allowed him to be sacked 42 times, the most in the Southeastern Conference and second-most in the Bowl Subdivision. This year, the team has added nine new players from the transfer portal, including top-ranked tackle Jacarrius Peak from North Carolina State, and expects four new starters on the line. The new system installed by offensive coordinator Kendal Briles is designed to take advantage of Sellers' skills as a runner, which he demonstrated last year with 674 yards and seven touchdowns rushing. As South Carolina's coach Shane Beamer put it, "He's a load to bring down." The team finished 4-8 last season, but are ranked 13th in the AP Top 25 preseason poll this year.
Written for “Columbia College Football News” on 2026-08-31,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
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Leaning score +0.35 for article 1518 (medium confidence, 1 verified quote) · logged 2026-08-21
The Gamecocks learned last season that in order for star quarterback LaNorris Sellers to thrive they needed to put some capable bodies around him.
asserted
they → learn → him
South Carolina, ranked No 13 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, finished 4-8 and Sellers was limited to 13 touchdown passes along with eight interceptions.
asserted
Sellers → rank → interceptions
Playing behind a leaky offensive line, Sellers was sacked 42 times, by far the most in the SEC and the second-most of any QB in the Bowl Subdivision.
asserted
Sellers → play → Subdivision
The Gamecocks completely overhauled the offensive line by adding nine players in the transfer portal, including Jacarrius Peak from North Carolina State, the second-highest rated tackle available.
asserted
Gamecocks → overhaul → State
They expect to have four new starters up front.
asserted
They → expect → front
Sellers also has a new offensive coordinator in Kendal Briles, who is installing a heavy run-pass option system described as a modified “veer-and-shoot” designed to take advantage of the QB’s skills as a runner.
asserted
who → have → runner
Sellers ran for 674 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season as South Carolina’s starter in 2024, but was limited to 270 yards and five scores last season.
asserted
Sellers → run → yards
“He’s a load to bring down,” South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said.
asserted
Beamer → ’ → ?
“Do we want him running the ball 40 times a game?
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him → want → ball
No, but what I think what makes LaNorris great is his ability to throw the ball and run the ball.
asserted
LaNorris → think → ball
We’d be remiss, in my opinion, if we don’t utilize what makes LaNorris Sellers great — and his legs are a big part of it.”
asserted
legs → utilize → it
Strengths beyond QB
The Gamecocks are clearly built around Sellers, a two-year starter who is being billed as a Heisman Trophy candidate and more.
asserted
who → build → more
As he goes, they will go.
asserted
they → go → ?
The Gamecocks were also able to retain 6-foot-5, 250-pound edge rusher Dylan Stewart, considered one of the nation’s most talented defensive players.
asserted
Gamecocks → retain → players
He has 11 sacks in two seasons and incredible upside.
asserted
He → have → seasons
Weaknesses at wideout
South Carolina will need to find some answers at wide receiver alongside deep threat Nyck Harbor.
asserted
Carolina → need → Harbor
It lost WRs Jayden Sellers (LaNorris’ younger brother) and Oklahoma transfer Jayden Gibson to season-ending lower leg injuries while Vandrevius Jacobs, the team’s second-leading receiver last season, transferred to Miami.
asserted
Jacobs → lose → Miami
Mazeo Bennett Jr is expected to see more touches at wide receiver along with Purdue transfer Nitro Tuggle, who had 34 catches for 500 yards receiving a season ago.
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who → expect → receiving
The Gamecocks also need to find a way to win close games.
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Gamecocks → need → games
They lost six games last season that were one-score affairs entering the fourth quarter, including a notable 31-30 defeat to No. 3 Texas A&M on the road in which they surrendered a 30-3 halftime lead.
asserted
they → lose → lead
