The University of South Carolina has officially brought the 2024-25 Palmetto Series Trophy back to its rightful place, in Columbia, SC.
The Gamecocks defeated their in-state rivals, the Clemson Tigers, in overall head-to-head points competition, 7-4. South Carolina secured key wins across multiple sports including football, men's and women's basketball, women's golf, and volleyball. In addition, the Gamecocks earned a point for having the most LIFE Scholarship recipients, sealing another Palmetto Series title.
"Winning the Palmetto Series is a reflection of the commitment and dedication displayed by our student-athletes," said Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati. "This achievement highlights the broad-based success of our programs that we set out to accomplish. I am appreciative of the South Carolina Education Lottery for sponsoring the Palmetto Series and look forward to the competition it brings for years to come.”
The trophy for the Palmetto Series will officially be presented to South Carolina during the Gamecocks football game against SC State on September 6. The Gamecocks officially hold a commanding 6-1 all-time series lead over Clemson.
The series kicked off in August 2024 and concludes in May. Points are awarded for head-to-head victories across selected sports, as well as for LIFE and Palmetto Fellowship scholarship recipients and entries into the Lottery's Carolina vs. Clemson promotion. The series is sponsored by the South Carolina Education Lottery, which honors excellence on the field and off the field.
"We congratulate the Gamecocks and the Tigers on a fantastic year of competition," said Lottery Executive Director Dolly Garfield. "Like many South Carolinians, I eagerly anticipate these matchups — and this rivalry never disappoints. Fans of both schools have plenty to be proud of."
Here is how the points were added up:
South Carolina:
- Men’s Basketball – December 17 | South Carolina 91, Clemson 88 (OT)
- Women’s Basketball – November 20 | South Carolina 77, Clemson 45
- Football – November 30 | South Carolina 17, Clemson 14
- Women’s Golf – South Carolina swept all four matches (Sept. 9–11, Sept. 20–22, Feb. 2–4, Feb. 16–18)
- Volleyball – September 20 | South Carolina 3, Clemson 0
- Most current LIFE Scholarship recipients – South Carolina
- Most entries into the Carolina vs. Clemson Lottery Promotion – South Carolina
Clemson:
- Baseball – Feb. 28–Mar. 2 | Clemson sweeps (3–5, 1–5, 2–8)
- Men’s Tennis – February 7 | Clemson 7, South Carolina 0
- Women’s Tennis – February 11 | Clemson 4, South Carolina 1
- Most current Palmetto Fellows Scholarship recipients – Clemson
Another win, another trophy, another statement. Forever to thee.