On Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, the Kentucky Wildcats football team played the University of South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. Going into the game, the Wildcats were 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Gamecocks were 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the SEC. They were slightly favored going into the matchup.
Photo Cred: The Courier Journal
Kentucky fell behind 17-0 after South Carolina scored two rushing touchdowns and a field goal in the first quarter. With 2:47 remaining in the first half, Kentucky scored a touchdown, their first points of the game, trailing 17-7. The Wildcats then added a 42-yard field goal by Adam Zouagui with 59 seconds left in the half, leaving them down by 7. South Carolina kicker Malik Orsan’s 48-yard field goal attempt barely gave the Gamecocks three more points.
The score was then 20-10 at halftime. Following halftime, Kentucky had a strong opening drive to start the second half. On the seventh play, Kenny Minchey threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Darby, leaving South Carolina up by just three. The Wildcats then took their first lead of the day on a 32-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter.
However, the Gamecocks quickly responded with a 75-yard scoring drive to retake the lead, 27-24, with 13:14 remaining. Kentucky tied it up with a 29-yard field goal. South Carolina was then forced to punt, giving Kentucky a chance to take the lead. With only 27 seconds remaining, Minchey scrambled for a first down near midfield. However, the Wildcats ultimately ran out of time, sending the game into overtime tied at 27.
Photo Cred: Courier Journal
Kentucky played defense first in overtime, and South Carolina scored a touchdown on its opening possession to take a 34-27 lead. The Wildcats answered when Minchey connected with Henry Boyer for a 6-yard touchdown. Instead of kicking an extra point to tie the game, Kentucky went for two and the win. Minchey threw to Willie Rodriguez, who caught the game-winning two-point conversion, giving Kentucky a 35-34 victory.
Coach Will Stein explained the decision afterward, saying, “You gotta go for it.” Kentucky’s defense struggled to stop South Carolina throughout the game, so they went for the win rather than risking another overtime period. For Kentucky, this was their biggest road comeback in program history.
The Gamecocks dominated the first quarter, and Kentucky fans did not expect this outcome. Kentucky’s comeback was especially significant because the Wildcats had previously gone 0-49 while trailing by more than 14 points under former coach Mark Stoops. Under first-year coach Will Stein, Kentucky is now 1-1 in those situations after overcoming a 17-0 deficit against South Carolina. The Wildcats will return to Kroger Field to play the LSU Tigers on October 10.
