In a thrilling Week 3 matchup, Columbia South Carolina narrowly defeated Columbus Ohio State with a final score of 45-38. This victory keeps Columbia on an upward trajectory in the 2026 season, while Columbus will need to regroup after a hard-fought battle at home. Leading the charge for Columbia was quarterback Cam Newton, who put on an impressive display with 337 passing yards and threw four touchdown passes. His ability to connect downfield was pivotal, helping the team capitalize on key moments throughout the game. On the other side, Columbus's Quinshon Judkins showcased his talent with 99 rushing yards, while Denzel Boston emerged as a receiving threat, racking up 168 yards and keeping the pressure on Columbia's secondary. Defensively, Columbia South Carolina's Nic Scourton stood out with a crucial sack that helped shift momentum in the second half. However, it was Columbus's Tyson Campbell who logged the most tackles with eight, trying to contain the explosive Columbia offense. The turning point came when Scourton's pressure forced a critical turnover, allowing Columbia to regain control and ultimately secure the win.