South-Carolina
Countdown to kickoff prediction series: South Carolina gets off to fast start in 2026
Last week, when the calendar revealed that it was 100 days until South Carolina kicked off the season, I posted a story on GamecockCentral entitled “100 predictions for the 2026 Gamecocks.” Now, that countdown is down to just 90 days.
The prediction paired with day 90 read, “The Gamecocks will be at least 4-1 heading into a key stretch that includes games against Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M.”
Let’s break down that prognostication.
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Getting off to a fast start
To reach a 4-1 start to the 2026 season, South Carolina will have to win four of five games against Kent State, Towson, Mississippi State, Alabama, and Kentucky.
Four of those five games come at home at Williams-Brice Stadium. The year will begin with three home contests before the Gamecocks head to Tuscaloosa for a tough road matchup. Then, Kentucky will be back in Columbia for the second year in a row in week five.
Shane Beamer’s team will likely be favored in the four home games.
With due respect to USC’s first two opponents, there should be no worries about the team’s quest to start 2-0. That would mean a 2-1 stretch would be required for Carolina to reach 4-1.
Mississippi State projects to be better than the Bulldog group that went 1-7 in conference play in 2025, but South Carolina sits in better spots in most preseason SEC power rankings.
The Alabama contest will be one of the toughest of the season. Even so, the Gamecocks have played the Crimson Tide in final-possession affairs the last two years. Plus, with Kalen DeBoer’s team’s proclivity for posting a stinker or two each season, a Carolina win wouldn’t be shocking.
Shane Beamer has beaten Kentucky four times in a row, and the 2026 Wildcats don’t project to be very good. However, morale is high in Lexington, and they should enter the South Carolina contest coming off a win over South Alabama.
Winning the two games at the start of the season, plus taking two of three against the next few SEC opponents would go a long way in helping South Carolina reach a solid win total in 2026.
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What it could mean
If the Gamecocks do work their way to a 4-1 overall record, that leaves them with seven regular season games left against Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia, and Clemson.
For many prognosticators, the four games from October 10 through November 7 (Florida through Texas A&M) represent tough, but winnable, opportunities. Because of that, the quartet of SEC contests presents a huge opportunity for South Carolina.
Emerging with a winning record in those games likely secures a good record and potential College Football Playoff conversations. A losing record would mean that the Gamecocks would be fighting for bowl eligibility. A 2-2 split…well…things would be a little complicated.
Florida and Tennessee hold very similar preseason expectations nationally as does South Carolina. They are fringe top-25 teams that have the talent to do something more if the ball bounces the right way. However, like the Gamecocks, the Gators and Vols have enough questions about them to leave the door open for other possibilities, as well. Carolina travels to Gainesville, a place they haven’t won since Dylan Thompson’s walk-off touchdown run in 2014. Tennessee will come to Columbia, where the Gamecocks smacked them in 2022 in the last meeting at Williams-Brice.
Both Oklahoma and Texas A&M rank a little higher in preseason projections in the SEC. Pretty universally seen as top 15 teams, they each have cracked the top 10 in some offseason rankings. South Carolina won in 2024 in its only Norman road trip and owns a two-game home winning streak over A&M. Those previous results likely don’t mean much, but Gamecock fans sure would like to see the trends continue.
At this point of the offseason, South Carolina feels like a superior team to Arkansas. It also feels like a Georgia upset would be hard to manage. Then, the rivalry contest against Clemson could go either way, though Shane Beamer has never lost on the road in Memorial Stadium.
With so many potential toss-ups on the schedule, a 4-1 start is critical.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 3, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 3 drawing
05-09-29-47-57, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from July 3 drawing
Midday: 6-8-5, FB: 0
Evening: 3-5-7, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from July 3 drawing
Midday: 7-0-6-6, FB: 0
Evening: 5-8-1-1, FB: 4
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from July 3 drawing
Midday: 12
Evening: 08
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from July 3 drawing
09-13-14-25-42
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
South-Carolina
Tennessee Football 2026 SEC Opponent Summer QnA Preview: South Carolina | Rocky Top Insider
Tennessee football is returning to a house of horrors next season. The Vols will play at South Carolina, where their magical 2022 season essentially came to an end, and Hendon Hooker tore his ACL to finish his college career.
With fall camp around the corner, I spoke with Lulu Kesin of The Greenville News to get the inside scoop on where the Gamecocks are at this summer ahead of this year’s matchup.
Here’s what she said.
More From RTI: Tennessee Quarterback Reportedly Joining Manning Passing Academy Instructors
Heading into year six, what’s the feeling around where the program is at under Shane Beamer?
I think there’s still lingering disappointment in how big of a step back 2025 was, but a lot of fans’ blame really went on former offensive coordinator Mike Shula. With the Kendal Briles hire and just with time, there’s been some optimism starting to flood in, but overall I think most feel like this is a make-or-break year for Shane Beamer. His transfer portal success combined with the fact that high school recruiting didn’t take a huge hit despite the 4-8 season helps a lot, but South Carolina can’t miss a bowl game again.
South Carolina was able to return LaNorris Sellers at quarterback. What are the expectations for him this season?
