DALLAS — South Carolina offensive lineman Nolan Hay earned Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honors after helping the Gamecocks defeat No. 11 Tennessee, 27–24.

The Football Writers Association of America announced the recognition October 27 for games played during the weekend of October 24. Hay helped South Carolina produce 344 total yards against a Tennessee defense that entered the matchup leading the SEC in scoring defense.

He becomes the second Gamecock to receive the weekly honor, following guard Torricelli Simpkins III in November 2024. The recognition also adds Hay to the Outland Trophy watch list.

Hay Leads South Carolina’s Offensive Line

Hay, a 6-foot-3, 328-pound fifth-year player from Katy, Texas, earned a team-leading grade of 91 from South Carolina’s coaches among offensive linemen who played at least 50 snaps.

Working at center, he helped the Gamecocks finish with 210 passing yards and 134 rushing yards. South Carolina averaged 5.5 yards per play, the highest average allowed by Tennessee this season, according to the FWAA announcement.

The Gamecocks’ 27 points were also the most scored against the Volunteers this season. Tennessee entered the game allowing 14.7 points per game, ranking 11th nationally.

Protection Helps Sellers Deliver

Quarterback LaNorris Sellers accounted for 306 total yards behind Hay and the offensive line, throwing for 210 yards and rushing for another 96.

Sellers contributed three touchdowns, including two rushing scores. According to the release, it was only the second time this season that Tennessee had allowed an opponent to score multiple rushing touchdowns.

Hay also received SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week recognition for his performance.

Versatility Across the Line

Hay has worked at both left guard and center for South Carolina, making seven starts this season. His ability to move between positions has provided flexibility along the Gamecocks’ offensive front.

He transferred to South Carolina from Incarnate Word in summer 2025 after previously spending two seasons at Houston Christian. During his first season in Columbia, Hay appeared in four games and made two starts while preserving a redshirt year.

An injury sidelined him for multiple games, but he returned to start the 2025 season finale against Clemson. He has already earned his undergraduate degree at South Carolina.

Outland Trophy Selection Dates Ahead

The FWAA is scheduled to announce the Outland Trophy semifinalists November 18 and the three finalists November 24.

The 2026 winner will be announced December 11 during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN. The formal trophy presentation is scheduled for January 27, 2027, at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska.

Established in 1946, the Outland Trophy recognizes college football’s outstanding interior lineman. Offensive and defensive interior linemen are eligible; ends and edge rushers are not.

South Carolina has never had an Outland Trophy winner.

The award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association, which includes many of the sport’s leading individual honors.

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