South Carolina got a scare in Saturday’s 49-18 loss at Alabama, but the Sunday update on Kelby Collins offered some relief.
The defensive lineman exited late in the first quarter and did not come back after playing just seven snaps against the Crimson Tide. On Sunday, Shane Beamer said Collins’ injury looked more serious in the moment because of where he was hit.
"Shawn Murphy was available, but played one play, didn't think he was going to be able to go after that. Think he should be OK," Beamer said. "Kelby Collins had a significant injury during the game where he got really poked in the eye, but they were concerned that there was some more significant damage to his actual face.
"So he actually left and went to a local hospital in Tuscaloosa during the game to get some more work and test done. Everything came back OK. He flew back with us last night and has a meeting with an ophthalmologist today, so hopefully he'll be OK going forward."
Collins, an Alabama transfer, has played in five games this season and has posted five tackles, one pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. Three of those tackles came against Mississippi State last weekend in the SEC opener.
Beamer also said linebacker Shawn Murphy should be fine after seeing limited action Saturday. Murphy was on the field for just one snap against Alabama, though he has been productive early in the 2026 season with 10 tackles, 1.5 for loss and 0.5 sack. Half of those stops came against Mississippi State in Week 3.
South Carolina now turns back home to Williams-Brice Stadium, where it will face No. 24 Kentucky on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. and the game will air on SEC Network.
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