Jacksonville State's spring game wasn't just about football—it was about steaks. The annual scrimmage at AmFirst Stadium came with delicious stakes: a steak dinner for the winning team and beanie weenies for the losers. The White team claimed the prime rib, holding on for a tight 17-13 victory, sealed dramatically by senior safety Caleb Nix with a game-ending interception.

Beyond the final score and the post-game menu, the game offered a crucial first look at the 2026 Gamecocks. Here are the three key storylines emerging from the spring session.

First, the deep ball is back in play. Redshirt junior quarterback Caden Creel, who established himself as a dynamic runner last season, showcased a significantly improved vertical passing attack. He launched two first-quarter touchdown bombs—a 74-yarder to transfer Darius Cannon and a 55-yard strike to Bryson Roullier. This development is critical for an offense looking to become more balanced and explosive. Creel himself acknowledged the focused offseason work, stating, "It has gotten better, but it’s still not where it needs to be. I was impressed with what we did today vertically."

Second, a star receiver is ready to shine. Redshirt junior Deondre Johnson, who stands at a towering 6-foot-8, continued his late-season surge from 2025. He hauled in a 64-yard touchdown from backup Jack Moran, reminding everyone of his game-breaking ability. After averaging a staggering 26 yards per catch over the final seven games last year, Johnson is poised to be Creel's primary deep threat, adding a new dimension to the passing game that defenses must respect.

Finally, the running game is evolving by committee. With the departure of national rushing leader Cam Cook, Jacksonville State faces the challenge of replacing over 1,600 yards on the ground. The answer won't be a single workhorse. Redshirt sophomore Khristian Lando emphasized a collective approach, stating, "All of us have to be able to produce." This signals a shift towards a more diversified backfield, where multiple runners will share the load to keep the ground attack potent and unpredictable.

While a spring game is just a snapshot, the takeaways are clear: a more balanced offense led by an improved Creel, a legitimate big-play threat in Johnson, and a new philosophy in the backfield. For Gamecocks fans, it's an exciting preview of a team building on its identity for the fall campaign.