The countdown is officially on as college football returns in exactly one month. On Sunday, August 31, the 2025 season will kick off with a bang in Atlanta as the South Carolina Gamecocks square off against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Aflac Kickoff Game. Slated for 3:00 p.m. ET at the Merecedes-Benz Stadium. The neutral-site showdown will be nationally televised on ESPN and sets the tone for what is expected to be a record-breaking season for the Gamecocks. These two programs, with two dynamic quarterbacks, are hungry for national relevance. And the bar is set high. The clash between the Gamecocks and the Hokies offers a more than just bragging rights, it is a litmus test for both teams heading into their respective campaigns. Below, we break down everything you need to know about the matchup, from rosters to strategies and how to watch the game. Let's go!
Game Overview and Significance
The Aflac Kickoff Game has become a marquee event for the start of the college football season, offering fans a high-profile, non-conference game inside one of football's most impressive venues. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and has a seating capacity of over 71,000, creating a bowl-game-like atmosphere to open Week 1.
For South Carolina fans, the game will be an opportunity to make a national statement under Shane Beamer's leadership, fresh off a 9-win season last year. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, enters the 2025 campaign aiming to reassery itself in the ACC under head coach Brent Pry. With postseason dreams on both sidelines, this early test carries heavy implications for the rest of the season for both squads.
Historical Context
This matchup marks the first meeting between South Carolina and Virginia Tech since 1970. The Gamecocks hold a 10-7 edge in the all-time series, but the decades-long gap makes it feel like a fresh chapter of a new rivalry. Both teams will be eager to establish themselves nationally, adding emotional stakes to an already meaningful opening game.
2025 Team Outlooks
South Carolina Gamecocks
The Gamecocks are heading into Year 5 of Shane Beamer at the helm of the program, and this season there is a renewed momentum and a clear sense of identity for the program. After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff last year, South Carolina is looking to take the next step. Redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers leads the charge after his breakout season in 2024, where he threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 674 yards rushing and seven scores.
With Mike Shula now calling the plays as offensive coordinator, Sellers is expected to thrive in a more dynamic, quarterback-friendly system. The offense also welcomes new talent at skill positions and along the offensive line, anchored by Gamecock veterans. Defensively, Clayton White returns to lead an aggressive unit for the program.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokes come into the season as a team looking to rise in the ACC ranks. Head coach Brent Pry has steadily rebuilt the program since his arrival, and 2025 could be their breakout year. Dual-threat quarterback Kyron Drones returns after a rollercoaster season in 2024 that still showed plenty of promise. Paired with an explosive running back, the Hokies' backfield is capable of gashing defenses on the ground.
The Hokies' defense is a consistent strength that will again be relied upon to keep games close, and their ability to contain Seller will be key.
Coaching Strategies
Shane Beamer
Beamer has the energy and confidence that Gamecock Nation has grown to expect on the sidelines. His approach to coaching has reinvigorated South Carolina Football. With a new offensive coordinator in Shula, fans should expect to see creative, up-tempo schemes that will leverage Sellers' dual-threat ability. Defensively, Beamer and White will likely bring the pressure early to rattle Drones and control the line of scrimmage.
Brent Pry
Pry emphasizes discipline and the fundamentals of football. Offensively, he will likely focus on controlling possession and keeping South Carolina's offense off the field. On the defensive side of the ball, look for different coverages designed to confuse Sellers and bait turnovers.
How to Watch
- Kickoff: Sunday, August 31 at 3:00 p.m. ET
- Network: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN App, Fubo, DirecTV Stream
- Tickets: Available on Vivid Seats and Gametime (starting at $79)
What to Expect
This isn't just another Week 1 game; it is a tone-setting matchup for two teams with postseason aspirations. South Carolina's offensive upside gives them a slight edge, but Virginia Tech's defense is more than capable of stealing the spotlight. Expect a competitive game that comes down to turnovers and clutch plays.
A win for the Gamecocks would signal that Shane Beamer's squad is ready to compete for a chance to return to Atlanta in December. Meanwhile, a win for the Hokies would show the ACC that Brent Pry's rebuild has arrived. Either way, this game promises to be full of fireworks and physicality in front of a packed house in Atlanta.