The SEC’s new weekly availability reports add transparency, and this week they highlight just how banged up Kentucky and South Carolina are heading into Saturday’s showdown. The injury report was introduced last year to provide clarity for each team heading into the game day. A team previously was not required to disclose an injury, though they often did. Now though they must list all players on the injury report.
The first availability report for Kentucky-South Carolina is live. Both teams are dealing with injuries in the secondary but the Gamecocks are banged up in the trenches.https://t.co/ho9U20aJKH pic.twitter.com/r4X6X4wwi1
— KSR (@KSRonX) September 25, 2025
Kentucky’s report
Out: RB Jamarion Wilcox, DL Nic Smith, WR David Washington Jr., TE Elijah Brown, WR Preston Bowman
Doubtful: CB DJ Waller Jr.
Questionable: QB Zach Calzada, OL Aba Selm
Redshirt freshman Cutter Boley will start at quarterback, with Beau Allen potentially backing him up as Zach Calzada is still recovering. Losing Waller looms large in a secondary already thin after allowing over 300 passing yards to Eastern Michigan and Wilcox is still out with personal reasons.
South Carolina’s report
Doubtful: DB Buddy Mack III, OL Nolan Hay, OL Cason Henry, DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy
Questionable: DB DQ Smith, DB Judge Collier
The Gamecocks are also dealing with secondary concerns, not ideal with Kentucky’s ground-heavy approach looking to open play-action shots. They look to be in better shape than Kentucky is though, and that could be a massive win for the Gamecocks.
What It means
If Waller is out, Kentucky’s defensive backs must play above their weight against QB LaNorris Sellers, who threw for over 300 yards last week in a loss to Missouri. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s patchwork offensive line may struggle to keep Sellers upright against a Kentucky team that has gotten consistent pressure this year. this could lead to some big runs for Sellers if Kentucky doesn't stay in the gaps though.
The war of attrition could define this one just as much as scheme. It may come down to a single mistake and cost either team a win that both need.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion