South Carolina’s loss to Alabama left Patrick DiMarco and Whit Merrifield with plenty of questions.On this episode of Hit Stick, the former NFL and MLB standouts break down what went wrong for the Gamecocks against Alabama, including the lack of energy and defensive pressure, LaNorris Sellers’ struggles, the fourth-down decisions, South Carolina’s receiver production and the Dylan Stewart situation.Patrick and Whit also dig into a bigger question: does Shane Beamer need to identify the players he can truly build around for the rest of the season?Plus, they look ahead to a critical matchup with Kentucky and explain why there is still time for South Carolina to turn its season around.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://sandstormtequila.com/?utm_source=hitstick&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fall2026 and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21+.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

From sixth-string walk-on to Steve Spurrier's final starting quarterback at South Carolina. Perry Orth joins Hit Stick to share his incredible Gamecocks journey, the untold stories behind his rise to QB1, and his perspective on LaNorris Sellers.Former NFL fullback Patrick DiMarco and former MLB All-Star Whit Merrifield welcome Perry Orth for an exclusive conversation about his South Carolina football career, playing for Steve Spurrier, overcoming the odds as a walk-on, and the work it took to become a starting quarterback in the SEC.Orth reveals how he climbed the Gamecocks' depth chart, what Spurrier was really like behind the scenes, and the surreal moment he realized he had become South Carolina's QB1. He also shares stories about working landscaping jobs and at Publix while pursuing his football dream, his favorite Gamecocks teammates, and the day he learned Spurrier was stepping away.Plus, Perry offers his perspective on LaNorris Sellers' development, quarterback preparation, handling pressure, and what it takes to succeed under center at South Carolina.Before the interview, Patrick and Whit react to the Gamecocks' loss to Mississippi State, discuss Sellers' performance and the possibility of using Cutter Woods, and examine what South Carolina needs to address ahead of its matchup with Alabama.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://www.sandstormtequila.com and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

The real season starts this week.Patrick DiMarco and Whit Merrifield are back and break down South Carolina’s first SEC test against Mississippi State, what they saw from the Gamecocks through the first two games, and what needs to change as the competition ramps up.The guys discuss LaNorris Sellers’ confidence and arm talent, the exchange with Mazeo Bennett, South Carolina’s offensive approach, the impact of potentially getting Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak back, and why Mississippi State shouldn’t be overlooked.Then Gamecock defenders Drew Collins, Quay’Sheed Scott and Jaquel Holman join the HitStick to talk about their journeys to South Carolina, life inside the program, Williams-Brice Stadium, competing in practice, the Gamecocks’ defensive culture and much more.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://www.sandstormtequila.com and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.Kick off football season with RSH Décor to create an outdoor space you'll love. Visit https://rshdecor.com/pages/gamecocks to shop for premium outdoor furniture and accessories, or call (864) 438-3676 to talk with our team about finding the perfect furniture for your home, business, or tailgating setup.

Why did Seth Smith choose South Carolina?The Gamecocks offensive lineman joins Jimmy & Joe’s to talk about his journey to Columbia, his first experience inside Williams-Brice Stadium, making the jump from the Big Sky to the SEC, and how South Carolina’s offensive line is coming together.Smith takes us through his football story — from growing up in Texas and Arizona to starting football in high school, developing at Northern Arizona, entering the transfer portal and ultimately finding a new home with the Gamecocks.He also breaks down what makes playing offensive line at the SEC level so difficult, the details fans may never notice on TV, South Carolina’s intense preparation, his relationship with the Gamecocks coaching staff and the mentality inside the offensive line room.Plus, Seth discusses his NFL aspirations, life after football, the importance of overcoming adversity and his message to Gamecock fans as SEC play approaches.Sponsored by 360 Clean: https://360clean.com/Presented by Sling: https://www.sling.com/Kick off football season with RSH Décor to create an outdoor space you'll love. Visit https://rshdecor.com/pages/gamecocks to shop for premium outdoor furniture and accessories, or call (864) 438-3676 to talk with our team about finding the perfect furniture for your home, business, or tailgating setup.

