Alabama and South Carolina have played games in back-to-back seasons and are gearing up for a third, which is a rarity in this series. The last two games produced Alabama wins of 2 points in 2024 and 7 points in 2025, although last year's game felt like it was separated by 7 microns, not necessarily points. Coming into 2026, this was a game a lot of prognosticators had flagged as a potential upset special. Alabama would be coming into this game fresh off its game with Florida State, a rematch of last year's shocking opening-week beatdown the Crimson Tide suffered in Tallahassee. South Carolina would be likely coming into this game undefeated, because after all, how could the Gamecocks lose a game to either Kent State, Towson or Mississippi State? And then they did.

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers is one of the most dynamic playmakers at the position, but he can't do everything by himself. Fortunately for Sellers, he'll at least have a quality wide receiver and tight end group to throw to once the season starts. Kendal Briles, USC's new offensive coordinator, should help the Gamecocks become more inventive and less predictable. WR Nyck Harbor, who measures at 6'5” and 245 pounds and runs a 4.3 40-yard dash, could wind up being a guy no one has an answer for.

Austin Mack got an unexpected trial under fire in the season-ending loss to Indiana in the playoffs following Ty Simpson's injury at the end of the first half. Mack acquitted himself well, especially given the complete dearth of a running game to help him out, while also buried under a big Indiana lead. The best thing that could be said about him during that time was that he didn't appear to mentally break down given the gravity of the moment, and he made a handful of ace throws at the same time. Mack continued to put up good work in the spring, although he was outplayed by Keelon Russell at A-Day and doesn't enter camp with any kind of built-in lead for the position. If Mack isn't named the starter in the fall, he'll probably play out the season as Russell's backup and then transfer next winter. He's got surprising athleticism for his build, but his calling card is the cannon attached to his right shoulder. If he can fine-tune his shots, especially on midrange throws, Alabama could certainly win with him.