South Carolina wrapped up its season with a 28-14 defeat to Clemson, closing the book on a frustrating year. Here’s a breakdown of the defining moments, standout performers, and the biggest looming question as the Gamecocks enter the offseason.
Three Pivotal Moments
A Gift of an Incompletion
Clemson threatened early, driving deep into South Carolina territory and earning a first down at the USC 19. A blown coverage left Antonio Williams completely uncovered on the left side—no defender within 10 yards. Cade Klubnik simply needed to float a routine throw for a sure touchdown. Instead, he rocketed the pass high and out of the end zone. One play later, Jalon Kilgore intercepted Klubnik, ending the drive. The pick changed possession, but it was the massive overthrow that truly halted Clemson’s momentum.
A Fortunate Bounce for Clemson
Facing third-and-goal at the 3-yard line, Klubnik rolled right as Bryan Thomas closed in and punched the ball loose. But the bounce went Clemson’s way—right back into Klubnik’s hands. He scooped it up and dashed left into the end zone for the score. Thomas was credited with both a sack and forced fumble, but the Tigers walked away with six points.
An Unfortunate Bounce for South Carolina
The Gamecocks had strung together their two longest drives of the game yet came up empty on both. First, LaNorris Sellers threw an interception in the end zone to Ricardo Jones. Then his fourth-down attempt on the next drive fell incomplete. The defense stepped up again, giving the ball back with South Carolina needing just a touchdown and PAT to steal the win. But when Sellers targeted Nyck Harbor again, the ball deflected off hands, and Jones snagged the deflection, returning it 12 yards for the dagger—the clinching touchdown.
Two Players Who Earned Game Balls
Vandrevius Jacobs
Jacobs turned in a career night with seven receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown—his highest yardage total to date and matching his personal best in catches. His 74-yard sprint to the end zone in the second quarter was the longest play of his career and a spark the offense desperately needed.
Bryan Thomas Jr.
Thomas made his presence felt early and often. He finished with two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a quarterback pressure. For most of the first three quarters, he was consistently around the football before Clemson shifted to a run-heavy approach to close out the game.
The Big Question Moving Forward
Who Will Be Calling the Offense in 2026?
Shane Beamer has already indicated that he expects to bring on a new offensive coordinator “in the next few days.” The Gamecock offense has struggled for nearly a decade—ever since Steve Spurrier stopped drawing up plays on the sideline. This next hire is crucial. Beamer must get it right if South Carolina wants to climb out of the offensive rut that has plagued the program.