It’s rare to see a quarterback stay in one place for three seasons which is an advantage that should LaNorris Sellers has to capitalize on. He’s had three different OCs which isn’t great. Without a spring game, it’s hard to tell how things are going in Briles’ system, but there are high expectations regardless. LaNorris is a football junkie and often described as a perfectionist so last season was likely a harsh wake-up call in some ways. He’s had bad protection so far but also his own issues to improve upon. I think the expectation now is that Briles is the OC who can get him to where he needs to be, which is closer to his 2024 self.
What have the Gamecocks built around Sellers on offense?
WR Nyck Harbor is the biggest piece downfield, and their chemistry took a big step forward last year. Nitro Tuggle, a transfer WR from Purdue, is another player to keep an eye on. South Carolina does not necessarily have a clear RB1 now, but Beamer brought in three portal RBs, which will hopefully give the offense some life on the ground. On both sides of the ball South Carolina lacked maturity and experience last year so Beamer intentionally brought in some players who had in-game experience, even if it was limited.
A major factor was a lack of protection so South Carolina completely revamped its offensive line. That’s a huge element to Sellers success. He was sacked 42 times last year, the third most in DI.
What projects to be the strengths, weaknesses of the defense?
South Carolina’s secondary will have to operate without DQ Smith, Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore and those are some big shoes to fill. Dylan Stewart was never fully healthy towards the latter half of last season, so if he’s back to 100% then there’s still a lot of strength there, especially with freshman edge rusher Julian Walker coming in.
Do you have an early prediction for the game, or is it too far out to tell still?
I lean more towards it’s too far out to tell but under Beamer, South Carolina is 1-3 in games played during that Oct. 22-26 range. It’s also after a bye week which can either hurt or help the Gamecocks but being at home is certainly an advantage.
Joe Cash’s Scoundrel and Lewis Barbecue collaborate on menu items
Two-star brands offer a prime rib steak mash-up for both restaurants’ menus. Joe Cash’s Scoundrel and John Lewis’ Lewis Barbecue talk collaboration.
Residents who live in Greenville know it’s a gem that shines brightly among other top cities in the U.S.
Word about the mid-size city is spreading with CNN Travel ranking it No. 3 on its list of best towns to visit in America in 2026. The only other cities ahead of it were Sarasota, Florida at No.1 followed by New Haven, Connecticut.
And CNN had a lot to say about Greenville’s southern charm and vibrant downtown.
“Greenville’s got a Main Street that lives up to its name, at the heart of a lively downtown connected to other parts of the city by the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile pedestrian and bike network lined with parks and local businesses,” said CNN.
Those new to the area may be enjoying all that it now has to offer, but much has changed since the 80s. Here’s how far the city has come and other aspects that make it special, according to CNN.
Greenville’s transformation ‘decades-in-the-making’
Compared to other cities, Greenville’s downtown feels safe, a description worlds away from what it once was. Russell Stall, executive director of the Greenville County Historical Society, told CNN the area currently known as Fall Parks used to be a place of prostitution and drug use. When Greenville was known as the “Textile Capital of the World,” its industrial hub for cotton mills and manufacturing were powered by the Reedy River in the late 19th and 20th centuries. As a result, dyes and chemicals polluted the river’s waters, hence the nickname the “Rainbow Reedy.” What remains of the era are a few former mill house loft apartments. In the 1990s, the city’s mills began to shutter.
Stall called downtown’s uplift “one of the most significant revitalizations in the history of the city,” referencing the Hyatt Hotel, Peace Center, music venues Coach Music Factory and The Mockingbird, and Fluor Field among key precursors of city change.
Although many positives have come with Greenville’s rise, there have been some downfalls, like the loss of the historic City Fall.
“We tore down a lot of the historic structures that we shouldn’t have,” Stall told CNN.
CNN spotlights Greenville’s sights, recreation, dining scene
Often referred to as a “city with a small town feel,” Greenville has a wealth of things to do, so don’t let the saying mislead you. Sightseeing is an activity that doesn’t cost a dime, with CNN highlighting Liberty Bridge and the Falls as two places with amazing views. The Grand Bohemian Lodge was mentioned due to its “rustic wood-and-stone aesthetic,” accessible through Reedy River’s paths.
Other things to do include riding a bike along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, visiting the Greenville Zoo, and exploring the Village of West Greenville, the city’s art district. CNN also spotlighted Michelin-starred restaurant Scoundrel and Chef Joe Cash, a Greenville native with experience in New York and Copenhagen’s restaurants scene.
“You come home and you see, you know, there’s some new restaurants, some fun things to do. Some more interesting, a little more modern, a little less steak and potatoes, a little more farm-to-table,” Cash said. “And so kind of just watching that over the years, it made sense for me to come back.”
CNN’s Top 10 best towns to visit in America 2026
- Sarasota (Florida)
- New Haven (Connecticut)
- Greenville
- Bethlehem (Pennysylvania)
- Fort Collins (Colorado)
- Burlington (Vermont)
- Juneau (Alaska)
- Iowa City (Iowa)
- Lawrence (Kansas)
- Roanoke (Virginia)
Nina Tran is the breaking news and education reporter for The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her via email at ntran@usatodayco.com.
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