The South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for the 2026 season, and their linebacker corps is looking particularly strong. With a trio of experienced starters returning, the Gamecocks are poised to make a splash in the SEC. Justin Okoronkwo, Fred Johnson, and Shawn Murphy are all back after impressive performances last season, and they're having elite summers to boot. Head coach Shane Beamer is impressed, calling them "leaders on our defense." The three linebackers have a combined 84 games played, which will be crucial for the Gamecocks' success in 2026. Safety Peyton Williams agrees, noting that their experience will allow them to play faster and communicate better. But Beamer has a question for the linebacker unit: who will be the fourth and fifth linebackers? The competition is fierce, and the Gamecocks need to develop some depth around these key players. The Gamecocks also return Donovan Darden, AJ Holloway, and Josh Smith for their second season, and Jamian Risher Jr. is entering his fourth season. Keenan Britt and Andrew Harris are gearing up for their true freshman campaigns. With such a strong group of linebackers, the Gamecocks are sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. But who will step up to the challenge of being the fourth and fifth linebackers? That's the question that remains to be answered as the team heads into preseason camp. Stay tuned to Gamecock247 for more coverage of South Carolina Gamecocks football.
