The South Carolina men's soccer team kicks off its 2026 season against UNF on August 20 at 6 p.m. This marks the first time the Gamecocks visit Jacksonville for the match, creating high stakes in a rivalry that's tied at 1-1-1. Head coach Tony Annan enters his sixth season, with a competitive team featuring four returning starters, including goal leader Mika Habel. The team's recent performance has been solid, but they will look to break a previous losing trend against the Ospreys.

By the Numbers
  • South Carolina men's soccer has an all-time record of 544-301-89.
  • The Gamecocks lead the nation in attendance for four consecutive seasons, averaging 3,792 fans per game.
Yes, But

Although the Gamecocks have a strong attendance record, they were picked to finish sixth in the Sun Belt Conference, indicating competitive challenges ahead.

State of Play
  • South Carolina has 18 newcomers on the roster, including nine transfers and nine true freshmen.
  • The Gamecocks have four returning starters and look to integrate new talents while resolving previous deficiencies against UNF.
What's Next

Following the match against UNF, the Gamecocks aim to improve their conference standing with upcoming games against rivals, testing the integration of their new players and returning leaders.

Bottom Line

The Gamecocks begin their season with a blend of experience and fresh talent, highlighting both the excitement and challenges of their upcoming journey in the Sun Belt Conference.