South Carolina Gamecocks fans have plenty to celebrate as the program heads into the 2026 season. The Gamecocks’ running back room, a position that has been a work in progress over the past few seasons, is set to return in full, giving the team stability, experience, and renewed optimism.
Redshirt freshman Matthew Fuller, redshirt sophomore Jawarn Howell, and junior Isaiah Augustave are all coming back, and their presence provides a foundation that head coach Shane Beamer and his staff can build around. Fuller, who led the returning backs last season with 72 carries for 341 yards and two touchdowns, is ready to assume a true workhorse role in 2026. Howell and Augustave, meanwhile, offer versatility, depth, and playmaking potential that could keep SEC defenses guessing and help South Carolina develop a more dynamic ground game.
“It’s exciting to have these guys back,” Beamer said. “Having Matthew, Jawarn, and Isaiah back gives us stability and proven skill in the backfield. They’ve grown tremendously in the program, and we’re excited to see them lead our team next season. These guys have the talent and determination to make a real impact, and they understand what it takes to compete in the SEC.”
The return of these three players is especially critical given the departures of Oscar Adaway III, Rahsul Faison, and Bradley Dunn, leaving South Carolina with a thinner backfield than the team would ideally like. Last season, the Gamecocks averaged just 111 rushing yards per game, ranking second-to-last in the SEC. Fuller, Howell, and Augustave will now form the nucleus of a backfield that must not only produce yardage but also stay durable through the grind of a full SEC schedule.
South Carolina has proven it can leverage experience and talent to build a competitive running game. Over the past two seasons, the Gamecocks have successfully added players through the transfer portal—Rocket Sanders, Adaway, Howell, Faison, and Augustave were all key contributors who helped bolster a position that has struggled in the past. This experience in roster-building, combined with the returning trio, puts South Carolina in a strong position to develop a more consistent and explosive rushing attack.
For the players themselves, returning provides a chance to build on what they started. Fuller, a player who has shown flashes of dominance when given the opportunity, now has the experience to take on a leadership role. Howell and Augustave bring complementary skills—speed, agility, and pass-catching ability—that can create mismatches against opponents. Together, they give Beamer options on the field and the ability to rotate backs without losing productivity or energy.
Fans can expect a backfield that not only contributes in the traditional rushing game but also plays a vital role in shaping the overall offensive identity of the Gamecocks. With experience, leadership, and continuity returning, South Carolina has an opportunity to turn one of its weaker positions into a strength heading into 2026.
“This is more than just a roster update,” Beamer said. “This is a chance to build momentum, to give our team a foundation that can compete for championships. These guys coming back gives us a chance to do something special.”
As the Gamecocks prepare for the 2026 season, the message is clear: the backfield is back, energized, and ready to lead the charge. South Carolina fans can expect big plays, steady production, and a renewed sense of optimism as the team looks to improve its rushing attack and take a step forward in the SEC. With Fuller, Howell, and Augustave returning, the Gamecocks’ running game could be the X-factor that propels the team to a breakthrough season
