The South Carolina men's basketball team will get an early test this fall, as the Gamecock are set to face NC State in an exhibition game on Sunday, Oct. 26 at First Horizon Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 4: 30 p.m. ET, following the NC State women's team taking on Maryland at 2 p.m. The event is organized by Complete Sports Management, which is the same group that hosted South Carolina's trip to the Bahamas in 2023. Tickets for both exhibition games will go on sale Friday, August 22 at 10 a.m., with streaming and television details to be announced at a later date.
This matchup will give Gamecock fans their first look at a South Carolina roster that underwent major changes during the offseason. Head coach Lamont Paris will roll out a squad featuring 11new players, including six transfers headlined by the return of All-SEC guard Meechie Johson.
South Carolina will also feature a strong freshman class led by highly touted guard Eli Ellis, who is expeced to play an immediate role this season.
The NC State Wolfpack will also showcase a revamped roster, with nine transfers joining the program under first-year head coach Will Wade. Wade, who previously led LSU from 2017-2022, spent the past two seasons at McNeese State where he guided the Cowboys to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
Fans who are eager to see the Gamecocks in action will want to circle Oct. 26 on the calendar. This neutral site double header offers a unique preview before the start of the 2025-26 regular season schedule.