South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers returns with explosive talent on both sides to finally deliver the season everyone expected last year. After a disappointing 4-8 campaign, the Gamecocks brought in new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles from TCU to unlock an offense that managed just a +1.2 rating last season. The transfer portal activity tells the story of aggressive roster construction — 26 departures cost 7.7 PPA while 25 arrivals added 47.5 PPA, headlined by Purdue receiver Nitro Tuggle (24.2 PPA) and Bowling Green quarterback Lucian Anderson III (14.7 PPA) backing up Sellers.

JP+ projects 6.7 wins for South Carolina, banking heavily on a defense that grades +7.6 nationally (15th) to carry an offense still finding its identity under Briles' system. The Gamecocks face a brutal stretch with road trips to Alabama and Oklahoma plus Georgia at home, but easier matchups against Kentucky, Kent State, and Towson provide opportunities to build momentum. If Sellers takes the expected leap and Briles maximizes the new receiving corps, this roster has the talent for eight or nine wins. If the offense stagnates again, that elite defense will be fighting an uphill battle toward bowl eligibility.