South Carolina football to headline early season event.
The Chick-fil-a kickoff has been a fantastic showcase event over the past few seasons, and represents a huge season opening matchup that often pits teams from the SEC and ACC against one another. On Friday, it was announced that South Carolina will make its first appearance in the game in the year 2025.
The Gamecocks will face Virginia Tech in Mercedes-Benz Stadium to open its ’25 season, and though it’s still five seasons away, South Carolina fans can begin to get excited about being college football’s headlining act.
See you soon, @HokiesFB! pic.twitter.com/qrzQ9YStkS
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) January 8, 2021
Ray Tanner commented on the announcement shortly after its release.
"“We are excited to open our 2025 season against Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. It will give our program an opportunity to play in one of the best early season showcases in college football. I know our fans will enjoy this classic non-conference contest in a first-class stadium as we compete for ‘The Old Leather Helmet’ trophy.”"
The matchup with Virginia Tech presents a couple of interesting storylines. First, and foremost, current head football coach Shane Beamer is the son of longtime Hokies coach Frank Beamer. During his 29-year tenure in Blacksburg, the elder Beamer won 238 games, led the Hokies to 23 bowl appearances, and took his 2000 squad to the BCS title game. Shane Beamer also spent some time with the program, joining his father’s staff from 2011-2015, and playing for the team between 1995-1999.
Secondly, it renews a rivalry that was very active throughout the 1970s and 80s. Between 1968 and 1991, the Hokies and Gamecocks faced off a total of 12 times, with South Carolina posting a 7-3-2 record. Both schools were independents for a majority of those matchups.
The matchup in 1991 was the last meeting between the two, with South Carolina holding a 11-6-2 all-time series advantage. The teams also faced off a number of times in the 1930s as members of the Southern Conference.
Head coach Shane Beamer was very excited about the announcement and the possible reunion with Virginia Tech.
"“Any time you open a season in a premier event like the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against a quality opponent like Virginia Tech, it’s exciting for our players, staff and fans and helps in our recruiting efforts. Having been part of this game before, I know it’s run in a first-class manner and we’re happy to be a part of it.”"
South Carolina and Virginia Tech are also scheduled to have a home-and-home series in the years 2034 and 2035.