South Carolina Stuns SEC: Gamecocks Hire Veteran TCU O-Line Coach Randy Clements

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is set to overhaul his blocking corps by hiring veteran technician Randy Clements, sources tell Sports Illustrated. Clements, currently TCU’s assistant offensive line coach, will replace Lonnie Teasley and reunite with incoming offensive coordinator Kendal Briles—his long-time colleague at Baylor and in Fort Worth. Why the Gamecocks moved quickly • Offensive line woes: South Carolina ranked 15th in the SEC in rushing yards per game (111.1) and dead last in yards per carry (3.24) during 2025, allowing 39 sacks despite veteran quarterback Spencer Rattler’s mobility. • Portal urgency: The NCAA transfer window opens next week; having Clements in place gives Carolina a proven recruiter to pitch immediate playing time to tackles and guards looking to start in the SEC. • Scheme synergy: Briles’ up-tempo, wide-zone system requires linemen comfortable with split-zone, counter, and RPO footwork—techniques Clements drilled into nine top-15 national offenses between 2010-20. What Clements brings 1. Track record of development: He coached first-round pick Jason Smith at Baylor, All-ACC tackle D’Andre Francois at Florida State, and anchored Ole Miss’ 2019 line that paved the way for the SEC’s No. 1 rushing attack. 2. Immediate familiarity: Because Briles and Clements share play-calling shorthand, spring installation should accelerate, reducing the learning curve for returning starters like left tackle Tree Babalade. 3. Recruiting footprint: The Houston native owns deep Texas JUCO ties—a talent pool South Carolina rarely taps but needs after graduation losses to Nick Gargiulo and Jakai Moore. What’s next • Staff puzzle: With Clements and Briles locked in, Beamer still must name running-backs and quarterbacks coaches. Industry chatter links Penn State RB coach Stan Drayton to Columbia. • Roster churn: Expect two scholarship linemen to hit the portal while Carolina targets at least one proven center and a plug-and-play right tackle. • Metrics to watch: If Clements trims Carolina’s penalty rate (71 flags, 7th most in SEC) and elevates rushing efficiency to the league’s top half, the Gamecocks can realistically chase their first nine-win season since 2017. Bottom line Randy Clements isn’t just a replacement; he’s the lynchpin of Beamer’s offensive reset. His reunion with Kendal Briles pairs schematic clarity with developmental chops—exactly what South Carolina needs to turn its biggest weakness into a 2026 strength and keep pace in an SEC East suddenly dominated by elite defensive fronts.