Gamecocks Kick Off 2026 Against Kent State | Columbia News

South Carolina Gamecocks kick off 2026 against Kent State in a high-stakes home opener, aiming to bounce back from last year’s disappointing 4-8 record and close losses. With key players like QB LaNorris Sellers and WR Nyck Harbor returning, Coach Shane Beamer hopes to start 2-0 before conference play. Kent State, fresh off a 1995 loss, brings back dangerous QB Dru DeShields and explosive returner DaRealyst Clark — who already has a 100-yard TD return this season. The Gamecocks’ strong home opener history and electric crowd energy could be the edge they need to get things rolling right. Kickoff: Saturday at 12:45 PM on SEC Network. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2bda260deba330f9