South Carolina will walk into one of college football’s loudest and most unforgiving stages this weekend — a sold-out Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge — for a primetime clash with LSU. Both teams come off a much-needed bye week, but neither side is fully healthy ahead of the matchup.
The SEC’s official injury availability report has revealed several key absences and updates for both programs.
For South Carolina, the offensive line remains the biggest concern. Starters Cason Henry, Nolan Hay, and Markee Anderson have all been ruled out for Saturday’s contest. These are three players who’ve either started or played significant snaps this season, leaving the Gamecocks dangerously thin up front.
On a brighter note, cornerback Myles Norwood and defensive tackle Troy Pikes were upgraded from “questionable” to “probable” before being removed entirely from Friday’s report — meaning both are cleared to play. Corner Judge Collier, who had been listed earlier in the week, was also cleared Thursday.
Head coach Shane Beamer offered reassurance during his Thursday call-in show, saying, “Myles tweaked something in practice this week; he’ll be fine. Judge Collier, he’s good to go. Troy Pikes got banged up a little bit in practice yesterday but he practiced today and he’ll be fine by Saturday.”
On the LSU side, there’s a bit more uncertainty. The Tigers will be without offensive lineman Paul Mubenga, who suffered an ankle sprain and was downgraded from “doubtful” to “out.” He started at left guard and was one of only two returning players with starting experience on the line. Freshmen Coen Echols and Carius Curne are next in line to step up.
Wide receiver Aaron Anderson, LSU’s leading pass catcher this season, has been listed as “questionable” due to a lingering knee injury. Earlier in the week, Brian Kelly told reporters that Anderson was “about 85%,” but downgraded him as the week went on. Anderson torched South Carolina last year for 96 yards, making his status a crucial storyline heading into game day.
Meanwhile, running back Caden Durham — LSU’s leading rusher — is expected to return after missing the Tigers’ loss to Ole Miss with an ankle injury. Durham gashed the Gamecocks for 98 yards and two touchdowns in last season’s meeting.
Defensively, LSU has improved under coordinator Blake Baker, but depth remains an issue at the EDGE position. Talented sophomore Gabriel Reliford is out for the year, leaving Patrick Payton and star linebacker Harold Perkins to pick up the slack. Payton, who has just half a sack through five games, will see increased reps, while Perkins may be tasked with more pass-rushing duties.
Defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux, who was listed as probable earlier in the week, is now fully cleared to play. His versatility could allow him to slide outside and help bolster the Tigers’ thin edge rotation.
Notably absent from the injury report is quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The preseason All-American has battled what’s been described as an “upper-body” or “abdominal” injury for weeks, though both he and Coach Kelly have downplayed its severity. His inclusion on the “available” list suggests he’s good to go — but film review shows his mechanics may still be off compared to his healthier 2024 form.
Tight end Trey’Dez Green is also back in action after missing time with a sprained knee. The 6-foot-7 athletic weapon will be a key red-zone threat and mismatch problem for the Gamecock defense.
Kickoff for Saturday night’s showdown between No. 11 LSU and South Carolina is set for 7:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network, with streaming available on the ESPN app. Baton Rouge will be rocking — and both squads will need every healthy body they can get under the lights of Death Valley.
