South Carolina breaks into the college football Top 25 following victory over Vanderbilt.

After a two-year hiatus, the South Carolina football team has returned to the Top 25.

The Gamecocks (6-3, 4-3 SEC) debuted at No. 23 in the latest USA Today Coaches Poll released Sunday. The Associated Press Top 25 is expected later in the afternoon. This marks South Carolina’s first Top 25 appearance since 2022, when the team climbed as high as No. 19 after notable wins over Tennessee and Clemson, finishing that season ranked No. 23.

Currently one of the hottest teams in the nation, South Carolina has strung together three consecutive wins, including back-to-back upsets of then-No. 10 Texas A&M (44-20) and No. 24 Vanderbilt (28-7). Over their last six quarters, the Gamecocks have outscored opponents 52-7, solidifying their case for a spot in the rankings.

The Gamecocks have flirted with Top 25 contention throughout the season, narrowly missing last week’s poll and earning national attention with close losses to LSU (by 3 points) and Alabama (by 2 points).

Head coach Shane Beamer isn’t letting the rankings distract his team. “The people that do the rankings don’t think we’re worth a crap, and that’s fine,” Beamer said after Saturday’s victory. “Keep crapping on us. That’s the way we like it. Don’t rank us this week. We’re good where we are. We like to lay low, work really hard, and have fun on Saturdays.”

South Carolina will aim for its fourth straight win this Saturday in their final SEC matchup of the season against Missouri. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium, with coverage on the SEC Network. The next College Football Playoff Top 25 will be released Tuesday night.