South Carolina is reportedly poised to bring in TCU assistant Randy Clements as the Gamecocks’ next offensive line coach, a move aimed at jumpstarting a badly needed overhaul of the team’s front line heading into the 2026 season. The news comes shortly after reports that South Carolina is also set to hire Kendal Briles — another TCU staffer — as its new offensive coordinator. Per GamecockCentral’s Wes Mitchell, the Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday for Approval of Athletics Personnel Contracts, with official confirmations expected later that day.
Why Randy Clements Fits the Gamecocks’ Vision
Clements brings decades of experience across major college programs, and earlier this year TCU introduced him — along with another offensive line assistant — by spotlighting his gritty, “rough-neck” coaching identity. His résumé includes previous stops at North Carolina, Ole Miss, Florida State, Houston, Baylor, and other notable programs.
His expected addition signals that Shane Beamer is working to rebuild South Carolina from the foundation up. As the saying goes: If you can’t block, you can’t move the ball.
How South Carolina’s 2025 O-Line Fell Apart
The Gamecocks’ offensive line was a major liability in 2025. Through 11 games, they surrendered 22 sacks for 151 yards lost. Their run-blocking grade sat at 51.2, ranking 121st out of 136 FBS teams, while the pass-blocking grade of 62.7 placed them 89th nationally. The offense managed only 111.1 rushing yards per game, landing at the bottom of the national leaderboard.
These struggles contributed to the overall offensive collapse. For most of the season, South Carolina ranked last in the SEC in total offense, averaging roughly 302 yards per game.
What Must Improve — and What to Watch
For Clements to turn things around, several factors will be critical:
- Discipline and buy-in across the front five — no more drive-killing penalties or blown assignments. Young linemen must progress quickly.
- Better recruiting and development, as the Gamecocks need an offensive line built to withstand SEC physicality. Clements’ history suggests he can mold borderline prospects into reliable starters.
- Full offensive cohesion, because improved blocking only matters if quarterbacks, running backs, and play-calling sync with the rebuilt line.
What This Move Means for 2026
Clements’ hire underscores Shane Beamer’s acknowledgement that last season’s failures went far deeper than scheme or quarterback play. The offensive line was broken — and fixing it is now priority No. 1. If Clements can elevate protection, revive the run game, and reduce sacks, the entire offense could begin to rebound.
For South Carolina fans, these coaching additions offer a cautious but real sense of optimism. In college football, everything starts — and ends — in the trenches.
