The South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for what could be their most exciting season in recent memory. With a potential top NFL Draft pick under center in LaNorris “LeHeisman, LeJesus, LaSavior” Sellers, a freakishly athletic wide receiver in Nyck Harbor, and a true freshman phenom in Dylan Stewart (a.k.a. the second coming of Jadeveon Clowney), this team has all the pieces to make a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff.
Here’s my week-by-week breakdown and predictions for the 2025 season:
Week 1: vs. Virginia Tech (in Atlanta)
This game hits close to home for head coach Shane Beamer, who walked on at Virginia Tech under his legendary father Frank and later coached there. While South Carolina is 4–4 under Beamer against ACC opponents, I see that improving to a messy 5–4 after a win over a Virginia Tech team that’s ranked ninth in the preseason ACC poll. Yes, South Carolina historically struggles in Atlanta, but I’m not worried about a bottom-half ACC squad.
Prediction: South Carolina 31, Virginia Tech 17
Week 2: vs. South Carolina State
The energy at Williams-Brice Stadium will be electric as the Gamecocks return home—potentially as a Top 10 team if Week 1’s other Top 10 matchups go their way. Expect Luke Doty and Air Noland to take over in the second half.
Prediction: South Carolina 41, SC State 7
Week 3: vs. Vanderbilt
I might be too excited for this one, considering it’s Vanderbilt. But quarterback Diego Pavia made it personal when he said on Bussin’ With the Boys, “The South Carolina game is the one I have circled,” and, even better, “I think I can bring a National Championship to Vanderbilt.” I haven’t laughed that hard in a while. Maybe comedy is your calling, Diego.
Prediction: South Carolina 34, Vanderbilt 20
Week 4: @ Missouri
This could be our first real test of the season. Missouri has lost most of its offensive talent, but Eli Drinkwitz is still a solid coach (and owner of arguably the most punch able face in college football). The only Tiger I’m watching is quarter back Beau Pribula (the Penn State transfer), though he hasn’t even been named the starter as of August 17.
Prediction: South Carolina 27, Missouri 17
Week 5: vs. Kentucky
If you know, you know. This one’s for you, Jack. Watching the slow crumble of Kentucky’s football program has been incredibly satisfying—especially since it all seemed to start when Mark Stoops took a jab at Shane Beamer’s sunglasses. Nothing about Kentucky scares me. Bernies > KFC.
Prediction: South Carolina 35, Kentucky 10
Week 7: @ LSU
This is the ultimate revenge game. LaNorris and company were robbed last year—don’t get me started on Alex Herrera’s missed kicks. But this is a different level. LSU, with Garrett Nussmeier at QB, is too talented. Our schedule up to this point has been manageable; this game won’t be.
Prediction: LSU 30, South Carolina 13
Week 8: vs. Oklahoma
We all remember what happened last year in Norman—jumping out to a 21–0 lead in the first six minutes. While that exact scenario might not repeat, the Sooners bring in transfer QB John Mateer from Washington State, who’s been hyped as the No. 1 portal QB. That said, this is his first true SEC road test. And it’s at Willy-B.
Prediction: South Carolina 27, Oklahoma 20
Week 9: vs. Alabama
I don’t quite get the Alabama hype in 2025. Kalen DeBoer is entering the season on the hottest of seats, and new starting QB Ty Simpson doesn’t exactly strike fear into me. But as history shows—Alabama doesn’t need a superstar quarterback to win a national title. What does worry me? Ryan “Hollywood” Williams and Jam Miller (5’10”, 221 lbs. of bad intentions). Still, South Carolina should have won this game last year. And just like 2010, this time, they do.
Prediction: South Carolina 28, Alabama 20
Week 10: @ Ole Miss
Let’s all forget last year’s matchup—except for Dylan Stewart’s legendary sack celebration. This Rebel team looks very different without Walter Nolen, Jaxson Dart, and Tre Harris, all now NFL-bound. Southpaw QB Austin Simmons showed flashes in an upset win over Georgia, but can he maintain that level of play over a full season? I doubt it. Lane Kiffin might already have one foot out the door—possibly to Alabama?
Also, Ole Miss is debuting new helmets. Jersey games are real. This one stays close.
Prediction: South Carolina 24, Ole Miss 20
Week 12: @ Texas A&M
Coming off a bye week, you’d expect USC to come out strong. But this has “trap game” written all over it. Every year, the Gamecocks have one game they should win—but don’t. Marcel Reed is a nightmare matchup, with a strong arm and even better legs. Add in the Kyle Field atmosphere? This is our slip-up.
Prediction: Texas A&M 31, South Carolina 28
Week 13: vs. Coastal Carolina
Not much to say here. Coastal may be projected to finish third in the Sun Belt, but this game won’t be close beyond the first quarter. Hopefully, we’ll see the starters get rest ahead of The Big One.
Prediction: South Carolina 45, Coastal Carolina 14
Week 14: vs. Clemson
If you’re a Gamecock fan, you’ve rewatched LaNorris’ 3rd & 16 touchdown run from last year more times than you’d like to admit. Will we see the same result this year? Unfortunately, I don’t think so. Clemson QB Cade Klubnik is a legitimate Heisman contender. Combine that with two projected Top 10 picks on the defensive line (Peter Woods and T.J. Parker), and you’ve got a battle. Road teams have won each of the last four matchups in this rivalry—and that trend may continue.
Prediction: Clemson 24, South Carolina 20
Final Thoughts
South Carolina absolutely has a legit shot at the College Football Playoff. With the right breaks, this team’s realistic ceiling is 10–2, though I’ve got them finishing 9–3.
Everything hinges on the NCAA allowing Rasul Faison (#FreeSul) to play this season. If we’re forced to roll with Oscar Adaway III as our RB1, it’s hard to see more than eight wins.
Keep your eyes on LaNorris Sellers for serious Heisman talk and Dylan Stewart for the Bednarik Award. If both show out—and the team stays healthy—this could be the most exciting season in Gamecock football history.
Let’s finally see South Carolina compete on the national stage.
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