The 1996 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina as a member of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1996 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by third-year head coach Brad Scott, the Gamecocks compiled an overall record of 6âÂÂ5 with a mark of 4âÂÂ4 in conference play, placing third in the SEC's Eastern Division. The team played home games at WilliamsâÂÂBrice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
South Carolina's season was highlighted by an upset over win over rival No. 22 Clemson on the road in the season finale. It was the Gamecocks' third victory against the Tigers in five years. Running back Duce Staley had the fourth highest single-season rushing total in program history to that point.