Alabama football Week 4 opponent preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

Alabama football Week 4 opponent preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

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Alabama football Week 4 opponent preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

The last two seasons, South Carolina has been one of the toughest SEC matchups for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Games played in both Tuscaloosa and Columbia, Alabama has defeated South Carolina each of the past two years, though neither were easy by any means for the Crimson Tide. In fact, Alabama trailed in the fourth quarter of both games, but ultimately came away with a pair of one-possession wins over the Gamecocks.

South Carolina will also enter this latest matchup between the two with a roster loaded with players that have seen action against the Crimson Tide before, with some now set to face Alabama for the third consecutive season.

Here is everything you need to know about the Gamecocks ahead of Saturday's game in Tuscaloosa, featuring key players, stats, and much more.

South Carolina Gamecocks 2026 overview

Sep 20, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; A general view of a South Carolina Gamecocks helmet against the Missouri Tigers during the second half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

  • Conference: SEC
  • Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
  • Record: 2-1 overall (0-1 SEC)
  • Ranking: Unranked in US LBM Coaches Poll, Unranked in AP Poll

The Gamecocks will come to Tuscaloosa unranked at 2-1 overall (0-1 SEC) on the season. South Carolina owns a home win over both Kent State and Towson this season, but are coming off their first loss last week in Columbia against Mississippi State, 41-34.

South Carolina Gamecocks 2026 coaching staff

Sep 19, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer directs his team against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

  • Head Coach: Shane Beamer
  • Offensive Coordinator: Kendal Briles
  • Defensive Coordinator: Clayton White

Shane Beamer is currently in his sixth season at South Carolina, and enters Saturday with a combined 35-31 overall record since 2021. Clayton White is in his sixth season as South Carolina's defensive coordinator, while on offense, veteran play-caller Kendal Briles is in year one with the Gamecocks.

South Carolina Gamecocks 2026 offensive stats

Sep 19, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Matt Fuller (28) rushes against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

  • Points Per Game: 45.3 (No. 16 in FBS)
  • Total Yards Per Game: 526
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 248.7
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 277.3

The South Carolina offense is currently averaging 45.3 points per game this season, a total which ranks No. 16 in the FBS, as well as No. 6 in the SEC. South Carolina also ranks No. 2 in the SEC with 277.3 rushing yards a game, while also No. 4 in the conference in total yards per contest at 526.

South Carolina Gamecocks 2026 defensive stats

Sep 12, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Justin Okoronkwo (17) celebrates a stop against the Towson Tigers in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

  • Points Per Game Allowed: 16.7 (No. 36 in FBS)
  • Total Yards Per Game Allowed: 258.3
  • Passing Yards Per Game Allowed: 173
  • Rushing Yards Per Game Allowed: 85.3

South Carolina's defense is allowing 16.7 points per game to opponents, an average which ranks No. 5 in the SEC. A strength for South Carolina, the Gamecocks also rank fifth in the SEC in total and passing yards allowed per contest, as well as No. 4 with 85.3 rushing yards given up to opponents.

South Carolina Gamecocks 2026 offensive players to know

Sep 12, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) rushes for a 58-yard touchdown run against the Towson Tigers in the third quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

  • LaNorris Sellers, Quarterback, Senior
  • Matt Fuller, Running Back, Junior
  • Nyck Harbor, Wide Receiver, Senior
  • Jacarrius Peak, Offensive Line, Fifth-Year Senior
  • Donovan Murph, Wide Receiver, Sophomore

The Gamecocks' offense is led by veteran quarterback LaNorris Sellers, a senior who will be making his third-career start against the Crimson Tide. Others such as running back Matt Fuller and wide receiver Nyck Harbor have played against Alabama before, while Jacarrius Peak is a key name to know along the offensive line, who was a high-profile offseason transfer from NC State.

South Carolina Gamecocks 2026 defensive players to know

Sep 12, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Vicari Swain (4) returns a punt for a a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Towson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

  • Justin Okoronkwo, Linebacker, Senior
  • Vicari Swain, Defensive Back, Senior
  • Dylan Stewart, Edge Rusher, Junior
  • Tomiwa Durojaiye, Defensive Line, Fifth-Year Senior
  • Peyton Williams, Defensive Back, Fifth-Year Senior

South Carolina's defense is led in tackles by former Alabama transfer in linebacker Justin Okoronkwo. Dylan Stewart is also one of the top pass rushers in the SEC, while defensive back Vicari Swain is a name to know on special teams as the senior leads college football with two punt returns for a touchdown this season.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football Week 4 opponent preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

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