The college football season is officially underway, and Week One promises a series of exciting matchups. Among the most anticipated games is the clash between South Carolina and Virginia Tech, set to take place on Sunday in Atlanta. Gamecock fans are gearing up for a westward journey along I-20 to support their team in this neutral-site contest.
This preview, brought to you by Fairey Chevrolet, offers a comprehensive guide to the upcoming season opener. Fairey Chevrolet, a family-owned business since 1926, operates on principles of honesty and integrity. Located in Orangeburg, between Columbia and Charleston, they invite you to explore their inventory.
Here’s a detailed look at what you need to know as South Carolina prepares to face Virginia Tech.
Team Resumes
South Carolina enters the game ranked No. 13 in both the AP preseason poll and the USA Today coaches poll. In contrast, Virginia Tech is unranked and received no votes in either poll.
ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) ranks South Carolina as the No. 11 team in college football, while Virginia Tech is No. 32.
Last season, South Carolina had a 9-4 record, going 5-3 in the SEC. Virginia Tech finished with a 6-7 record and a 4-4 standing in ACC play.
The Gamecocks placed quarterback LaNorris Sellers, EDGE Dylan Stewart, and DB Jalon Kilgore on the preseason All-SEC squad. The Hokies did not have any players on the preseason All-ACC team.
Betting Odds
BetMGM lists South Carolina as a 7.5-point favorite for the game.
The over/under is set at 52.5 points.
South Carolina is favored with -300 odds on the moneyline, while Virginia Tech is at +240.
Recent News
One of the most significant updates is the eligibility of . The four-star transfer portal addition will be available to play against Virginia Tech on Sunday, providing a boost to the Gamecocks’ lineup.
In other news, the University of South Carolina has been outfitted by Under Armour since 2007, but this partnership will change in 2026. The Gamecocks have announced a new 10-year deal with Nike.
The long-awaited “Stadium Project,” which includes extensive updates to Williams-Brice Stadium and its surrounding areas, has been approved. The full renovation plan is valued at around $350 million, with further details to be released at a later date.
Updates from the Coaches
South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer addressed the media this week, providing several key updates:
- The Gamecocks will not release a depth chart this week, and Beamer remained noncommittal about doing so for the rest of the season.
- Defensive line coach Travian Robertson is not with the team following a car accident over the weekend.
- George Rogers will serve as an honorary captain for South Carolina this weekend.
The Gamecock coordinators also spoke to the media on Thursday, offering additional insights into the team’s preparations.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry held a game week press conference this week, discussing his team’s readiness for the season opener.
Last weekend, South Carolina defensive line coach Travian Robertson was involved in a car accident. The University issued a statement in the game notes titled “Prayers to Travian,” stating that Robertson is recovering but not currently with the team. Head coach Shane Beamer indicated that Robertson would return “soon.” Jordan Dove will step in as the interim defensive line coach. The Gamecocks also have Kevin Hubbard as a defensive line assistant, and former Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins is on staff.
South Carolina has a new offensive coordinator this season. Mike Shula, who was an analyst and assistant quarterbacks coach in 2024, has replaced Dowell Loggains, who is now the head coach at Appalachian State.
Virginia Tech is introducing two new coordinators in 2025. Phillip Montgomery, formerly with the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions, takes over as offensive coordinator. Sam Siefkes, the former Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach, will be the defensive coordinator.
Notes on Aflac Kickoff
The Aflac Kickoff was previously known as the Chick-fil-A Kickoff.
The winning coach on Sunday will receive the “Old Leather Helmet Trophy” after the game.
South Carolina last played in Atlanta in the 2010 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, held in the old Georgia Dome. USC played in the Georgia Dome twice that year, also facing Auburn in the SEC Championship Game.
Sunday’s game will be South Carolina’s first non-bowl neutral-site matchup since the 2023 season opener against North Carolina in Charlotte.
History
South Carolina leads the all-time series against Virginia Tech with a record of 11-7-2.
The two teams have not played since 1991, when the Gamecocks won 28-21. South Carolina has not lost to VT since 1974, winning the last six meetings.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is a Virginia Tech graduate and former Hokies player. His father, Frank Beamer, is a College Football Hall of Fame member and the greatest head coach in VT history.
Injuries
Senior EDGE George Wilson is the most recent Gamecock injury. The transfer addition will be out “for a while,” according to head coach Shane Beamer. If the injury is season-ending, South Carolina plans to apply for another year of eligibility for Wilson.
Freshman EDGE Kobby Sakyi-Prah is also sidelined with a “somewhat long-term” lower body issue.
Sophomore EDGE Jaylen Brown, junior offensive lineman Ryan Brubaker, sophomore defensive back Zahbari Sandy, and freshman defensive lineman Caleb Williams are out with long-term ailments. Brown, Williams, and Brubaker were out for all or parts of the spring.
Senior running back Rahsul Faison, who had a minor injury during fall camp, is ready for this weekend.
Defensive back Jalon Kilgore and EDGE Desmond Umeozulu have recovered from minor soft tissue issues during fall camp.
Tight end Michael Smith and offensive lineman Nick Sharpe, who missed spring practice, have been practicing this fall and will be available for Sunday.
Depth Chart Movement for the Gamecocks
South Carolina has chosen not to release a depth chart before the season opener, instead providing a complete roster broken down by position.
Coach Beamer has not committed to publishing a depth chart this season.
GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark has offered a prediction of Carolina’s depth chart ahead of the season opener.
How to Watch/Listen
The Gamecocks and Hokies will face off at 3:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and available for streaming via the ESPN app. The broadcast team includes Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), and Kris Budden (sideline reporter).
ESPN radio will carry the game nationally with Mark Kestecher (play-by-play), Kelly Stouffer (analyst), and Ian Fitzsimmons (sideline reporter). The game will also be available on Sirius XM channel 81.
Locally, Todd Ellis (play-by-play), Tommy Suggs (analyst), and Chet Tucker (sideline reporter) will provide commentary on 107.5 The Game.
Fans can also stream the radio broadcast on the 107.5 The Game app.
Conclusion
As the South Carolina Gamecocks prepare to face the Virginia Tech Hokies in Atlanta, several key factors come into play. The Gamecocks, ranked higher in preseason polls and FPI, are favored to win, but Virginia Tech will be looking to start their season strong with new coordinators. Key injuries and depth chart decisions add intrigue to the matchup.
With a rich history between the two programs and Shane Beamer’s personal connection to Virginia Tech, this game promises to be more than just another season opener. Be sure to tune in and follow all the action as the Gamecocks and Hokies battle it out on the field.
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