The 2025 South Carolina football schedule is loaded once again. Which games are the most compelling? We rank them here.

South Carolina’s 2025 Football Schedule: Ranking the Most Intriguing Matchups

The South Carolina Gamecocks are riding high after a stellar 2024 campaign, fueled by an elite defensive front and the rise of a dynamic quarterback. With expectations reaching new heights in Columbia, the big question remains: Can they maintain the momentum? Here’s a look at the 2025 South Carolina football schedule, ranked by a variety of factors including rivalry intensity, opponent excitement, and overall season impact.

Let’s break down each game and see which ones have the most to offer this fall.

12) vs. SC State Bulldogs (Saturday, Sept. 6)
While SEC teams often face criticism for scheduling FCS teams, South Carolina fans are unlikely to complain. With a brutal SEC schedule, they’re likely to be forgiven for facing an in-state rival. This isn’t the powerhouse SC State Bulldogs of years past, but under Chennis Berry, the Bulldogs did capture the MEAC Championship in 2024. Still, this is a game the Gamecocks should dominate.

11) vs. Coastal Carolina (Saturday, Nov. 22)
When this matchup was first announced, it had Gamecocks fans worried, especially with Jamey Chadwell at the helm of Coastal Carolina. However, after Chadwell’s departure, the intrigue surrounding this game has significantly decreased. It now seems like a warm-up ahead of a critical Palmetto Bowl showdown in Rivalry Week.

10) vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (Saturday, Sept. 13)
Despite Diego Pavia adding some excitement to the Vanderbilt matchup, it remains a lower-tier game on the schedule. The Gamecocks have dominated this series, winning 16 straight against the Commodores, and this game should be another routine victory in a typically lopsided SEC affair.

9) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (Saturday, Sept. 27)
The rivalry between South Carolina and Kentucky had some renewed energy recently, especially with both teams fighting for relevance in the SEC East. However, with the Wildcats struggling in 2024 and facing a large roster turnover, this game has lost some of its former luster. South Carolina’s dominant win last year only adds to the feeling that they’ll handle business once again.

8) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (Saturday, Oct. 18)
The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season. South Carolina’s dominant defense last year set the tone, with nine sacks and four turnovers against the Sooner offense. Shane Beamer’s squad should be favored, but Oklahoma is hungry for revenge, and John Mateer under center promises an intriguing matchup.

7) at Missouri Tigers (Saturday, Sept. 20)
After a dramatic victory over Eli Drinkwitz’s Missouri Tigers last year, Shane Beamer now faces them on the road for the next installment of the Mayor’s Cup. This young rivalry has already delivered plenty of thrills, and both teams are expected to have high expectations in 2025. Despite the game’s potential, it’s still somewhat overshadowed by stronger matchups on the schedule.

6) at Texas A&M Aggies (Saturday, Nov. 15)
In recent years, South Carolina has had Texas A&M’s number, winning two of the last three matchups, including a 44-20 blowout in 2024. With Mike Elko’s Aggies improving and South Carolina yet to win at Kyle Field, this game could be pivotal in the hunt for the College Football Playoff.

5) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (Sunday, Aug. 31)
The Virginia Tech Hokies have had a rough offseason, losing key players and undergoing coaching turmoil. For South Carolina, this game is an excellent opportunity to make a statement on a national stage. However, Beamer’s teams have struggled in season openers, and this contest could be a make-or-break moment to set the tone for the rest of the year.

4) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (Saturday, Oct. 25)
In 2024, South Carolina nearly pulled off an upset in Tuscaloosa, losing in dramatic fashion. With Kalen DeBoer’s squad expected to be better in Year 2, this late October matchup could be the perfect opportunity for the Gamecocks to finally topple the Crimson Tide at home. Shane Beamer and company will surely be fired up for this one.

3) at Ole Miss Rebels (Saturday, Nov. 1)
There’s a bit of bad blood between Shane Beamer and Lane Kiffin, and it stems from much more than just football. The two coaches have had their share of battles in the transfer portal, with the Rebels even flipping one of South Carolina’s top recruits this offseason. This will be a fiery contest, and after last year’s lopsided loss, Beamer is eager to exact revenge.

2) at LSU Tigers (Saturday, Oct. 11)
Last year’s matchup between South Carolina and LSU was marred by one of the most egregious officiating errors, costing the Gamecocks a potential College Football Playoff berth. As they head to Baton Rouge in Week 7, South Carolina will be out for redemption. The timing of the game off a bye week could set the stage for a primetime spectacle.

1) vs. Clemson Tigers (Saturday, Nov. 29)
The Palmetto Bowl always takes center stage, no matter the records of either team. This rivalry has had it all – from fights to campus invasions to wild controversies. After Shane Beamer led the Gamecocks to two wins over the Tigers, both on the road, will he secure his first home victory over Clemson in 2025? With both teams loaded with talent and potential College Football Playoff implications on the line, this is the game everyone will be watching.

So, there you have it: a packed 2025 South Carolina football schedule that promises drama, excitement, and a potential Playoff push. Stay tuned to see how the Gamecocks perform in what could be a historic season.