South Carolina football will headline the event early in the season.
The kick-off of Chick-fil-a has been a fantastic showcase event for the past few seasons and represents a major opening match of the season between the SEC and ACC teams. On Friday, it was announced that South Carolina will make its first appearance in the game in 2025.
Gamecocks will face Virginia Tech to open their 25th season, and while there are still five seasons left, South Carolina fans can start to get excited about being the headliner of college football.
Ray Tanner commented on the announcement shortly after its launch.
“We are excited to open our 2025 season against Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. This will give our program the opportunity to play in one of the best showcases in college football at the beginning of the season. I know our fans will love this classic contest outside the conference in a first class stadium, while competing for the ‘The Old Leather Helmet’ trophy. “
The confrontation with Virginia Tech presents some interesting stories. Firstly, current football coach Shane Beamer is the son of former Hokies coach Frank Beamer. During his 29-year tenure in Blacksburg, the oldest Beamer won 238 games, led the Hokies to 23 bowl appearances, and led his 2000 team into the BCS title game. Shane Beamer also spent some time with the program, joining his father’s team between 2011-2015 and playing for the team between 1995-1999.
Second, it renews a very active rivalry during the 1970s and 1980s. Between 1968 and 1991, the Hokies and Gamecocks faced off a total of 12 times, with South Carolina posting a 7-3-2 record. Both schools were independent for most of these struggles.
The 1991 clash was the last meeting between the two, with South Carolina having an 11-6-2 lead at all times. The teams also faced each other several times in the 1930s as members of the Southern Conference.
Head coach Shane Beamer was very excited about the announcement and the possible meeting with Virginia Tech.
“Every time you open a season at an important event like the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against a quality opponent like Virginia Tech, it’s exciting for our players, team and fans and helps with our recruiting efforts. Having been part of this game before, I know it is played in a first class manner and we are happy to be part of it. “
South Carolina and Virginia Tech are also scheduled to have a series at home and at home in the years 2034 and 2035.