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South Carolina opens 2026 season with record victory over Kent State

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 11:10 PM

Last updated Sep 5, 2026

South Carolina opens 2026 season with record victory over Kent State
Summary

South Carolina opened its 2026 football season with a 57-0 win over Kent State on September 5 in Columbia. The victory represents the largest margin of success in a season opener in program history and the largest under coach Shane Beamer. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers finished 19-of-23 for 270 passing yards and three touchdowns, helping the team accumulate 645 yards of total offense. Running backs Matthew Fuller and Jabree Coleman combined for significant contributions on the ground, with Coleman recording two touchdowns. The Gamecocks' defense held the Golden Flashes scoreless while the offensive line limited pressure on the quarterback. South Carolina struggled with offensive production during the 2025 season but showed improved performance across all units in this opening matchup.

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By the Numbers
  • •South Carolina recorded 645 yards of total offense in the shutout.
  • •LaNorris Sellers threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
  • •Jabree Coleman and Matthew Fuller led the backfield with multiple scores.
  • •The 57-point margin is a program record for a season-opening game.
Latest Updates
  • 11:10 PMYahoo Sports — How South Carolina football answered big questions about 2026 team in Kent State rout
What they're saying
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South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer made a lot of offseason changes and Week 1, they seemed to pay off in the win over Kent State.

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