The 1970 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. The team was led by fifth-year head coach Paul Dietzel and played home games at Carolina Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
South Carolina attempted to defend their 1969 ACC title, in their final year in the conference, but were held back by injuries. The Gamecocks compiled an overall record of 4âÂÂ6âÂÂ1 with a mark of 3âÂÂ2âÂÂ1 in conference play, placing fourth in the ACC. The victory over Clemson left senior quarterback Tommy Suggs with a 3âÂÂ0 record against the Tigers, which remains the best record any Gamecock quarterback has had in the rivalry.
Athletic director and head football coach Paul Dietzel also signed the first black athlete to a football scholarship in 1970, after having mandated the recruitment of black athletes in all sports.