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The #11 Tennessee Volunteers take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, SC. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
South Carolina is favored by -2.5 points on the spread over Tennessee with a moneyline of -135. The total is set at 50.5 points.
Here’s my Tennessee vs. South Carolina prediction and college football pick for Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Tennessee vs South Carolina Prediction
- Tennessee vs. South Carolina Pick: South Carolina 1Q ML -125
My South Carolina vs. Tennessee best bet is on the Gamecocks to be leading the game after 15 minutes. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Tennessee vs South Carolina Odds
| Tennessee Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -112 | 50.5 -112o / -108u | +110 |
| South Carolina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -108 | 50.5 -112o / -108u | -135 |
- Tennessee vs South Carolina point spread: South Carolina -2.5 (-108), Tennessee +2.5 (-112)
- Tennessee vs South Carolina over/under: 50.5 (-112o / -108u)
- Tennessee vs South Carolina moneyline: Tennessee +110, South Carolina -135
Tennessee vs South Carolina College Football Preview
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview: The Hot Hand
A glorious third Saturday in October brought the Volunteers a home victory over Alabama. Tennessee averaged more than a yard per play while stuffing 57% of the Crimson Tide rushing attempts.
QB George MacIntyre continues to be a safe option for the offense, failing to commit a turnover-worthy play against Alabama, bringing his season number to a 1.1% mistake rate on 85 drop backs.
Tennessee generated twice the national average in methodical drives, defined as an offensive possession to have at least 10 plays.
While the offense continues to be a heavy rush unit with DeSean Bishop, the biggest part of the victory falls on coordinator Jim Knowles' defense.
The Volunteers' defensive front has manhandled the offensive lines of Texas and Alabama this season, ranking as the third-best havoc unit in FBS.
Opponents that fall into passing downs have experienced nightmares from Tennessee's pass rush and coverage.
Defensive interior lineman Xavier Gilliam leads the team in pressures, while edge Tyree Weathersby leads in sacks. The Volunteers grade as one of the best coverage units nationally, led by three interceptions from safety Dejuan Lane and three pass breakups from corner Ty Redmond.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview: Success Hinges on Defensive Improvement
A strange season headed in a downward spiral all changed before the bye week for South Carolina. The Gamecocks lost three consecutive games against Mississippi State, Alabama and Kentucky through Week 5, posing questions about head coach Shane Beamer's job security.
There were signs of life in the losses, though, as the Gamecocks posted a 72% post-game win expectancy against the Wildcats.
Thanks to three turnovers from the Gators and a five-touchdown effort from quarterback LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina boat raced Florida in Week 6 before a needed bye week.
Despite the final score, Florida did move the ball successfully against South Carolina. The Gamecocks allowed 5.2 yards per play, but three red zone attempts from the Gators produced a single touchdown.
South Carolina has struggled in defensive finishing drives all season, as 30 opponent possessions crossing the 40-yard line have resulted in an average of 4.2 points.
The Gamecocks have severe issues against the pass, using primarily quarters coverage to the tune of a 41% success rate.
A rank of 125th in pass EPA indicates that opponents have thrived on the air attack against South Carolina.
Tennessee vs South Carolina Pick, Betting Analysis
There's no denial of the situational spot for South Carolina, as it's fresh off a bye week and playing a Tennessee team that beat a century old rival.
Early week investors were quick to erase South Carolina numbers off the board, as resistance came in the market with Tennessee at +2.5.
The Action Network projects this game with the Volunteers as a field goal favorite, indicating the market has baked in the spot to the point spread.
Tennessee has started slow in games this season, failing to score in the first quarter during the last road trip to Arkansas and just a touchdown at Georgia Tech. The first quarter is the lowest offensive scoring output and differential for the Volunteers.
A fresh South Carolina team can take advantage with the inside zone read run concept. The Gamecocks use a heavy amount of inside zone with 11 personnel in a light six man box, utilizing running back Matt Fuller, who's averaging 4.5 yards after first contact.
Sellers has 13 rushing gains of at least 10 yards while producing nearly 200 yards on designed calls.
Tennessee has been successful against most run concepts with the exception of inside zone and a light box. The Volunteers have a 30% success rate against inside zone with six players in the box, signaling that Sellers will be able to attack a vulnerable defense.
Look for South Carolina to have success early on offense through Sellers and the uptempo preference of coordinator Kendal Briles.
Pick: South Carolina 1Q ML -125 | Matt Fuller Anytime TD -160
