Shane Beamer on Scheduling Big-Time Opponents: “Our Fans Want These Games”
Williams-Brice Stadium is known for its electric atmosphere, and Shane Beamer knows that no matter the opponent, the Gamecock faithful will pack the stands. Last season, South Carolina sold out every home game, even matchups against smaller programs like Old Dominion, Akron, and Wofford. But while fans show up for every game, there’s a special excitement when a Power Four team rolls into Columbia.
“Our fans want to see us play those big games,” Beamer said on 107.5 The Game. “They want to see teams like Miami come to Columbia next year or a Big Ten team come every year or every other year.”
South Carolina’s Upcoming High-Profile Matchups
Beamer is fully on board with adding more marquee non-conference matchups in the coming years. South Carolina already has home-and-home series lined up against Miami (FL) and North Carolina through 2029. The schedule includes:
- 2026: Miami (FL) at Williams-Brice Stadium
- 2027: South Carolina travels to Hard Rock Stadium
- 2028: North Carolina visits Columbia
- 2029: Gamecocks face UNC in Chapel Hill
Of course, this is in addition to the annual rivalry game against Clemson, one of the biggest showdowns on the schedule each year.
How SEC Scheduling Could Impact Future Matchups
Right now, the SEC plays an eight-game conference schedule, but discussions continue about moving to a nine-game format. If the league sticks to eight games, South Carolina would have more flexibility to schedule high-profile opponents. However, if the SEC moves to nine, the Gamecocks’ schedule would likely consist of:
- Nine SEC games
- One Power Four non-conference game
- One Group of Five/FCS game
Beamer supports playing big-time non-conference games but also has concerns about how it affects playoff chances.
Strength of Schedule: Does It Matter?
The conversation around strength of schedule became a major talking point last season when the 12-team College Football Playoff field was announced. Beamer was vocal about South Carolina being left out, despite a signature win over No. 12 Clemson on the road. He questioned whether scheduling tough non-conference opponents is beneficial if the selection committee isn’t factoring in ranked wins.
“It’s great to bring marquee matchups into Williams-Brice Stadium,” Beamer said. “But if strength of schedule isn’t going to matter — which it clearly didn’t this year — then you also need to look at if we’re doing what’s best for our program and giving our team the best chance to compete for championships.”
Beamer’s frustration was rooted in seeing teams without a single ranked win make the playoff, while South Carolina, despite its grueling schedule, was left on the outside looking in.
What’s Best for South Carolina?
As much as Beamer loves playing big-time matchups, he also wants to ensure that South Carolina isn’t at a disadvantage compared to other programs.
“As long as that’s something everybody else is doing — if every other team is playing nine conference games, a Big Ten team, and then two money games — let’s make sure it’s right for everybody as well,” Beamer said.
For now, South Carolina’s schedule remains one of the toughest in the country, and whether the SEC sticks with eight or nine conference games, the Gamecocks will continue to face elite competition year in and year out.
