Ahead of the first-ever meeting between South Carolina and Oklahoma, a look back at Shane Beamer's time in Norman
Before taking on the head coaching duties of the South Carolina football program in December of 2020, Shane Beamer spent three years as the associate head coach and tight ends coach for the Oklahoma Sooners. On Saturday, Beamer’s squad will travel to Norman, Oklahoma for the coach’s return to Memorial Stadium and the first-ever meeting on the gridiron between the Sooners and Gamecocks.
Before the new SEC rivals take the field, let’s take a look at Beamer’s time coaching in Norman.
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Former Oklahoma (and current Southern Cal) head coach Lincoln Riley spoke very highly of Beamer’s tenure in crimson and cream. Around the time South Carolina hired Beamer, Riley said he believed his top assistant was ready to lead a program. Riley also repeated the common refrains around Beamer’s ability to motivate his current players while still recruiting new talent.
Results followed his reputation as a motivator and recruiter. As evidenced by three former Sooners (quarterback Spencer Rattler, tight end Austin Stogner, and offensive lineman Aaryn Parks) transferring to Columbia, his players liked him. He also recruited at a high level, personally handling primary recruiting duties for 19 blue-chip commitments during his three seasons.
His work with the tight ends was strong, as well.
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In 2018, Beamer’s first year with the Sooners, his tight ends caught 46 passes for 752 yards and 10 touchdowns. The next season, in 2019, those numbers dipped a bit as the tight ends were used more as blockers; even still, Shane Beamer’s group caught 8 touchdowns. In 2020, the unit logged 53 receptions, 750 yards, and 9 touchdowns despite the reduced Covid schedule. Both Jeremiah Hall and Austin Stogner made All-Big 12 teams under Beamer’s tutelage.
Though he no longer coaches the position, South Carolina has had solid production from the tight end position under Beamer. In three full seasons (2021-2023), the tight end room has averaged 59 catches, 702 yards, and 5.7 touchdowns per season. Jaheim Bell and Trey Knox made All-SEC teams in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
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Now, as the headman in garnet and black, Shane Beamer will have the chance to send Oklahoma’s 2024 season spiraling. Following the matchup with USC, the Sooners play four ranked opponents (three on the road) in their final five games. Currently sitting at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in SEC play, an Oklahoma loss to South Carolina ahead of that stretch could lead to bowl ineligibility, something that hasn’t happened in Norman since 1998.
The Gamecocks have never played Oklahoma, but they have won in the Sooner State previously. Back in 1948, the Gamecocks traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma and knocked off the Golden Hurricane 27-7.
This Saturday, South Carolina football fans are hopeful that Shane Beamer will get his current team off to a 1-0 start against his former team. The Gamecocks and Sooners will kick off at 12:45 p.m. on the SEC Network.
