South Carolina Enters AP Top 25 at No. 23
The Gamecocks earned their first ranking since last September after consecutive wins over Florida and Tennessee.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football
South Carolina is ranked No. 23 in the latest AP Top 25 poll, its first appearance since last September. The Gamecocks' ranking followed wins over No. 16 Florida and No. 11 Tennessee, plus a dominant victory over Oklahoma.
Why it matters
The ranking reflects a turnaround for a team that lost its first three conference games and started 2-3 overall. Its 3-3 SEC record leaves its postseason path still open.
The AP poll ranking and 5-3 overall record show a team climbing back after a 2-3 start. The Gamecocks still need to win their remaining games to reach their season goals.
The players
Shane Beamer
Beamer is in his sixth year as head coach of the South Carolina football program and has guided the team through this recent winning stretch.
The details
South Carolina beat No. 16 Florida for its first SEC win in over a year and then defeated No. 11 Tennessee, its first Top-15 victory since 2024. Head coach Shane Beamer said the team did not discuss the ranking in its team meeting and that it has no bearing on current preparation.
Timeline
Last September: South Carolina's previous appearance in the AP Top 25.
Last month: The Florida, Tennessee and Oklahoma wins that led to the ranking.
Sunday: The latest AP Top 25 poll was released.
Season Trajectory
South Carolina's return to the AP Top 25 marks its first national ranking since last September. If the Gamecocks win out they would finish 9-3 and enter the College Football Playoff conversation.
If South Carolina wins out it would finish 9-3, and even a single loss in its last four games would still leave the team with eight wins. Fantasy and betting interest in Gamecocks players may rise with the team's national profile.
The takeaway
South Carolina's climb from 2-3 to a national ranking shows how quickly a season can change after a few key wins. The team's remaining schedule will determine whether that momentum carries into the postseason.
What happens next
South Carolina has four regular-season games left, and the season-end rankings in December will show whether the team finishes ranked.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see South Carolina Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Herald.
