Gamecocks hold competition for place-kicker role during practice
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 9:00 AM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
South Carolina’s football team began practice, featuring a three-man competition for the vacant place-kicker position. Malik Orsan, Max Kelley, and Upton Bellenfant are vying for the role, with practice sessions emphasizing various kicking drills. USC special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley indicated that the starter should be identified at least a week before the first game, allowing the player to mentally prepare. The competition is expected to continue as the team progresses through practice sessions this month, focusing on quality kicks rather than quantity.
- •Malik Orsan, Max Kelley, and Upton Bellenfant compete for place-kicker role.
- •Practice includes kicks from various distances at the indoor facility.
- •Coaches emphasize preparation for the upcoming season.
- •Final decision on the starter will likely come a week before the first game.
- 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — Gamecocks hosting 3-man competition for vacant place-kicker role
"COLUMBIA — The first two days of practice began the same. After stretching, South Carolina’s football team went outside and lined up in kicking formation.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAM•Aug 12, 2026, 9:50 AMJae’Sean Tate’s full-circle moment in Columbus was years in the making
NCAAF•Aug 12, 2026, 9:46 AMTexas A&M's three toughest SEC road games on 2026 schedule
NCAAF•Aug 12, 2026, 9:38 AMDavid Pollack makes national championship prediction
College Sports•Aug 12, 2026, 9:16 AMTwo Texas A&M defenders land on the Lombardi Award Watch List
College Sports•Aug 12, 2026, 9:12 AMKentucky football's play-calling could end up being two-headed attack- NCAAF•Aug 12, 2026, 9:09 AMKyle Whittingham is all ball, no bull. So what if he doesn't hate Ohio State?
