First look at South Carolina vs. SC State: Gamecocks prep for home opener
After a big win Sunday against Virginia Tech to open the 2025 season, South Carolina football returns home to Williams-Brice Stadium to take on S.C. State in a battle of two 1-0 teams.
Before the home opener, here are some things you need to know:
How to watch South Carolina vs. S.C. State
When: Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium
TV/stream: SEC Network Plus and ESPN+
Series history: South Carolina is 3-0 against S.C. State since the first matchup in 2007. The Gamecocks won 50-10 the last time they played the Bulldogs in 2022.
About South Carolina
The Gamecocks are 1-0 after a 24-11 win Sunday against Virginia Tech at the Aflac Kickoff game in Atlanta. It was an uglier win than the final score showed. USC led by 10-8 going into the fourth quarter and punted on five of eight offensive drives. Defensive back Vicari Swain returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown to start the fourth quarter and ignited the Gamecocks to a win.
About South Carolina State
S.C. State is 1-0 following a 16-15 win against Wofford. Quarterback Ryan Stubblefield threw the game-winning pass to Shamonte Burgess with just under 1:30 remaining to cap a 74-yard drive. The Bulldogs held Wofford to just 142 yards offense while totaling 414 yards of their own. A blocked punt and safety from the Terriers kept them in the game. Coach Chennis Berry is in his second year with the Bulldogs, who won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 2024 and played in the Celebration Bowl.
Players to watch: Gamecocks and Bulldogs
South Carolina
Nyck Harbor, WR: The former track star had three catches for 99 yards against the Hokies, and scored the Gamecocks’ only passing touchdown on a 64-yard post route. His seven targets led all USC receivers. He had a score overturned in the second quarter — had it counted, it would’ve marked Harbor’s only multi-touchdown game of his career. He’ll look to reach that milestone against the Bulldogs.
Dylan Stewart, edge rusher: The standout sophomore was back in form from 2024 and made an immediate impact on the Gamecocks pass rush. He created pocket pressure all game, and eventually broke through with a sack on Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones. He should have plenty of chances to be a disruptive force on the S.C. State offense.
S.C. State
Ryan Stubblefield, QB: Stubblefield entered the game as a backup for James Madison transfer Billy Atkins. After taking a sack for a safety in the fourth quarter, Berry swapped the two QBs and opened the door for a 10-of-17, 124-yard performance from Stubblefield. He led the game-winning drive, including a 12-yard touchdown pass, to will the Bulldogs past Wofford. It’s unknown whether Stubblefield or Atkins will start Saturday against the Gamecocks.
Michael Lunz, DE: After three seasons at Tulane, Lunz made his debut for the Bulldogs on Saturday and was effective in the pass rush. He recorded three solo tackles, including two sacks for eight yards. He’ll work against a Gamecocks offensive line that allowed four sacks against Virginia Tech.
South Carolina 2025 schedule
- Aug. 31: USC 24, Virginia Tech 11
- Sept. 3 vs. SC State, 7 pm (SEC Network Plus/ESPN+)
- Sept. 13 vs. Vanderbilt, 7 or 7:45 pm (ESPN or SEC Network)
- Sept. 20 at Missouri - TBD
- Sept. 27 vs. Kentucky - TBD
- Oct. 11 at No. 9 Louisiana State - TBD
- Oct. 18 vs. No. 18 Oklahoma - TBD
- Oct. 25 vs. No. 8 Alabama - TBD
- Nov. 1 at No. 21 Ole Miss - TBD
- Nov. 15 at No. 19 Texas A&M - TBD
- Nov. 22 vs. Coastal Carolina - TBD
- Nov. 29 vs. No. 4 Clemson - Noon (ABC or ESPN)
This story was originally published September 2, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
