Kent State Golden Flashes (0-0) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (0-0) September 5, 2026 12:45 pm EDT The Line: South Carolina Gamecocks -36.5 / Kent State Golden Flashes 36.5; Over/Under: 53.5 (Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a South Carolina vs Kent State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 5th at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 1 matchup.
The South Carolina Gamecocks went 4-8 (1-7) last season and they finished second to last in the SEC standings. South Carolina started the season with a 24-11 win over Virginia Tech and they defeated South Carolina State by a score of 38-10 in week two. The Gamecocks were 2-0, but they lost seven of the next eight games, before beating Coastal Carolina and losing to Clemson to close out the year. South Carolina scored 22.7 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 22.1 points against per game on defense.
This season, South Carolina will have LaNorris Sellers back at quarterback, but he needs some help from the offensive line, which was not very good last year. The receivers are very solid, but the running backs need to produce, as they went 0-5 when rushing for fewer than 120 yards last year. On defense, South Carolina is looking to build on a solid 2025 season, but the linebackers and secondary are a bit of a concern.
The Kent State Golden Flashes were 5-7 (4-4) last year and they finished tied for sixth in the MAC standings. Kent State started the season with a 21-17 win over Merrimack, but they followed that up with a 62-14 loss to Texas Tech. The Golden Flashes lost five of their first seven games, but they won three of their last five, which was a great accomplishment. Kent State had a lot more success last season than was anticipated and they nearly went to a bowl game. The Golden Flashes scored 21.2 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 33.6 points against per game on defense.
This year, Kent State will return Dru DeShields at quarterback, who was very solid last year. The receivers have some good returning talent, but the offensive line is a concern. Kent State needs to find more success on the ground if they want to reach a bowl game. On defense, the Golden Flashes are bringing in a good amount of help from the portal, but the linebackers and secondary should be very solid.
South Carolina comes into this season looking for more success than they found last year and they should start with a win in this one. The Gamecocks underperformed last season, but Sellers should be one of the top QBs in the nation. Kent State overachieved last year and they have a returning quarterback, but they will struggle to keep this respectable. I think South Carolina will try to make a statement, especially as they only play Towson next week. Take the Gamecocks to cover.