Shane Beamer and South Carolina open the 2026 season against Kent State on Sept. 6 at Williams-Brice Stadium. But the Gamecocks could be missing two core players against the Golden Flashes.

Beamer, during the first “Carolina Calls” of the season, revealed that offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak, who transferred in from NC State in the offseason, and defensive end Dylan Stewart (12.0 TFLs, 4.5 sacks in 2025) will be “doubtful” for the opener.

Peak was initially injured in February while playing a pickup basketball game. But according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, he could return in time for Week 3, when the Gamecocks start SEC play against Mississippi State. Meanwhile, Stewart’s injury, which is to his back, goes back to 2025.

Another player has a bit of a better prognosis. That’s tight end Brady Hunt, who had 168 yards and 21 receptions for the Gamecocks in 2025. Beamer said that Hunt should be a go for Kent State, but he “would be listed as questionable if USC were playing this Saturday,” according to Gamecock Central’s Jack Veltri.

Despite those injuries, South Carolina should be a favorite against Kent State in just the second all-time meeting between the two programs. The Golden Flashes were 5-7 in 2025.

Shane Beamer on Carolina Calls this evening with Todd Ellis. He says OL Jacarrius Peak and EDGE Dylan Stewart are "doubtful" to play next Saturday against Kent State.

— Jack Veltri (@Jacktveltri) August 27, 2026

Beamer adds that TE Brady Hunt would be listed as questionable if USC were playing this Saturday. Since USC doesn't play until next Saturday, he does not doubt that Hunt will "be ready to rock and roll" for the season opener. https://t.co/vxFPacerSC

— Jack Veltri (@Jacktveltri) August 27, 2026