South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers returns to quarterback a South Carolina team that finally has the pieces to match its preseason hype after a disappointing 4-8 campaign. The Gamecocks grade out 26th nationally with an +8.4 rating, powered by a defense that ranks 15th (+6.3) while the offense sits at a pedestrian 53rd (+1.0). New offensive coordinator Kendal Briles arrives from TCU to replace Mike Shula and inherit a receiving corps bolstered by Nitro Tuggle's 24.2 PPA from Purdue and DJ Black from UCF, offsetting the departure of Brian Rowe Jr. to UCLA. Backup quarterback Lucian Anderson III transfers in from Bowling Green with 14.7 PPA to provide depth behind Sellers.

JP+ projects 6.7 wins for a program dealing with moderate continuity concerns on both sides of the ball, particularly along the offensive line and defensive front seven where key contributors departed. The defense lost edge pressure production while offensive line replacements face immediate scrutiny in SEC play, though the secondary talent and Sellers' dual-threat ability provide foundational strengths. Road trips to Florida, Oklahoma and Alabama highlight a challenging conference slate that will test the roster's depth early. If Briles can maximize Sellers and the upgraded receiver talent while the defense maintains its ranking despite personnel losses, South Carolina has the ceiling to exceed expectations and compete for bowl eligibility.