The Gamecocks finished the 2017 season 10–2, 8–0 in OVC play to win the conference championship for the fourth consecutive year.[1] The Gamecocks received the OVC's automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs as the No. 3 overall seed, marking their fifth straight trip to the FCS playoffs.[2] After a bye, they were upset by Kennesaw State in the second round.[3]
On October 14, the Gamecocks won their 27th straight OVC conference game, setting the conference record for consecutive games won.[4]
Preseason
OVC media poll
On July 20, 2018, the media covering the OVC released their preseason poll with the Gamecocks predicted to win the OVC championship.[5] On July 23, the OVC released their coaches poll with the Gamecocks also predicted to become OVC champions.[6]
Media poll
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
Jacksonville State
134 (14)
2
Austin Peay
114 (1)
3
UT Martin
96
4
Tennessee State
91
5
Eastern Illinois
83
6
Eastern Kentucky
64
7
Murray State
39
8
Southeast Missouri State
35
9
Tennessee Tech
19
Coaches poll
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
Jacksonville State
126 (14)
2
Austin Peay
112 (4)
3
UT Martin
95
4
Eastern Illinois
73
5
Eastern Kentucky
69
6
Tennessee State
64
7
Southeast Missouri State
62
8
Murray State
24
9
Tennessee Tech
23
Preseason All-OVC team
The Gamecocks had six players selected to the preseason all-OVC team.[7] Defensive lineman Randy Roberinson was also selected as the preseason defensive player of the year.