Gamecocks fans, it’s time—college football is back.
South Carolina opens its 2025 season on Sunday against Virginia Tech in Atlanta. The Gamecocks enter ranked No. 13 after a 9-4 campaign, their best under head coach Shane Beamer.
South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech: Game Details
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Who: No. 13 South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
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When: Sunday, 3 p.m.
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Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
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TV: ESPN (Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick, Kris Budden)
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Stream: ESPN app
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National Radio: ESPN Radio (Mark Kestecher, Kelly Stouffer, Ian Fitzsimmons)
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Local Radio: 107.5 FM Columbia affiliates (Todd Ellis, Tommy Suggs, Chet Tucker)
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SiriusXM: Channel 81
Series History
South Carolina leads the all-time series 11–7–2. The teams last met in 1991.
Betting Line
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Spread: Gamecocks -7.5 (opened at -10)
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Source: VegasInsider.com consensus
Game Outlook
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ESPN Analytics: South Carolina has a 70.9% win probability.
Injury Report
No official injury list until SEC play, but three edge rushers are sidelined with lower-body issues: George Wilson, Jaylen Brown, and Kobby Sakyi-Prah.
Weather in Atlanta
Kickoff conditions call for 75° and mostly cloudy skies with a 24% chance of rain. Weather won’t play a factor inside the dome at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Top Storylines for South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
1. Shane Beamer’s Virginia Tech ties
The Beamer connection is impossible to ignore. Shane Beamer not only played for his father, Hall of Famer Frank Beamer, at Virginia Tech from 1995–1999, but later joined his staff as an assistant coach (2011–2015). Frank Beamer built the Hokies into a national power with 23 straight bowl appearances. Now, Shane faces off against the program that shaped his football life.
2. South Carolina’s rebuilt defense
The Gamecocks lost seven defensive starters from 2024, many of whom are now in the NFL. That leaves just four returners to anchor a group that will lean heavily on transfers and young talent. National analysts expect a drop-off, but Beamer and his players insist the unit will be just as strong—or stronger. The opener will be an early test.
3. The Rahsul Faison factor
South Carolina’s run game just got deeper. Transfer RB Rahsul Faison (Utah State) was cleared for a seventh year of eligibility this week after months of waiting. Faison ran for over 1,000 yards last season and was All-Mountain West. Will the Gamecocks stick with a committee approach in the backfield, or will Faison seize control of the workload?
4. Living up to the hype
For the first time since 2014, South Carolina is ranked in the preseason AP Top 25, checking in at No. 13. Fans haven’t forgotten that 2014 opener, when Texas A&M spoiled the Gamecocks’ debut in blowout fashion. This year, the goal is clear: prove worthy of the buzz and start strong on a national stage.
Players to Watch
South Carolina
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QB LaNorris Sellers (RS Soph.) – Coming off a 9-4 debut season as a starter, Sellers is now in the national spotlight with Heisman chatter, All-American nods, and five preseason award watch lists.
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EDGE Dylan Stewart (Soph.) – A rising star and preseason All-American who dominated as a freshman. Expect Virginia Tech to game plan around slowing him down.
Virginia Tech
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QB Kyron Drones (Jr.) – A dual-threat with over 3,600 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, plus 1,100 rushing yards across two seasons. His skillset mirrors Sellers, making this QB matchup must-watch.
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DL Kelvin Gillam Jr. (Soph.) – A key piece of Tech’s defensive front. Started six games last season and posted 35 tackles. He’ll be tasked with disrupting USC’s offensive rhythm.
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