Shane Beamer deserves a bit of grace — because what else can he realistically say at this point?
For weeks, as it became increasingly clear that South Carolina’s once–high-expectation season would end without a bowl game, the head coach shifted his messaging toward the future. What began as Beamer vowing to “fix things” suddenly evolved into bold proclamations about the Gamecocks competing for the College Football Playoff in 2026.
Then, after the 28–14 rivalry loss to Clemson, he doubled down with an even stronger promise:
“I can one-billion percent promise you this: When we have a hell of a season in 2026,” Beamer said, “and when I’m doing this press conference after the Clemson game next year … we’re gonna look back on this season and say, ‘It sucked going through it but, because of what we went through in ‘25, it led us to what we just did in ‘26.’
“I’m a million-percent confident in that.”
Beamer’s confidence feels almost excessive, especially knowing his name will surface on “hot seat” lists once the offseason arrives. But in reality, what else could he possibly tell a frustrated fan base?
The truth is murky.
Is South Carolina football genuinely positioned for a quick rebound? Possibly.
Should Beamer feel “one-billion percent” sure of a turnaround after a 4–8 season marked by repeated late-game collapses? Not realistically. But publicly admitting uncertainty would only make things worse.
Despite the mounting losses, Beamer does have at least one point: South Carolina rarely suffered blowouts in 2025. Their worst defeat was a 31–7 loss to Vanderbilt.
They led Missouri, Alabama, and Texas A&M in the fourth quarter — and still lost. They entered the final frame within a touchdown against LSU, Ole Miss, and Clemson — and dropped all three.
They outscored only Virginia Tech and Kentucky in fourth quarters this season.
Last year’s 9–4 team thrived in closing moments and nearly reached the playoff. This year’s squad fell apart repeatedly when it mattered most, whether because of talent gaps, leadership issues, coaching decisions, or all of the above.
What started as a season filled with optimism — with hopes of replicating the magic of 1984 or the Spurrier era (2010–2013) — instead became one of the program’s biggest disappointments since 2014.
Preseason Heisman hopeful LaNorris Sellers regressed. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula, promoted by Beamer, was fired mid-season. And in pivotal moments, the Gamecocks lacked a consistent playmaker.
Now the pressure is on Beamer to rebuild — and quickly.
“We’re full speed ahead on 2026,” Beamer said. “I’m responsible and I’m gonna get it fixed so we’re never feeling this feeling again.” He added that the process involves “making the moves and things that I have to do, not just with hiring staff, but adjustments we have to make so we’re never sitting here feeling this feeling again.”
The immediate priority is roster retention, especially stars like Sellers, edge rusher Dylan Stewart, and receiver Nyck Harbor. Player exit meetings begin this week.
Then comes the December signing period. South Carolina has 14 commitments that must be held together, and flipping a major recruit or two would be a bonus.
“I know it’s not a huge class, and that’s what you guys and the recruiting experts base the rankings on,” Beamer said, “but if you look at the average-star rating or whatever it is, we’ve got a Top-10 class.”
Staff changes are next.
The offensive coordinator hire is the most crucial decision of the offseason. The new OC must be innovative enough to score consistently in the SEC while developing quarterbacks already on campus.
South Carolina also needs a full-time offensive line coach, with tight ends coach Shawn Elliott currently filling in after Lonnie Teasley’s dismissal. If Elliott switches roles, the tight ends job becomes vacant. And after a season like this, Beamer may consider additional staff shakeups.
Finally, the transfer portal opens January 2. South Carolina doesn’t need a total roster overhaul, but it likely needs five to eight transfer additions capable of starting immediately.
The difference between the 2024 and 2025 teams largely came down to transfer impact.
In 2024, newcomers like Kyle Kennard, Demetrius Knight, Rocket Sanders, and Torricelli Simpkins were difference-makers. This season’s transfers were solid — but none were elite game-changers.
Just two years ago, South Carolina finished 5–7 and faced major holes at quarterback, receiver, and throughout the defense. Beamer successfully rebuilt that roster into a 9–4 contender.
So now the looming question is clear:
Was 2024 the outlier — or was 2025?
We’ll know in 2026.
