South Carolina assistant Travian Robertson returns to practice after serious car accident

South Carolina defensive line coach Travian Robertson has returned to practice following a serious car accident in August. His injuries kept him away from coaching his team regularly for nearly three months.

“This field feels different when you’ve fought to stand on it again,” Robertson said on social media, alongside him coaching his players through drills. “Thankful for grace, strength, and second chances.”

This field feels different when you’ve fought to stand on it again. Thankful for grace, strength, and second chances💪🏾🤙🏾 pic.twitter.com/mFaPzIEMqk

— Travian Robertson (@ROBERTSON_9TWO) November 13, 2025

The accident occurred on the morning of Aug. 22 — roughly a week before the season opener — and resulted in a two-week hospital stay for Robertson. Robertson has been watching practice from afar, and has been working his way back to coaching the Gamecocks’ defensive line.

The accident was a deadly one, as the other driver involved in the accident lost their life at the scene. South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that the other driver had crossed the median into oncoming traffic before the crash.

“We expect him to make a full recovery and be back out on the field soon,” the university said in a statement at the time. “Please keep the families of those involved in the accident in your prayers and respect the Robertson family’s privacy during this time.”

Jordan Dove, a former student manager who has quickly worked his way up the ranks and onto the Gamecocks’ coaching staff, was tasked with filling in coaching the defensive line during his absence. Now, Robertson appears poised to take the sidelines alongside the program for the first time during the 2025 regular season. Dove will likely move back into his role as a defensive assistant.

Robertson, a former defensive lineman himself for the Gamecocks from 2007-2011, before becoming a seventh-round draft pick with the Atlanta Falcons. He is currently in his third season coaching under Shane Beamer, as he has been the defensive line coach at South Carolina since the 2023 season.

If he is able to take the field, Robertson will be on-hand for the Gamecocks’ Week 12 road matchup against No. 3 Texas A&M. The Aggies are currently 9-0, and the Gamecocks, who are currently 3-6 overall, can’t afford another loss this season or they’ll lose out on their bowl eligibility.

Kickoff is set for Noon ET. ESPN will air the national broadcast. After that, the Gamecocks will round out their regular season against in-state foes Coastal Carolina and Clemson.