The wheels fell off the 2015 season for the South Carolina Gamecocks weeks ago, so naturally the focus has shifted away from the present to the future of the program.

Speculation on the next head coach is already well underway, but who will be taking the snaps at quarterback when the Gamecocks play at Vanderbilt in next year’s Sept. 1 season opener?

The new coach probably will throw open the competition, and that brings true freshmen and graduate transfers into the mix as well.

Let’s look at the contenders:

Connor Mitch — He won the job at the start of the season, drawing high praise from then-coach Steve Spurrier. He struggled in the season-opening win against North Carolina then hurt his shoulder in the first half against Kentucky. He hasn’t played since.

He has size (6-foot-3, 215), arm talent and athleticism. But he’s inexperienced and his durability is suspect.

Chances of being the starter: 30 percent — If he looks as good in practice next year as he did in August, he’ll be the leading contender. A little SEC experience is better than none, right?

Chances of leaving the program: 10 percent — There’s always the chance he bails if he doesn’t win the job. And who knows just how healthy his shoulder really is.

Lorenzo Nunez — Here’s another intriguing prospect that just can’t seem to stay healthy. His injury status, it seems, is a mystery even to his coach. Still, he has the size of Mitch and is much more of a running threat.

He’s a 60-percent passer with three touchdown passes and three interceptions in two full games and a part of another. And, if he would have stayed healthy, he wouldn’t have picked up far more experience this season than he has.

Chances of being the starter: 20 percent — Maybe he works hard in the offseason, comes back healthy and flashes some of the same ability that made him a four-star recruit coming out of high school. Depending on who takes the coaching job, he may just be the sort of quarterback to build a read-option attack around.

Chances of leaving the program: 15 percent — Anytime a player answers coaching criticisms through Twitter, his future at the program can be called into question.

Perry Orth — Orth has been a good solider. The former walk-on has answered the bell for the Gamecocks this season, grinding out what has been a frustrating season.

He has heart, but he’s not the answer going forward.

Chances of being the starter: 10 percent — It would be a shock if Orth wins the job. It’s hard to imagine a new coach going with a walk-on who took most of the snaps in a dismal 2015 season.

Chances of leaving the program: 1 percent — He’s a team guy, through and through. He’s not going anywhere unless he gets hurt.

Field — A true freshman, perhaps Brandon McIlwain, will surely get a look from the new coaching staff. McIlwain is a highly touted prospect that wants to meet the new coach before deciding to come to Columbia — possibly, even enrolling early.

There are also a few graduate transfers such as Greyson Lambert and Vernon Adams looking for a place to play. Ohio State’s Cardale Jones is on schedule to graduate in December. Just something to keep in mind.

Chances of being the starter: 40 percent — A lot of this depends on who is the new coach. There will be some appealing graduate transfer options as well, and new coaches always like to depend on “their” guys.