The 2026 South Carolina football schedule opens at home against Kent State on September 5 at 12:45 p.m. ET. The South Carolina Gamecocks face 12 regular-season games plus a potential SEC Championship appearance, with the annual Palmetto Bowl against Clemson and high-profile home dates against ranked Tennessee, Texas A&M and Georgia.
Williams-Brice Stadium hosts eight home dates on the 2026 South Carolina football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in late October and early November with consecutive ranked home and road tests against Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
2026 South Carolina Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Kent State Golden FlashesWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 12:45pm ETSECN | ||
| Saturday | Towson TigersWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 7:00pm ETSECN+ | ||
| Saturday | Mississippi State BulldogsWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 4:15pm ETSECN | ||
| Saturday | at 13 Alabama Crimson TideBryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Kentucky WildcatsWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Florida GatorsBen Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL | 12:00-1:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | 20 Tennessee VolunteersWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 3:30-4:30pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 10 Oklahoma SoonersGaylord Family OK Mem. Stadium, Norman, OK | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 8 Texas A&M AggiesWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 3:30-4:30pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Arkansas RazorbacksD.W.R. Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 3 Georgia BulldogsWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Palmetto Bowl | ||||
| Saturday | at Clemson TigersMemorial Stadium, Clemson, SC | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs SEC ChampionshipMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 4:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 South Carolina Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with three home games and a ranked road test on the 2026 South Carolina Gamecocks Football schedule. Kent State, Towson and Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, then a trip to #13 Alabama. That early stretch gives the Gamecocks a strong home start before SEC play intensifies.
October brings Kentucky at home, a road trip to Florida, the bye week, #20 Tennessee at home, and a road game at #10 Oklahoma. The consecutive ranked games will define the middle of the season.
November features #8 Texas A&M at home, a road trip to Arkansas, #3 Georgia at home, and the Palmetto Bowl at Clemson. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible SEC Championship appearance.
Home Games at Williams-Brice Stadium
Eight home dates appear on the 2026 South Carolina football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Kent State
- September 12 vs. Towson
- September 19 vs. Mississippi State
- October 3 vs. Kentucky
- October 24 vs. #20 Tennessee
- November 7 vs. #8 Texas A&M
- November 21 vs. #3 Georgia
The Tennessee, Texas A&M and Georgia games will generate the strongest crowds in Columbia.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 South Carolina football schedule.
The September 26 road game at #13 Alabama is an early SEC measuring stick. The November 7 home date against #8 Texas A&M is a key ranked test. The November 28 Palmetto Bowl at Clemson always carries extra weight.
Win two of those three and the Gamecocks stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 SEC Championship appearance in Atlanta.
Where to Watch South Carolina Gamecocks Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 South Carolina Gamecocks Football schedule:
- SECN (Sept. 5 vs. Kent State and Sept. 19 vs. Mississippi State)
- SECN+ (Sept. 12 vs. Towson)
- ABC (Dec. 5 SEC Championship)
Most remaining SEC games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Kent State, 12:45 p.m. ET, SECN
- Sept. 26 — At #13 Alabama
- Oct. 17 — Bye week
- Oct. 24 — #20 Tennessee at home
- Nov. 21 — #3 Georgia at home
- Nov. 28 — Palmetto Bowl at Clemson
- Dec. 5 — Potential SEC Championship in Atlanta, 4:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 South Carolina football schedule opens with three home games and builds toward ranked tests and classic rivalries. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does South Carolina open the 2026 season?
South Carolina opens the 2026 season at home against Kent State on Saturday, September 5 at 12:45 p.m. ET on SECN.
How many home games do the South Carolina Gamecocks have in 2026?
The Gamecocks have seven home games at Williams-Brice Stadium on the 2026 South Carolina football schedule: Kent State, Towson, Mississippi State, Kentucky, #20 Tennessee, #8 Texas A&M, and #3 Georgia.
Who do the South Carolina Gamecocks play in the Palmetto Bowl?
On November 28 the Gamecocks travel to Memorial Stadium to face Clemson in the Palmetto Bowl. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are South Carolina games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include SECN, SECN+, and ABC. Most SEC games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
