Gamecocks Open 2026 Season with 2015 Title Rematch
- Jacksonville State entered 2026 with 50 contributors returning from a nine-win team, including seven defensive starters and five offensive starters.
- The Gamecocks returned 59.6 percent of their defensive big-play production, the 13th-highest rate nationally, with corner Tre'Quon Fegans and safety Caleb Nix leading the secondary.
- Quarterback Caden Creel returned after winning seven of nine starts and rushing for 1,076 yards in 2025, making his legs the established focal point of Jacksonville State's offense.
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