South Carolina football went from cashing in to writing a check in just one week.
After raking in more than $4.3 million for selling out its 25,000-ticket allotment to the Aflac Kickoff Game against Virginia Tech in Atlanta, the Gamecocks are now paying it forward with a hefty guarantee of their own.
South Carolina will pay S.C. State $500,000 to make the short trip from Orangeburg to Columbia for Saturday’s matchup at Williams-Brice Stadium.
This contest marks the first of two scheduled “buy games” for USC this season. In November, the Gamecocks will shell out $1.4 million to bring Coastal Carolina to Columbia. On the flip side, it’s also one of two games where S.C. State will face an FBS opponent, with the Bulldogs set to play South Florida on Sept. 20.
S.C. State opened its season on a high note, pulling out a 16-15 win over Wofford thanks to a late touchdown in the final two minutes.
Saturday’s meeting will be the fourth all-time clash between the Gamecocks and Bulldogs, and the first since 2022, when South Carolina rolled to a 50-10 victory.
Along with the $500,000 payout, the game contract—signed in early 2024—includes several other details:
- Ticket allotment: S.C. State will receive 1,000 tickets to sell and keep the profits. Additional tickets can be requested.
- Sideline access: The Bulldogs will have 60 sideline passes for coaches, trainers, and essential staff.
- Officiating: The game will be overseen by SEC referees.
Kickoff is set for Saturday night as South Carolina looks to build momentum following its season-opening win over Virginia Tech.
