Game times and networks set for Gamecocks’ first three games

COLUMBIA (May 27, 2026) — Game times and television networks have been announced for South Carolina’s first three football games of the 2026 season, the Southeastern Conference office announced today. The Gamecocks will open the 2026 season with three-straight home games.

The Gamecocks’ season opener, set for Saturday, Sept. 5, against Kent State will kick at 12:45 pm ET on SEC Network. The Gamecocks defeated the Golden Flashes, 77-14, in 1995, the only previous gridiron meeting the between the two schools. Kent State is a member of the Mid-American Conference and finished 5-7 in 2025.

South Carolina and Towson will play for the first time on Saturday, Sept. 12. The Gamecocks and Tigers will meet under the lights in Williams-Brice Stadium with a 7 pm ET kick. The game will be streamed on the SECN+ digital platform. Towson is a member of the FCS Coastal Athletic Association and posted a 6-6 record in 2025.

The Gamecocks’ 2026 SEC opener is slated for Saturday, Sept. 19, when the Mississippi State Bulldogs make their way to Columbia. That contest will kick at 4:15 pm ET on SEC Network. South Carolina has won eight of the last nine games between the two squads to take a 10-7 lead in the all-time series. The Gamecocks won the last meeting with Mississippi State by a 37-30 count in Columbia in 2023. The Bulldogs logged a 5-8 mark in 2025.

Game times for the remainder of the 2026 season will be announced at a later date.

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