South Carolina · SECSouth Carolina’s placekicking job remains open before Kent State
Max Kelley, Upton Bellenfant and Malik Orsan are competing to replace Alex Herrera and William Joyce before the Sept. 5 opener.
AUG 28, 2026
South Carolina has not named a placekicker eight days before its Sept. 5 opener against Kent State. Max Kelley, Upton Bellenfant and Malik Orsan remain in the competition to replace Alex Herrera and William Joyce.
Herrera and Joyce combined to make 27 of 36 field goals over the past two seasons, and neither made one beyond 49 yards. Mason Love attempted South Carolina’s only 50-plus-yard field goal in that span, missing from 53 yards in 2025. The starting punter will not handle placekicking and is expected to be the holder.
Special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley wants a starter before the 12:45 p.m. ET kickoff, though he said the competition could continue after a player is named.