When the University of South Carolina Gamecocks crushed Coastal Carolina 51-7 on November 22, 2025, fans cheered—but they also held their breath. Two of the team’s most dangerous players, junior wide receiver Nyck Harbor and sophomore EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart, were missing. Neither had played since the heartbreaker loss to Texas A&M on November 15, and both had been on the injury report for weeks. But here’s the thing: head coach Shane Beamer didn’t just give a vague update. He gave a guarantee.
Two Stars, Two Injuries, One Clear Path Back
Nyck Harbor, the 6-foot-5 receiver who’s been South Carolina’s most reliable big-play threat this season, didn’t just tweak a muscle against Texas A&M—he was hospitalized. The chest injury, sustained in a hard collision during the final minutes of that 31-30 defeat, left him breathing uncomfortably for hours. "He spent the night in the hospital," Beamer said after the Coastal Carolina win. "We didn’t want to take any chances. He ran well on Tuesday, but we’re not rushing him." Harbor’s stats tell the story: 24 catches, 503 yards, five touchdowns. His 102-yard, one-touchdown performance against Texas A&M was his best of the year—and his last.
Dylan Stewart’s issue was different. More of a slow burn. He’d been questionable for the Ole Miss game after aggravating a lingering shoulder/rib strain. He practiced sparingly all week leading up to Coastal Carolina, but never felt right. "He’s got that nagging thing that flares up," Beamer explained. "We pushed him through limited reps, but he’s not 100%. And we’re not asking him to be." Stewart, in his second season, had become the Gamecocks’ most disruptive defender: 31 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. His ability to collapse the edge was a key reason South Carolina held opponents under 20 points in six of their last seven games.
Why They Sat—and Why It Matters
Some might question sitting two starters against a Sun Belt opponent like Coastal Carolina. But Beamer’s logic was simple: "This isn’t about Coastal Carolina. This is about Clemson." The rivalry game on November 29, 2025, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, isn’t just another game. It’s the Palmetto Bowl. It’s the final regular-season contest. It’s the game that defines whether South Carolina finishes 8-4 or 7-5—and whether the program can build momentum into bowl season.
"We’ve got two guys who can change the game," Beamer said. "And we’re not risking them for a 51-7 win. We’re saving them for the 51-7 game we all know is coming." The irony? South Carolina didn’t miss Harbor and Stewart. Quarterback Carson Beck spread the ball to 10 different receivers. The defense, led by linebacker Malik Grant, held Coastal Carolina to just 174 total yards. The depth was there. But depth doesn’t replace elite talent. Not in a rivalry game.
The Clemson Factor
Clemson University, the ACC powerhouse founded in 1889, comes into the game at 9-2. They’ve got a top-10 offense, a dynamic quarterback in Drake Maye, and a defense that’s improved dramatically since early October. But they’ve never beaten South Carolina in Columbia since 2017. And this year? The Gamecocks have the talent. They’ve got the swagger. They’ve got Harbor’s route-running precision and Stewart’s pass-rush terror.
"If both are healthy," said former Gamecocks defensive coordinator Clint Trickett, now an analyst for SEC Network, "this is the most dangerous South Carolina defense Clemson’s seen in a decade. Harbor? He’s the guy who can turn a 7-yard slant into a 60-yard touchdown against Clemson’s zone coverage. That’s the kind of play that breaks a defense’s spirit."
What’s Next
Practice reports from South Carolina’s training facility on November 24 indicate both Harbor and Stewart are participating in full-contact drills for the first time since their injuries. Beamer said they’ll be evaluated daily, but the tone is clear: they’re on track. The Gamecocks (7-4) are no longer just hoping for a winning season. They’re aiming for a statement. A win over Clemson would make them bowl-eligible for the fourth straight year—and give Beamer his third straight victory in the rivalry.
"We’re not just playing for a trophy," said senior captain Isaiah Wynn. "We’re playing for the whole state. And if Nyck and Dylan are out there Saturday? That’s the kind of night that gets remembered."
Background: The Palmetto Bowl Legacy
The rivalry between University of South Carolina and Clemson University dates back to 1896—making it one of the oldest in the South. The Gamecocks lead the all-time series 45-40-2, but Clemson has dominated the last 20 years, winning 15 of the last 18 meetings. Still, the last three games in Columbia have been decided by a combined 10 points. The 2023 game ended in a 28-27 South Carolina win on a last-second field goal. The 2024 game? A 31-24 Clemson victory after a late interception. This year? Everything’s on the line.
SEC Network will broadcast the game at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on November 29, 2025. The stadium will be packed. The state will be watching. And for the first time in weeks, South Carolina fans can finally breathe easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious were Nyck Harbor’s injuries, and why did he need to be hospitalized?
Harbor suffered a chest contusion and possible rib bruising after a hard hit during the Texas A&M game on November 15, 2025. He experienced difficulty breathing and was monitored overnight for signs of internal injury. While not a fracture or pneumothorax, the severity warranted precautionary hospitalization—a decision that delayed his return but ensured he wouldn’t risk long-term damage ahead of the Clemson game.
What impact does Dylan Stewart’s return have on South Carolina’s defense?
Stewart’s presence transforms South Carolina’s edge pressure. With his 4.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, he forces quarterbacks to step up into the pocket, disrupting Clemson’s rhythm. Without him, the Gamecocks relied on blitz packages that left them vulnerable to quick passes. His return allows defensive coordinator Travis Bush to use more base looks and focus on containing Clemson’s star receiver, Jaylen Wright.
Why is this game so important for Coach Shane Beamer’s program?
Beamer is 1-2 against Clemson in his tenure. A win on November 29 would give him his first two-game winning streak in the rivalry and solidify his legacy as the coach who finally turned the tide in Columbia. It would also make South Carolina bowl-eligible for the fourth straight year—a first in the program since 2011—and likely earn them a New Year’s Six bowl bid if they finish 8-4.
How did South Carolina’s offense manage without Nyck Harbor against Coastal Carolina?
Quarterback Carson Beck spread the ball to 10 different receivers, led by sophomore Malik Jones (7 catches, 112 yards) and freshman Tyrell Williams (3 TDs). The offensive line also dominated, giving Beck time to find open targets. But it was a temporary fix—Harbor’s ability to stretch the field vertically and draw double coverage is irreplaceable, especially against Clemson’s aggressive secondary.
What’s the historical significance of the Palmetto Bowl?
First played in 1896, the Palmetto Bowl is the oldest rivalry in the Carolinas and one of the most passionate in college football. The two schools are only 135 miles apart, and the game divides families, workplaces, and even churches. South Carolina leads the all-time series 45-40-2, but Clemson held a 15-3 advantage from 2000 to 2020. Recent games have been tight, with the last three decided by a total of 10 points.
Will both Harbor and Stewart be fully healthy by game day?
Coach Beamer confirmed on November 25 that both players are on track for full participation in Friday’s final practice. While they may wear protective gear, there’s no indication of a snap count restriction. If they’re cleared Friday afternoon, they’ll start Saturday. The medical staff has given them a clean bill of health based on symptom resolution and full-speed drills.
