Tennessee suffers brutal upset after South Carolina’s last-second field goal

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In a stunning finish at Williams-Brice Stadium, No. 11 Tennessee suffered a 27-24 loss to South Carolina on Saturday as Malik Orsan converted a 48-yard field goal on the final play. The defeat dropped the Volunteers to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in SEC play, while the Gamecocks improved to 4-3 and 2-3 in conference action.

Tennessee entered the contest after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide the previous week but could not maintain that momentum. The Volunteers fell behind 14-0 before recovering to take a 21-17 advantage into halftime. They extended their lead to 24-17 in the fourth quarter, putting themselves in position to secure another conference win.

However, Tennessee’s offense missed a golden opportunity to protect its lead. Head coach Josh Heupel decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 rather than attempt to run down the clock. South Carolina’s defense stopped quarterback George MacIntyre for a one-yard loss, giving the hosts another chance to get back into the contest.

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The Gamecocks eventually leveled the score at 24-24 with 1:17 remaining. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers completed the scoring drive with a four-yard touchdown run, capping a performance in which he finished with 210 passing yards, 96 rushing yards and three total touchdowns, including two on the ground.

The Volunteers still had an opportunity to respond, but their next possession ended in disaster. Defensive lineman Dylan Stewart sacked MacIntyre and forced a fumble, which Tomiwa Durojaiye recovered at Tennessee’s 34-yard line with 33 seconds remaining.

South Carolina then moved into position for the game-winning kick. Despite a false-start penalty that pushed the Gamecocks out of field-goal range, Sellers helped the offense recover enough ground to set up Orsan’s attempt. The kicker connected from 48 yards as time ran out, clinching the victory and setting off a wild celebration as South Carolina supporters flooded the field.

SOUTH CAROLINA WALKS IT OFF TO UPSET NO. 11 TENNESSEE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qdWhSdLBir

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 24, 2026

Penalties also proved costly for the Volunteers throughout the matchup. Tennessee committed 12 infractions for 90 yards, while three touchdowns were wiped out by flags. One holding penalty erased a MacIntyre touchdown pass that could have given the Volunteers a two-score advantage before the Gamecocks late comeback.

The loss also continued Tennessee’s woeful run at Williams-Brice Stadium, where the Volunteers have won only twice in their last nine visits. The result leaves the Volunteers with less room for error in their pursuit of a College Football Playoff spot, with four regular-season games remaining.

Tennessee will have an off week before returning to action against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium on November 7.

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