The South Carolina Gamecocks delivered on a trio of positive steps forward just before the holiday season. QB LaNorris Sellers and EDGE Dylan Stewart, two cornerstone players from the 2025 campaign, have both confirmed their returns for the 2026 college football season.
Adding to the momentum, head coach Shane Beamer has bolstered his staff by hiring Deion Barnes, a highly regarded defensive line coach from Penn State.
These developments come at a pivotal time before the new year as the Gamecocks look to build on recent progress and navigate a grueling SEC schedule. With a few pieces in place, South Carolina’s outlook for 2026 appears to be on the uprise, potentially positioning the program for a postseason push in the expanded College Football Playoff era.
Sellers Coming Back for Gamecocks in 2026
Sellers’ decision to return is perhaps the most electrifying news for Gamecock faithful. The redshirt sophomore quarterback, who burst onto the scene in 2025, announced his commitment to stay in Columbia with a “Run it Back” post via social media.
As a dual-threat QB with a rocket arm and elite mobility, Sellers showcased poise under pressure and the ability to extend plays with his legs. This move not only secures the QB position, but it also stabilizes an offense that showed flashes of explosiveness last season.
Sellers was a highly-touted recruit from within South Carolina. He barely saw the field in 2023, but then had his best season in 2024, with 25 total TDs (18 pass, 7 rush) and a 65.6% completion rate. However, he did see significant drops in TD passes (13) and rushing yards (270), which were a big part of the Gamecocks’ dismal season.
Analysts suggest Sellers’ return could propel South Carolina into the top tier of SEC offenses, especially if the team addresses needs in the offensive line through the transfer portal.
Stewart Gets Big Pay Day to Stay with South Carolina
Complementing Sellers’ return was a move on the defensive side: Dylan Stewart, the star edge rusher who has become a disruptive force in the SEC. Stewart announced his decision to stay via social with the same simple “Run It Back” message as Sellers.
The stats for Stewart don’t do him complete justice: 56 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles across 24 career games, making him one of the most productive young pass rushers in the country.
As a five-star recruit from Washington, D.C., Stewart chose South Carolina over powerhouses like Ohio State and USC, and his development has validated that questionable decision.
Reports indicate he’ll be among the highest-paid players nationally in 2026, thanks to a substantial NIL package, reflecting the program’s investment in retaining top talent.
Stewart’s ability to pressure opposing QBs and create chaos in the backfield was evident in his play this season. Returning for his junior year allows him to further hone his skills, potentially boosting his NFL Draft stock while solidifying South Carolina’s front seven.
Barnes on Board with South Carolina
The coaching addition of Deion Barnes adds another layer of intrigue and expertise to the Gamecocks’ defensive outlook. Barnes, a former Penn State standout and NFL player, joins South Carolina as the defensive ends/outside linebackers coach after three seasons leading the Nittany Lions’ defensive line.
Barnes’ track record is impressive. Under his guidance, Penn State led the nation in sacks in 2023 (49) and consistently ranked in the top five for sacks and tackles for loss.
Barnes has mentored seven defensive ends drafted into the NFL since 2020 (most in the country), including stars like Chop Robinson and Abdul Carter, the latter of who was last season’s No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
At 32 years old, Barnes brings youthful energy and proven recruiting prowess to Columbia. His hire addresses a need for specialized coaching on the edge, where South Carolina has talent like Stewart but room for refinement.
Beamer praised Barnes’ ability to develop elite athletes into game-wreckers, noting his experience in high-stakes Big Ten battles will translate seamlessly to the SEC.
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