South Carolina’s season has already hit the point where every week feels heavier, and ESPN’s latest Football Power Index reflects that squeeze.
The Gamecocks entered Week 5 at No. 33 in the FPI, a drop from No. 27 a week ago after opening SEC play with losses to Mississippi State and Alabama. Shane Beamer’s team is 2-2 overall, with wins over Kent State and Towson, and now turns back to Williams-Brice Stadium to face No. 24 Kentucky.
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives South Carolina a 57.9 percent chance against the Wildcats.
The rest of the schedule carries a mixed set of odds. South Carolina is listed at 19.4 percent against Florida, 34.5 percent against Tennessee, 30 percent against Oklahoma, 39.1 percent against Texas A&M and 65.2 percent against Arkansas.
Kentucky comes in at 3-1 and 1-1 in SEC play under Will Stein in his first season. The Wildcats opened with wins over Youngstown State, Texas A&M and South Alabama before falling to Alabama, 45-17.
Florida has surged to a 4-0 start under Jon Sumrall and is ranked No. 8 nationally after beating Ole Miss, 52-28. The Gators face No. 25 Missouri this week in Columbia.
Tennessee, ranked No. 17, is 3-1 after a 20-17 home loss to No. 1 Texas.
The Volunteers host Auburn next, then play Arkansas and Alabama before visiting Columbia on Oct. 24.
Oklahoma is also 2-2, with wins over UTEP and New Mexico and losses to Georgia and Michigan. The Sooners meet Texas in the Red River Rivalry in two weeks.
Texas A&M has dropped back-to-back SEC games to Kentucky and LSU to fall to 2-2. Kentucky beat the Aggies, 31-21, in College Station, and Mike Elko’s team was then beaten 35-6 at LSU.
Arkansas is 2-2 as well, with wins over North Alabama and Tulsa, but losses to Utah and Georgia by a combined 88-27.
At the top of the SEC picture, Georgia is 4-0 and ranked No. 2 in the country, with conference wins over Arkansas, 45-17, and Oklahoma, 41-13.
In Other News...
Dylan Stewart Has South Carolina Facing A Huge Decision
South Carolina is now dealing with more than just the aftermath of a loss to Alabama. Edge rusher Dylan Stewart was suspended indefinitely by Shane Beamer after multiple incidents in the game, a troubling sequence that included penalties, a sideline argument and physical altercations. For a player whose talent has already made him one of the more important pieces on the roster, the situation has quickly turned into one of the biggest off-field questions facing the program.
Stewarts track record only adds weight to what comes next, since this is not the first time his behavior has drawn scrutiny. He was ejected earlier in 2025 for unsportsmanlike conduct, and he was also flagged for taunting in 2024 after a gun celebration gesture that drew public criticism. South Carolina is expected to decide his future later this week, leaving the Gamecocks to balance discipline, accountability and the reality of what his presence means on the field. [Read more 🡒]
South Carolina Suddenly Has A Bigger Problem Than Its Losing Streak
South Carolina heads into Week 5 trying to steady itself after a two-game skid, but the focus has shifted well beyond the record. The Gamecocks are back at Williams-Brice Stadium to face Kentucky, and the matchup arrives with a bit more edge than usual after a turbulent week around the program.
Dylan Stewart's indefinite suspension following incidents in the loss to Alabama has created a fresh challenge for a defense already trying to get back on track. Kentucky, meanwhile, comes in at 3-1 under new coach Will Stein, riding two straight wins and leaning on a rushing attack that looked sharp against South Alabama, which only raises the urgency for South Carolina to find answers quickly. [Read more 🡒]
South Carolina Gets A Tough Florida Setup At The Worst Time
South Carolinas next SEC road trip comes with an early start and a tricky setup, as the Gamecocks are set to visit Florida on October 10. The kickoff window is down to either noon or 12:45 p.m., with the exact time to be locked in after the October 3 games, and the matchup will air on SEC Network.
For a team trying to manage the grind of conference play, a daytime trip to Gainesville is hardly an ideal follow-up. The timing will be settled soon enough, but South Carolina already knows the challenge waiting on the other side: a road date in the SEC, on television, and at a time that leaves little room to ease into the matchup. [Read more 🡒]