National Media Reacts to South Carolina’s Dominant 57-0 Season-Opening Win
South Carolina’s 57-0 rout of Kent State to open the 2026 season drew widespread national attention, with commentators, analysts, and former players all weighing in on what they saw from Shane Beamer’s team across all three phases of the game.
Broadcasters and Writers Praise the Execution
ESPN+ and SEC Network+ play-by-play announcer Brett Williams, himself a South Carolina graduate, called the performance about as good as it could have possibly gone: “Say what you want about Kent State, but this went about as well as it possibly could have gone for the #Gamecocks. Executed and dominated. Time to do it again next week and keep building!”
Beamer himself echoed that sentiment postgame, praising his special teams and defense before delivering his now-viral declaration in the locker room: “Fellas, we got us an offense!”
CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford, who had been critical of South Carolina’s sluggish opening drive, reversed course once the offense found its footing. He called the Gamecocks “essentially flawless” after that first possession and noted the significance of the debut: “After the first possession, South Carolina was essentially flawless on offense today against Kent State. A notable debut for Kendal Briles in a game that needed to show proof of concept. Openers are often sluggish & yawn for the Gamecocks. This was program’s best under Beamer.”
Analysts Impressed by the Briles-Sellers Fit
NFL Draft expert Todd McShay highlighted how comfortable quarterback LaNorris Sellers looked within the new offense: “I know it’s not SEC competition but South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers looks at home in Briles’ offense. Pass game feels organized, crisp and purposeful — horizontal stretch + enough vertical stress. Eyes consistently where they belong; reads cleaner, ball out on time.”
Former NFL quarterback and ESPN/SEC Network analyst Chase Daniel was similarly impressed, writing simply: “Sellers looks extremely sharp in Kendal Briles offense…🤫”
On3’s Chris Low, who had spent time with both Briles and Sellers during the preseason, felt his early optimism was validated: “Having spent some time this preseason with Kendal Briles and LaNorris Sellers, I came away thinking it would be a really good pairing. Watching Sellers play in the opener, it was clear he was comfortable, likes what the Gamecocks are doing and has a chance to have a big year.”
Receiving Corps and Ground Game Turn Heads
Beyond Nyck Harbor’s solid debut and Mazeo Bennett’s strong showing, it was Donovan Murph who stole headlines with two touchdowns on well-run downfield routes. Michael Bratton of That SEC Podcast flagged the Irmo High School product’s emergence mid-game: “Another weapon emerges for South Carolina. Donovan Murph has 4 catches 92 yards and 2 touchdowns and the 3rd quarter just started.”
The ground game earned praise too. Former Gamecock running back Rahsul Faison highlighted the position group’s huge output, which totaled 277 of USC’s 278 rushing yards and four touchdowns: “SC running the ball 🔥🔥🔥”
Even Former Rivals Are Buying In
Perhaps most notably, former Georgia standout David Pollack spent much of his week one reaction show praising South Carolina’s offensive turnaround, signaling real respect for what Briles had built in just one game: “I feel really good about [USC] now. How about South Cackalack? It’s a heck of a first step; Kendal Briles obviously passes the test.”
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