ESPN's latest Football Power Index (FPI) rankings are out, and South Carolina fans have plenty to debate.
On today's episode of Locked On Gamecocks, Chris Marler breaks down where the Gamecocks landed in ESPN's preseason rankings, why the numbers are both encouraging and frustrating, and whether South Carolina is being properly valued heading into the 2026 season.
We dive into:
Why ESPN's FPI ranks South Carolina No. 23 nationally
What the Gamecocks' Top-10 strength of schedule means for the College Football Playoff race
Why Chris believes this is actually one of South Carolina's most manageable SEC schedules in years
The biggest flaws in ESPN's predictive model—and where it has actually been surprisingly accurate
How preseason rankings could impact South Carolina's playoff resume later in the season
Why perception matters just as much as performance in the expanded College Football Playoff era
In the second half of the show, we shift our focus to LaNorris Sellers and discuss why 2026 could be the season that launches him into the first round of the NFL Draft.
Topics include:
Todd McShay's high praise for Sellers as one of the nation's top quarterback prospects
Why Kendal Briles' offense is built to maximize Sellers' unique skill set
The biggest improvements Sellers must make this season
Why staying ahead of the chains could completely transform South Carolina's offense
How an improved offensive line and loaded receiver room could unlock the Gamecocks' full potential
Why this offense has all the pieces to become one of the SEC's biggest surprises in 2026
Can Shane Beamer and LaNorris Sellers exceed expectations once again? Is South Carolina being overlooked heading into the season, or did ESPN get it right?
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