South Carolina has officially strengthened its special teams unit by adding a transfer portal kicker for the first time under head coach Shane Beamer.
According to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos, former Texas Tech kicker Upton Bellenfant has signed with the Gamecocks, bringing experience from a College Football Playoff roster to Columbia ahead of the 2026 season. The move marks a new approach for South Carolina, which had not previously used the transfer portal to address the kicker position during Beamer’s tenure.
Bellenfant spent the 2025 season at Texas Tech, serving as the Red Raiders’ backup kicker during their CFP run. Despite a limited role, he was flawless when called upon, converting all six of his field-goal attempts with a long of 33 yards.
The Tennessee native began his college career at Alabama in 2022, spending two seasons with the Crimson Tide without seeing game action. He later transferred to Buffalo in 2024, where he played under former South Carolina special teams coordinator Pete Lembo. That season, Bellenfant emerged as a reliable option, making 18 of 21 field-goal attempts, including a season-long 52-yarder in the Bahamas Bowl.
Bellenfant will arrive at South Carolina with one year of eligibility remaining, giving the Gamecocks an experienced and proven leg as they head into the 2026 campaign. His commitment adds to a growing transfer class that reflects South Carolina’s focus on addressing key needs across the roster.
