Few teams in South Carolina enter the 2026 season with as much talent as Byrnes. Head coach Reggie Shaw begins his 10th season leading the Rebels, and despite graduating quarterback Caine Rogers and defensive lineman Justice Hopkins, expectations remain sky-high in Duncan.
The biggest reason is the amount of star power returning. Senior Tre Segarra, an LSU commit, is back after rushing for more than 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, giving Byrnes one of the state’s most explosive running backs. Senior Chainin Harris, a Syracuse commit, returns at wide receiver after catching 44 passes for over 600 yards and seven touchdowns, and he’ll be joined by a deep receiving corps that includes Isiah Robinson, Nic Watson, and Mason Stevens.
Another player to watch is Jacoby Fuller. Expect to see him all over the field. Whether it’s at running back, wide receiver, or another offensive role, the Rebels plan to find ways to get the ball in the hands of one of their most dynamic athletes.
Defensively, senior Aidyn Wiggins, an Auburn commit, is back to lead the secondary. Overall, Byrnes has three players ranked among the top 10 seniors in South Carolina, giving the Rebels as much high-end talent as anyone in the state.
The biggest questions entering the season are up front. Byrnes must replace key contributors on both the offensive and defensive lines, meaning several young players will be counted on to grow up quickly.
Quarterback is another storyline to follow throughout preseason camp. Junior Walker Burdette and Riverside transfer senior Gideon Merhib are battling to replace Rogers as the Rebels’ next starting quarterback.
The offense will also have a new look with Shuler Bentley taking over as offensive coordinator. Bentley is a former Byrnes state champion and the son of longtime coach Bobby Bentley, bringing both familiarity and a fresh perspective to the Rebels’ offense.
One of the biggest changes for Byrnes this season comes with realignment. The Rebels are no longer in a region with longtime rivals Spartanburg, Dorman, and Gaffney. Instead, Byrnes has been grouped with several Greenville County schools, creating a much different region than fans have grown accustomed to. Even with the new alignment, the Rebels made sure to keep Spartanburg, Dorman, and Gaffney on the schedule as non-region games, preserving three of the Upstate’s best rivalries while continuing to test themselves against some of South Carolina’s top programs before region play begins.
Shaw likes what he’s seen from his team throughout the offseason.
“We’re excited about the 2026 year. We’ve had a great offseason in the weight room, in the classroom and on the practice field. We have a talented group coming back and we have an exciting schedule. We’ll be playing some of the best competition in North Carolina and South Carolina. Can’t wait to see my Rebels on the field.”
2026 Schedule
Aug. 21 – Independence (NC)
Aug. 28 – at Dorman
Sept. 11 – vs. Greer
Sept. 18 – at Spartanburg
Sept. 25 – vs. Gaffney
Oct. 2 – at Hillcrest*
Oct. 9 – vs. Mauldin*
Oct. 16 – at Woodmont*
Oct. 23 – vs. J.L. Mann*
Oct. 30 – at Eastside*
*Region
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