Two key players are poised to return for South Carolina just in time for the start of SEC play.
Star edge rusher Dylan Stewart and talented newcomer offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak were listed as probable to play Saturday's conference opener against Mississippi State on the SEC availability report published Wednesday night.
Stewart, a former freshman All-American and All-SEC selection with 11 sacks over the past two seasons, is considered one of the top draft-eligible defensive prospects in college football. ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid predicted him to go in the top 10 in a recent mock draft.
Stewart injured his back last year and has been slowly working his way back to full availability. He did not play in South Carolina's first two games -- lopsided wins over Kent State and Towson.
Peak, a top offensive lineman in the transfer portal this past offseason, has not played yet this season, either.
The former honorable mention All-ACC pick at NC State injured a knee shortly after joining the Gamecocks in February.