SEC Honors South Carolina Duo After Tennessee Win
Malik Orsan and Nolan Hay earn conference player of the week recognition following South Carolina's 27-24 victory.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Football
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The SEC has named Malik Orsan Special Teams Player of the Week and Nolan Hay Offensive Lineman of the Week following South Carolina's 27-24 win over Tennessee. Orsan secured the honor after kicking a 48-yard field goal as time expired to clinch the game.
Why it matters
These conference honors highlight key individual performances that directly influenced the outcome of the close victory against Tennessee. Recognition of such contributions underscores the pivotal roles played by special teams and interior line play in tight SEC matchups.
Malik Orsan maintained a perfect 2-for-2 field goal conversion record, while Nolan Hay earned a 68.9 overall Pro Football Focus grade across 69 offensive snaps. Hay also recorded a 79.9 pass-blocking grade during the contest.
The players
Malik Orsan
He is a placekicker for South Carolina who was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Nolan Hay
He is an offensive lineman for South Carolina who received the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honor.
SEC
The Southeastern Conference is the collegiate athletic conference that governs the football program at South Carolina.
The details
Orsan delivered the win at Williams-Brice Stadium by converting a 48-yard field goal as the clock hit zero. Meanwhile, starting center Hay anchored the offensive line throughout the game to secure his conference-wide recognition.
Timeline
South Carolina defeated Tennessee on October 24, 2026.
The SEC announced the weekly player honors on October 26, 2026.
South Carolina faces Oklahoma on October 31, 2026.
Season Trajectory
These individual accolades signal momentum for South Carolina as they head into the next phase of the conference schedule. The win over Tennessee significantly impacts the team's standing as they prepare for the upcoming matchup against Oklahoma.
The recognition of Nolan Hay's pass-blocking grade highlights a consistent anchor point for the offense heading into the game against Oklahoma. Additionally, Orsan's perfect kicking record provides a reliable scoring option for future tight-game scenarios.
The takeaway
Recognizing the impact of special teams and offensive line play often provides a clearer picture of a team's potential for consistency throughout the season. These awards serve as a reminder that games are frequently decided by specialized units beyond just the high-profile offensive players.
What happens next
South Carolina will play Oklahoma on October 31, 2026, at 4:15 p.m.
Further reading
For more news and updates on local collegiate sports, visit the Football section.
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