Who’s in, who’s out for South Carolina vs. Kentucky (Week 5)
The Gamecocks (2–2, 0–2 SEC) return home hunting their first conference win, and for once, quarterback LaNorris Sellers’ status isn’t the headline. After being listed as questionable ahead of Missouri, Sellers practiced, cleared the protocol steps, and ultimately played; he’s no longer driving the intrigue around availability heading into Kentucky. ([Reuters][1])
Meanwhile, the matchup is set for prime time: kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 27 on the SEC Network—a late start tailor-made for drama and a raucous crowd. The league released the TV windows last week, and local outlets confirmed the final slot. Expect the stadium lights to hit like a stage cue. ([Southeastern Conference][2])
South Carolina’s injury picture
The SEC’s availability policy—now in its second season—means midweek status reports with updates through Friday and a final release 90 minutes before kickoff. As of the midweek report, the Gamecocks listed multiple contributors in doubt. Here’s where things stand from the most recent public updates: ([Greenville Online][3])
Doubtful
- DB Buddy Mack III
- OL Nolan Hay
- OL Cason Henry
- DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy
Questionable
- DB DQ Smith
- DB Judge Collier
Two quick context notes:
- Judge Collier, a starting corner, returned to practice early this week and is trending in the right direction, though he still carried a “questionable” label midweek. His availability swings how South Carolina can match outside with Kentucky’s bigger bodies. ([On3][4])
- LaNorris Sellers is not on the current injury list after last week’s clearance; all eyes instead shift to the secondary and the offensive line, where “doubtful” tags can quickly reshape rotations and pass-protection plans. ([Greenville Online][5])
On paper, those OL designations are the drumbeat to monitor. If Cason Henry and Nolan Hay can’t go, South Carolina may need to lean into quicker game-plan answers—tempo, moving pockets, RPOs—to protect the launch point and keep Kentucky’s front from teeing off.
Kentucky’s availability: a thin secondary and QB intrigue
Across the sideline, Kentucky will travel with several known absences and a big-name question. Here’s the latest: ([On3][6])
Out
- RB Jamarion Wilcox
- DL Nic Smith
- WR David Washington Jr.
- WR Preston Bowman
- TE Elijah Brown
Doubtful
- DB DJ Waller Jr.
Questionable
- QB Zach Calzada
- OL Aba Selm
The headline here is DJ Waller Jr. being doubtful—a significant hit to Kentucky’s secondary depth and length on the perimeter. Multiple reports also note Zach Calzada as questionable, with indications that the Wildcats will stick with Cutter Boley as the expected starter unless emergency duty calls for Calzada. That QB picture, combined with injuries to pass-catchers, could nudge Kentucky toward a heavier run-lean, ball-control script to shorten the game. ([A Sea Of Blue][7])
Why these statuses matter tactically
Under the Friday-night glare, little injuries become big chess moves.
- If Judge Collier dresses: South Carolina can stay truer to its base coverages and mix pattern-match concepts without living in help-heavy brackets. Without him, expect more safety rotation toward the boundary and selective pressures to keep timing off. ([On3][4])
- If the Gamecocks’ OL remains thin: Watch for quick game, designed QB movement, and running backs releasing as hot answers. A healthy Sellers plus tempo can neutralize a pass rush—even a good one. ([Reuters][1])
- If DJ Waller Jr. sits: South Carolina’s wideouts—especially track-blazer Nyck Harbor—get cleaner leverage looks. Deep overs and slot fades become high-value shot calls, particularly off play-action. ([A Sea Of Blue][7])
- If Kentucky leans on Cutter Boley: Expect Kentucky to protect the pocket with max-pro looks and move the launch point to keep South Carolina’s edges honest. Calzada dressing but limited would be more contingency than plan. ([A Sea Of Blue][7])
The scene you’ll feel
Williams-Brice at night hums before it howls. You’ll hear it in the metal-on-metal clatter of the gates, in the first rumble of “Sandstorm,” in the sudden intake of breath when Sellers pats the ball and looks deep. The band cuts, the crowd swells, and those doubtfuls and questionables become the silent variables everyone’s playing around. It’s not just who dresses—it’s how long they can go, and at what level, snap after snap.
Key details at a glance
- Matchup: Kentucky at South Carolina
- When: Friday, Sept. 27 — 7:45 p.m. ET (SEC Network) ([Southeastern Conference][2])
- Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.
- SEC availability policy: midweek reports (Wed–Fri) and a final update 90 minutes before kickoff. ([Greenville Online][3])
Want to track the final statuses?
Bookmark these official and reputable sources for late-week changes and the gameday final:
- SEC TV/time update for Sept. 27 slates. ([Southeastern Conference][2])
- Local TV confirmation of the 7:45 p.m. ET kickoff. ([https://www.wistv.com][8])
- Greenville News and Sports Illustrated updates on South Carolina’s availability list. ([Greenville Online][3])
- On3 reports on both programs’ midweek statuses (GamecockCentral/KSR). ([On3][4])
When the final availability drops 90 minutes before toe-meets-leather, we’ll know whether South Carolina’s secondary gets a lift and if Kentucky’s back end is missing a key piece—and that’s the difference between rolling the dice and stacking the deck in a game this tight. And yes, if you’re building your preview or betting notes, keep circling that South Carolina vs Kentucky Week 5 injury report 2025 right up until gates open.
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