SC College Football 2024: Exact Kickoff Dates Revealed!
South Carolina College Football 2026: Your Complete Guide to Season Openers
Published: August 22, 2026 • Source: Greenville Online / USA Today Network
What’s Happening?
Hey there, football fan! The 2026 college football season is right around the corner, and South Carolina has nine Division I teams ready to hit the field.
Think of Division I like the "major leagues" of college sports. These nine teams split into two groups:
- 3 teams in FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) — the highest level, where big bowl games happen
- 6 teams in FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) — still Division I, but with a playoff tournament instead of bowl games
Let’s break down when each team kicks off their season!
The Big Three: FBS Teams
These three teams play at the highest level of college football. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Clemson Tigers
Conference: ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Preseason Prediction: Picked to finish 4th in the ACC (got 7 first-place votes!)
Last Season: 7-6 record — their "worst" year under Coach Dabo Swinney since 2010. They lost to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
The Vibe: Expect a bounce-back year. Coach Swinney has built a powerhouse, and 7-6 is considered a "down year" for them.
SEASON OPENER
- Opponent: at LSU (that’s Louisiana State — a huge test right out of the gate!)
- Date: Friday, September 5, 2026
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC (national broadcast — prime time!)
South Carolina Gamecocks
Conference: SEC (Southeastern Conference) — widely considered the toughest conference in college football
Preseason Prediction: Picked to finish 11th in the SEC (out of 16 teams)
Last Season: 4-8 overall, only 1 win in SEC play
The Vibe: Rebuilding mode. The media doesn’t expect big things this year, but hey — that’s why they play the games!
SEASON OPENER
- Opponent: vs. Kent State (home game — friendly crowd!)
- Date: Friday, September 5, 2026
- Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
- TV: SEC Network
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Conference: Sun Belt Conference
Preseason Prediction: Picked 5th in the Sun Belt East Division
Last Season: 6-7 overall, 5-3 in conference. Finished 3rd in Sun Belt East but lost 4 straight to end the year, including the Independence Bowl to Louisiana Tech.
The Vibe: Coming off a rough finish, but 5-3 in conference play shows they can compete.
SEASON OPENER
- Opponent: at West Virginia (road game against a Power 4 opponent)
- Date: Friday, September 5, 2026
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET (noon)
- TV: TNT
The FCS Squad: Six More Teams to Watch
These six teams play in the FCS — same Division I level, but they crown their champion through a 24-team playoff tournament instead of bowl games. Don’t sleep on these programs — FCS football is exciting and often produces NFL talent!
| Team | Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Southern | at Lindenwood | Aug. 27 (Wed) | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| The Citadel | at Wofford | Aug. 29 (Fri) | 6:00 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Furman | vs. Anderson (SC) | Aug. 27 (Wed) | 7:00 p.m. | — |
| Presbyterian | vs. Virginia-Wise | Aug. 27 (Wed) | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| South Carolina State | vs. Savannah State | Aug. 29 (Fri) | 6:00 p.m. | — |
| Wofford | vs. The Citadel | Aug. 29 (Fri) | 6:00 p.m. | ESPN+ |
LOCAL RIVALRY ALERT: The Citadel vs. Wofford on Aug. 29 — two Upstate schools going head-to-head! This is a big deal in Spartanburg/Charleston.
Important Points to Remember
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- FCS teams start EARLIER — first games are Wednesday, August 27
- All three FBS teams play on the SAME DAY: Friday, September 5
- That’s a triple-header of South Carolina football on one Friday!
- South Carolina State (FCS) was picked to win the MEAC — highest expectations of any FCS team in the state
Summary
South Carolina’s 2026 college football season is almost here! With nine Division I teams across the state, there’s plenty of football to watch from late August through November.
The headlines:
- Clemson looks to bounce back with a massive opener at LSU on national TV
- South Carolina hopes to surprise low SEC expectations at home vs. Kent State
- Coastal Carolina tests themselves early at West Virginia
- Six FCS teams kick things off a week earlier, highlighted by The Citadel vs. Wofford rivalry
Whether you root for the Tigers, Gamecocks, Chanticleers, or one of the FCS squads — football is back in the Palmetto State!
FAQ
What’s the difference between FBS and FCS?
FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) is the top tier — 134 teams, bowl games, and a 4-team playoff for the national title. FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) has 128 teams and decides its champion through a 24-team playoff tournament. Both are Division I!
Why do FCS teams start earlier?
FCS seasons are slightly longer because of the playoff format. Starting in late August gives them enough weeks to finish the regular season and run the playoffs before the holidays.
Who is Dabo Swinney?
Dabo Swinney has been Clemson’s head coach since 2008. He’s won two national championships (2016, 2018) and is one of the most successful coaches in college football history. A 7-6 season is very rare for him.
What does "preseason media poll" mean?
Before the season starts, reporters who cover the conference vote on how they think teams will finish. It’s just a prediction — not the actual standings! Teams often finish higher or lower than predicted.
Where can I watch these games?
- ABC, SEC Network, TNT — standard cable/satellite/streaming TV packages
- ESPN+ — a separate streaming subscription ($10.99/month) for many FCS and non-conference games
- Check your local listings as game day approaches for any changes!
Article based on reporting by Tia Reid (Clarion Ledger / USA Today Network). Follow her on X: @tiareid65.