South Carolina football announces night kickoffs for first home games for 2025 season

South Carolina football will open its 2025 home schedule under the lights at Williams-Brice Stadium, with back-to-back night games.
Nov 16, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; Fireworks during pre game ceremonies before the game against the Florida Gators at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; Fireworks during pre game ceremonies before the game against the Florida Gators at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

The South Carolina Gamecocks are kicking off the 2025 season with some serious primetime energy! Following the neutral-site opener in Atlanta, the first two home games at Williams-Brice Stadium will be played under the lights.

The Gamecocks will open the 2025 season on August 31, facing Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Merecedes-Benz Stadium. That matchup is set for 3 p.m. kickoff on ESPN.

Week 2: South Carolina State Bulldogs

After the season opener, the Gamecocks will return home to host South Carolina State on Saturday, September 6 at 7 p.m. The game will stream on SEC Network+ and ESPN+.

This will be the SC State Bulldogs first trip to Williams-Brice Stadium since 2022, when the Gamecocks dominated 50-10. However, SC State is no pushover heading into 2025, as the Bulldogs are coming off of a 9-3 season, including an eight-game win streak to end the regular season.

Week 3: Vanderbilt Commodores

The following week, the lights will stay on as the Gamecocks open SEC play against Vanderbilt on Saturday, September 13. Kickoff will be set for either 7:00 or 7:45 p.m. and will air on either ESPN or SEC Network.

The Commodores had a surprising season last year and are riding some momentum after a 7-6 campaign and a 35-27 win over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl. South Carolina has owned this matchup for more than a decade and have beaten Vanderbilt 16 straight times, with the last loss coming back in 2008. Last season in Nashville, the Gamecocks rolled to a 28-7 win behind a strong performance from star quarterback LaNorris Sellers and a dominant defensive effort.

Two night games. One electric stadium. And a big chance for the Gamecocks to make a statement early in the season.

Let's light it up, Gamecocks!!