South Carolina football is chasing history — and Christian Clark and Kendall Daniels believe this Gamecocks team has what it takes to do something special.Christian Clark and Kendall Daniels join former NFL fullback Patrick DiMarco and former MLB All-Star Whit Merrifield on Hit Stick to talk Gamecock football, why they chose South Carolina, Shane Beamer and the program's culture, the competition inside the running back room, Torrian Gray's defense, special teams, summer workouts and their goals for the season.Clark explains why transferring to South Carolina became a no-brainer and why he believes the Gamecocks have a chance to accomplish something the program hasn't experienced in a long time. Daniels talks about his development in the secondary, learning under Torrian Gray and finding every possible way to help the Gamecocks win.Plus, Patrick and Whit break down South Carolina's strong start to the season, offensive improvement, the running game, NCAA eligibility rules, the importance of special teams and more.Later, Christian and Kendall reveal some of the team's most competitive offseason activities, discuss South Carolina's move to Nike and talk about their personal goals — including Clark's ambition to become an All-American and help build the best running back room in college football.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://www.sandstormtequila.com and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

South Carolina football’s new-look offensive line takes center stage on Hit Stick as former MLB and NFL players Whit Merrifield and Patrick DiMarco sit down with Gamecock offensive linemen Hank Purvis and Carter Miller.Purvis and Miller open up about why they chose South Carolina, building chemistry with a completely new offensive line, the culture inside the Gamecocks locker room, preparing for SEC football and what they're expecting from their first season at Williams-Brice Stadium.The guys also get into which South Carolina defenders are the toughest to block, Carter’s 30-pound transformation, the Gamecocks’ favorite Columbia food spots, Hank’s tattooing hobby, golf inside the football facility and plenty more.Before the interview, Whit and Patrick get ready for game week, preview South Carolina’s offensive line and attempt to match SEC football programs with professional golfers — including comparisons for South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.Subscribe for more South Carolina athletics, exclusive Gamecocks interviews and new episodes of Hit Stick.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://www.sandstormtequila.com and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

South Carolina strength coach Luke Day joins Whit Merrifield and Patrick DiMarco on Hit Stick for an inside look at the mentality, preparation and standard driving Gamecock Football.Day breaks down what he calls South Carolina’s “merciless march” through the summer, why the Gamecocks’ best players are being challenged harder than ever, and why this team feels different heading into the season. He also tells the story of how he landed the job with Shane Beamer, explains why 97% of strength coaching has little to do with sets and reps, and takes Whit and Patrick inside South Carolina’s demanding offseason program.Plus, Day dives into NIL and the transfer portal, developing players versus simply using their talent, why South Carolina still “runs like it’s the ’90s,” balancing sports science with toughness, preparing players to handle fatigue, and the Gamecocks he believes fans should be watching this season.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://www.sandstormtequila.com and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

South Carolina legend Connor Shaw joins the Hit Stick Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the era that changed Gamecock football forever.Shaw looks back on choosing South Carolina, playing quarterback for Steve Spurrier, competing in one of college football's toughest environments, going 17–0 at Williams-Brice Stadium, the Clemson rivalry, the unforgettable 2012 win over Georgia, his NFL journey and the lessons he learned along the way. Shaw calls the 2012 Georgia showdown his favorite game from his South Carolina career.Connor also opens up about one of the most significant moments of his life: suffering sudden cardiac arrest while coaching flag football. He shares what he remembers from that day, the CPR and AED response that helped save his life, how the experience changed his perspective and the new purpose he has found through Heart Huddle.Plus, Connor shares stories about Steve Spurrier's legendary coaching style, the quarterback room, Clemson, life in the NFL, Johnny Manziel, fatherhood, today's Gamecocks and why South Carolina will always mean so much to him.Presented by 360 Clean: https://360clean.com/

South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White joins former Gamecocks Whit Merrifield and Patrick DiMarco for the premiere of Hit Stick.White goes inside South Carolina football to explain the story behind the Gamecocks’ wristbands against Tennessee, Dylan Stewart’s emergence, recruiting in the transfer portal era, game-week preparation, PFF and analytics, Williams-Brice Stadium and the identity behind his defense.Before Clayton joins the show, Whit and Patrick break down the biggest questions surrounding South Carolina football, Shane Beamer, LaNorris Sellers, the offensive line, Nike, NIL, the transfer portal and the changing landscape of college athletics.Clayton also shares how he landed the South Carolina job without having previously met Shane Beamer, his favorite Gamecock wins, some of his most memorable recruiting stories, the toughest offenses he has prepared for, the players who left the biggest impact on him and why South Carolina’s defensive philosophy comes down to one simple phrase: “Put the ball down.”Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://www.sandstormtequila.com and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

South Carolina offensive lineman Buu Nnabugwu opens up about his journey from West Baltimore to the SEC, overcoming a serious leg injury, being overlooked at smaller programs and continuing to chase his NFL dream.In this episode of Jimmy and Joes, Buu explains why offensive line is one of the hardest positions in football, what attracted him to Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, and how his younger brother motivates him to set the right example every day.From Delaware State to Missouri State and now South Carolina, Nnabugwu’s journey has been powered by discipline, resilience and an unwavering belief in himself. He also discusses working with offensive line coach Randy Clements, the identity of the Gamecocks’ offensive line, his dream NIL partnership, pursuing his master’s degree and inspiring the next generation.Presented by 360Clean: https://360clean.com/