South Carolina History

South Carolina first fielded a football team all the way back in 1892. Since skipping a year in 1906, the Gamecocks have consistently had a squad on the gridiron each fall.

The Gamecocks have had an interesting history in terms of conference affiliation (or lack thereof). From 1892 to 1921, they were independent. Then, from 1922 to 1952, they were members of the Southern Conference. South Carolina then jumped to the ACC from 1953 to 1970, winning the lone conference championship in program history in 1969.

A 2-decade stretch of independence followed from 1971-1991 before South Carolina finally found its current home in the SEC. The Gamecocks won the SEC East once, back in 2010. They lost to eventual national champion Auburn in the SEC Championship Game.

The program has produced 1 Heisman Trophy winner — George Rogers in 1980. He is 1 of 2 Gamecocks to go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. He was the first pick in 1981, while Jadeveon Clowney was the No. 1 selection in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Check out the links below to learn more about the history of the South Carolina program:

• Top 25 Players in South Carolina Football History
• South Carolina All-Time First-Round NFL Draft Picks
• South Carolina Coaching History
• Shane Beamer Coach Bio

The Gamecocks also have a few rivalry games that have been played over the years. Click the links below to learn more about South Carolina’s biggest rivals:

• South Carolina vs. Georgia
• South Carolina vs. Clemson
• South Carolina vs. North Carolina
• South Carolina vs. Tennessee
• South Carolina vs. Mizzou