| Year: | 1966 |
| Team: | South Carolina Gamecocks |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Atlantic Coast Conference |
| Short Conf: | ACC |
| Record: | 1–9 |
| Conf Record: | 1–3 |
| Head Coach: | Paul Dietzel |
| Hc Year: | 1st |
| Captain: | Bobby Bryant |
| Stadium: | Carolina Stadium |
The 1966 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 1966 NCAA University Division football season. Led by first-year head coach Paul Dietzel, the Gamecocks compiled an overall record of 1–9 with a mark of 1–3 in conference play, placing seventh in the ACC. The team played home games at Carolina Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
Dietzel, who had coached LSU to a national championship in 1958 and Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles in 1958 and 1961, became South Carolina's coach after four seasons at Army. Dietzel's first game leading the Gamecocks was on the road against his former team, LSU, with the Tigers winning, 28–12. Dietzel had suggested that LSU should schedule a four-game series with South Carolina when he was still the Tigers' head coach.[1]
Dietzel's first season also saw the introduction of the gamecock logo to South Carolina's helmets, and it has remained almost continuously ever since.[2] [3]
In South Carolina's only win of the season, against NC State, defensive back and team captain Bobby Bryant returned a punt 98 yards for a touchdown, setting a program record for longest punt return.[4]