As spring practice looms on the horizon, South Carolina is gearing up to turn the page on a challenging 4-8 season in 2025. With a bolstered roster thanks to the transfer portal and the return of key players like quarterback LaNorris Sellers, there's a buzz around the Gamecocks as a potential sleeper team for 2026.
ESPN analyst Greg McElroy recently spotlighted South Carolina in his list of sleeper teams for the upcoming season. According to McElroy, a sleeper team is one that isn't getting much chatter despite having a high ceiling, which hinges on factors like quarterback clarity, team identity, and a favorable schedule.
McElroy emphasized that South Carolina's prospects are brightened by having a returning quarterback with significant potential. LaNorris Sellers is back in action, and changes in the coaching staff, particularly the hiring of Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, are fueling optimism. Briles is known for his dynamic offense that challenges defenses with tempo, spacing, and strategic plays, putting opponents in tough positions.
Sellers' stats from last season are promising: a 61 percent completion rate, 2,437 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Over his two seasons as the starting quarterback, he's amassed nearly 5,000 passing yards and 33 touchdowns, along with 944 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Gamecocks have a home-heavy start to their 2026 schedule, with four of their first five games at Williams-Brice Stadium. Their road games, however, are no walk in the park, featuring trips to powerhouses like Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Clemson.
McElroy didn't shy away from acknowledging the tough schedule, noting early home games against Kent State and Towson before diving into a gauntlet that includes Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Clemson. Yet, he remains optimistic about their sleeper status, especially with the expanded playoff format. The key is proving they can take down top teams and be a threat late in the season.
Reflecting on past seasons, South Carolina has shown they can handle close games, having had several big teams on the ropes, including Alabama and Texas A&M. The challenge now is closing those games out. With Briles' offensive strategy and Sellers' potential, the Gamecocks could become a formidable opponent, capable of upsetting anyone-a dangerous prospect in a playoff setting.
McElroy summed it up well: a new offensive coordinator, a returning quarterback, and the potential for game-changing performances make South Carolina a team to watch in 2026.