South Carolina to Switch from Under Armour to Nike in 2026
In 2007, South Carolina moved from Russell Athletics to Under Armour. Now, nearly two decades later, the Gamecocks are preparing for another major shift — trading the Under Armour logo for the iconic Nike swoosh in 2026.
The university’s athletic department announced that the official transition to Nike will take place on July 1, 2026, ending an 18-year partnership with Under Armour. The news has sparked excitement among fans, players, and coaches across the program.
When head coach Shane Beamer broke the news to his team, the reaction was electric. Quarterback Luke Doty admitted it even had him joking about sticking around longer than expected:
“Obviously, we heard talks of it. Everyone was excited,” Doty said. “Who knows, I might try to find another year. Might as well, right?”
Senior running back Rahsul Faison, who won’t be on the field when the new uniforms debut, said he was thrilled for his teammates:
“I was happy for them,” Faison said. “They were happy with the decision. If they’re happy, I’m happy.”
Sophomore linebacker Fred ‘JayR’ Johnson, who has the chance to still be wearing the Garnet and Black in 2026, added with a grin that he can’t wait to see the new Nike look.
Still, Beamer made it clear that the program values the relationship it built with Under Armour over the years.
“Certainly grateful for our partnership with Under Armour for so many years,” Beamer said. “They have been a great partner and great friend to Carolina athletics and will continue to be over the next year till that contract runs out.”
Transfer defensive back Brandon Cisse, who previously played at Adidas-backed NC State, also praised Under Armour while looking ahead to the Nike era.
“I’m happy for the university to have a deal like that. I feel like Nike is the best overall,” Cisse said. “But we got to wear Under Armour this year … I don’t got a complaint about that at all. I feel like they got great cleats and things like that. … I’m excited about the future to see that.”
The switch isn’t just about branding for current athletes — it’s also a powerful tool in recruiting. Star freshman Nyck Harbor, who proudly pointed to the Nike shirt he was wearing, put it plainly:
“Y’all see what I got on,” Harbor said. “Nike has been one of the favorite brands for a lot of people. That’s going to bring a lot of good things to us. Recruits like Nike more than most any other company, so that’s just bigger for us, big for the university. (I’m) glad they got it done.”
Beamer confirmed that recruits themselves have raised the apparel deal during visits.
“It’s something that’s come up with some recruits that we’re recruiting right now,” Beamer said. “That was one of the questions in my office with some recruits on official visits — what the apparel contract looks like going forward.”
For Beamer, the move highlights Nike’s eagerness to partner with South Carolina.
“I appreciate Jeremiah (Donati), Jeff Crane, and the rest of our administration for their communication in getting this done,” Beamer said. “I think it’s a great day for South Carolina and all the players I know and recruits that I know feel the same way.”
