South Carolina’s first SEC availability report of the 2026 season brought a few notable names into focus on Wednesday night, with offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak and defensive end Dylan Stewart both listed as probable.
Center Carter Miller was tagged questionable in the initial report. Wide receiver DJ Black and tight end Maurice Brown II were not mentioned.
Peak, dealing with a knee injury, and Stewart, who is listed with a back issue, have not played in either of South Carolina’s first two games this season. Miller is also working through a back injury, while Brown has a leg injury; both left the Towson game hurt. Black was held out of the Week 2 game as a precaution, according to coach Shane Beamer after the game.
There were also several players listed out. Lucian Anderson, who has served as the third-team quarterback so far this season, was on that list, along with defensive back Jalewis Solomon and linebacker AJ Holloway.
South Carolina, 2-0, hosts Mississippi State, also 2-0, on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m., with SEC Network carrying the game.
The availability report is now part of SEC matchups for the third season in league history. Schools are required to follow the reporting system for nine of their 12 regular-season games.
Coaches have to submit the first report by 8 p.m. Wednesday, then update it each day before a final version arrives 90 minutes before kickoff. Players can be listed as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out before game day, then as available, game time decision or out on game day.
The league can punish schools that miss the deadlines or provide inaccurate information, with football fines ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
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