South Carolina is back on the field after its open date, and the next stop is a home date with Tennessee on Oct. 24 at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Gamecocks enter at 3-3 overall and 1-3 in SEC play, but they’re coming off a much-needed reset after snapping a three-game skid with a 38-19 win at Florida on Oct. 10. Tennessee, meanwhile, arrives at 6-1 and 3-1 after its win over Alabama on Oct. 17 kept its reasonable CFP hopes alive.
The matchup will air nationally on ESPN in Week 8 of the 2026 college football season. Wes Durham and Dusty Dvoracek will be on the call from the booth, with Taylor McGregor reporting from the sidelines. Streaming is available through Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
South Carolina’s upcoming slate continues after Tennessee with a road trip to Oklahoma on Oct. 31, followed by Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia and Clemson. The Gamecocks also have the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta listed for Dec. 5.
South Carolina football schedule
Sept. 5: Kent State, W 57-0
Sept. 12: Towson, W 45-9
Sept. 19: Mississippi State, L 41-34
Sept. 26: at Alabama, L 49-18
Oct. 3: Kentucky, L 35-34 OT
Oct. 10: at Florida, W 38-19
Oct. 17: OPEN DATE
Oct. 24: Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
Oct. 31: at Oklahoma, 4:15 p.m. on SEC Network
Nov. 7: Texas A&M, TBD
Nov. 14: at Arkansas, TBD
Nov. 21: Georgia, TBD
Nov. 28: at Clemson, TBD
Dec. 5: SEC Championship Game, Atlanta
In Other News...
South Carolinas Biggest Pre-Paris Takeaway Is Hard To Ignore
No. 1 South Carolina got a first look at its new-look group in an exhibition win over Benedict, rolling 113-34 while easing back into game action ahead of a demanding opener. The biggest development for Dawn Staleys team was the return of Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins, both back after missing last season with injuries, while freshman Jerzy Robinson added a double-double in her debut.
Jerzy Robinsons immediate impact only added to the sense that the Gamecocks have plenty of depth to sort through before they head to Paris for the season opener against No. 20 Maryland on Nov. 2. With key pieces healthy again and a promising freshman already pushing for minutes, South Carolinas early depth chart figures to be one of the more interesting storylines in the days leading up to that trip. [Read more 🡒]
Lamont Paris Finally Has What South Carolina Fans Wanted To See
For the first time in Lamont Paris South Carolina tenure, the backing behind him looks like it matches the job he is trying to do. ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg said Paris had been trying to build a competitive roster without the kind of financial support needed to keep pace, but that has changed with a reported budget range of $15.1 million to $17.45 million, giving the Gamecocks a much stronger foundation heading into the season.
South Carolina has already used that lift to remake the roster, bringing in 12 new players and leaning on several international transfers in the process. Greenberg praised Paris for the coaching job he has done and said the new group has enough potential to make the Gamecocks more competitive in the SEC, which is exactly the kind of development fans have been waiting to see. [Read more 🡒]
South Carolina Has Two Tennessee Game-Day Twists Fans Will Notice Fast
The Gamecocks had a few early signs that this afternoon could feel different before the first snap even settled in. South Carolina opened with a touchdown pass from LaNorris Sellers to Mazeo Bennett and was already ahead 7-0 in the first quarter, while the team also leaned into the moment with black helmets, jerseys and pants. Former South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst handled the pre-game chant, adding another layer of energy to a home-field atmosphere that has plenty to monitor beyond the scoreboard.
There are still some lineup notes worth keeping an eye on as the game unfolds. South Carolina will be without defensive back Quaysheed Scott because of injury, but center Carter Miller is back in the mix, which gives the offense a little more stability up front. The betting line also moved in the Gamecocks favor, a reminder that this matchup had already started to draw attention before the opening drive delivered its first jolt. [Read more 🡒]