Gamecocks Football Schedule: Ranking South Carolina’s 2025 Matchups by Importance

Full 2025 Gamecocks Football Schedule Preview

The Gamecocks Football Schedule for 2025 is out, and there’s no easing into this one. Right out the gate, South Carolina heads to Atlanta for a spotlight showdown in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against Virginia Tech.

From there, the grind gets real—Alabama, Oklahoma, and Clemson all come to Columbia, while road trips to LSU, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss crank up the pressure late in the season. The South Carolina Football Schedule 2025 doesn’t leave room for tune-ups—it’s a gauntlet. After a rocky 2024, the heat is on Shane Beamer to get this program back on track.

With a returning core, some key transfer additions, and a rabid fanbase ready to rally, the question isn’t just how many wins?—it’s which games truly matter most? Let’s rank every matchup on the 2025 schedule, from the tune-ups to the titanic tests that could shape the season.

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#12. vs. South Carolina State (September 6)

Estimated Win Probability: 99.6%
Gamecocks get reps, South Carolina State gets the bag.

#11. vs. Coastal Carolina (November 22)

The Battle of the Palmetto State, part one. Coastal isn’t the pushover they used to be, but they’re still outclassed in the trenches. If South Carolina shows up focused, this should be over by the fourth. Expect Nyck Harbor to shine in space and DQ Smith to rack up tackles if it gets run-heavy.

Estimated Win Probability: 91.4%
Gamecocks flex, Chanticleers cash the check.

#10. vs. Vanderbilt (September 13)

If there’s a get-right game in SEC play, it’s usually Vandy. South Carolina’s handled them in 15 straight meetings, and that trend shouldn’t change in Columbia. Look for LaNorris Sellers to settle in early, and the Gamecocks to establish tempo on both sides of the ball. Handle business—no drama.

Estimated Win Probability: 84.7%
Vandy keeps it close… until they don’t.

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#9. vs. Kentucky (September 27)

This series has gotten weird. Kentucky’s owned the matchup lately, but the last time they came to Columbia, Spencer Rattler carved them up. Now it’s Rahsul Faison in the backfield—a top transfer from Utah State—looking to set the tone behind a fired-up home crowd. This one leans winnable, but the Wildcats’ physicality always makes it a slugfest.

Estimated Win Probability: 59.2%
South Carolina needs this one if bowl hopes are real.

#8. at Missouri (September 20)

Columbia hasn’t been kind to the Gamecocks in recent years. Missouri’s defense brings heat, and if Brady Cook and Luther Burden are back in form, this could get dicey. This is a true swing game—pull it off, and it could change the tone of the entire SEC slate.

Estimated Win Probability: 42.3%
Trap vibes, cold beer, and Midwest anxiety—welcome to Missouri.

#7. vs. Virginia Tech (August 31, Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta)

Neutral site, national stage, and a tone-setter right out the gate. Virginia Tech is building something under Brent Pry, but they’re not there yet. Expect a fired-up South Carolina squad looking to prove the 2024 struggles were a fluke. This one matters—a lot.

Estimated Win Probability: 52.3%
Atlanta lights are bright—show up and shine early.

#6. at Ole Miss (November 1)

Lane Kiffin’s offense is always dangerous, especially in Oxford. The Rebels can score fast, and if the Gamecocks can’t match early, it’ll be a long night. Still, Ole Miss tends to play loose defensively. If LaNorris Sellers and the offense are humming, this could sneak into the win column.

Estimated Win Probability: 37.6%
Start hot, or you’re playing catch-up all game.

#5. vs. Oklahoma (October 18)

Oklahoma enters year two in the SEC with high expectations, but Columbia’s no cakewalk. The Sooners are talented, but questions remain on the defensive side, especially in the secondary. If LaNorris Sellers protects the ball and Nyck Harbor gets loose, this could turn into a statement win.

Estimated Win Probability: 41.1%
Williams-Brice will be jumping—time to cash in on home turf.

#4. at Texas A&M (November 15)

The Aggies have talent for days, and a trip to College Station is never easy. South Carolina’s margin for error here is razor thin. To win, they’ll need elite defensive play and a few explosive shots to Nyck Harbor downfield. Tough ask, but not impossible.

Estimated Win Probability: 29.8%
Keep it close, and pressure flips to the home team.

#3. at LSU (October 11)

Death Valley in mid-October? Buckle up. LSU will likely be a top-10 team, and their speed on both sides is no joke. It’ll take a near-perfect effort to hang, especially if the Tigers have found rhythm at QB. Still, it’s games like this that test how far Beamer’s squad has come.

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Estimated Win Probability: 23.4%
Play loose, play fast—and hope LSU slips up.

Curious who the Gamecocks might be facing in Baton Rouge?
Check out the full breakdown of LSU 10 Best Defensive Players.

#2. vs. Clemson (November 29)

The rivalry never needs extra juice, but the 2025 edition might come with postseason stakes on both sides. The Tigers bring back elite talent on defense and a stable offense—but if South Carolina stays healthy, they’ve got the weapons to make this a classic. The revenge factor is alive and well.

Estimated Win Probability: 31.2%
Win this one, and nothing else matters.

Want the other side of the story?
👉 For a full breakdown of the Clemson Football Schedule, click here.

#1. vs. Alabama (October 25)

It’s been 15 years since the Gamecocks last beat Bama—but here they come, fresh off a coaching change and a reloaded roster. Don’t get it twisted, the Tide are still loaded. But if South Carolina plays fearless, forces a turnover or two, and the crowd stays loud, it could be closer than expected.

Estimated Win Probability: 14.9%
Shock the world? It’s happened before.

Full South Carolina Football Schedule 2025