The countdown to the 2026 season is nearly over for South Carolina, with the Gamecocks set to open fall camp. After finishing 4-8 a year ago, sixth-year head coach Shane Beamer is looking to put last season behind him as preparations ramp up for a pivotal campaign.
South Carolina will officially begin fall camp on Thursday, Aug. 6, and one of the biggest storylines entering camp remains the health of offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak and standout edge rusher Dylan Stewart. Both players were sidelined throughout spring practice while recovering from injuries.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Beamer provided another encouraging update on their recovery.
“I know you’ll ask about injuries; really nothing new from last week,” Beamer said via Gamecock Central. “You’ll ask about Peak and Dylan Stewart, same as what I told you last week. They’re progressing nicely. They both had doctor’s appointments this week, and everything was positive coming out of those reports. They’re trending in the right direction and eager to get back out there and get on the field, and I know they will be really, really soon.”
Peak has been out since suffering a knee injury in February during a pickup basketball game, while Stewart battled through a back injury for much of last season before sitting out spring practices to continue his recovery.
Beamer’s latest comments closely echoed the update he shared during SEC Media Days last week. At that time, he revealed that Peak’s knee had progressed enough for him to run at full speed and said both Peak and Stewart remained “on track.” He also expressed optimism that both players would be ready to go by August.
Getting both players back to full strength is expected to be a major factor in South Carolina’s hopes of bouncing back this season.
Peak was one of the Gamecocks’ most significant transfer additions this offseason after arriving from NC State. During his three seasons with the Wolfpack, he surrendered just seven sacks and earned All-ACC honors last season. His presence will be vital in protecting returning quarterback LaNorris Sellers while helping new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles implement his offensive system.
Stewart, meanwhile, is widely viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Through his first two seasons at South Carolina, he has totaled 56 tackles, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, establishing himself as one of the SEC’s premier defensive playmakers.
Although Beamer’s latest update offers plenty of optimism, the Gamecocks will not be completely at ease until both Peak and Stewart are fully cleared and back on the practice field. South Carolina will have just over a month of fall camp to prepare before opening the 2026 season at home against Kent State on Sept. 5.