South Carolina Brings Back “Big Game Garnet” Look for Alabama Showdown
COLUMBIA — When the South Carolina Gamecocks take the field at Williams-Brice Stadium this Saturday against No. 4 Alabama, they’ll be bringing back a familiar and beloved look. The Gamecocks are set to wear their classic white helmets, garnet jerseys, and garnet pants — a combination fans affectionately know as the “Big Game Garnet.”
According to the team’s social media announcement on Saturday morning, the Gamecocks’ white helmets will return with black facemasks and the larger Block C decal, replacing the white facemasks worn against Oklahoma last week. The post, captioned “Tradition stitched into every thread,” unveiled the full gameday uniform, sparking nostalgia across Gamecock Nation.
The “Big Game Garnet” combo carries plenty of history. It was last worn in 2023 during a dominant victory over Vanderbilt. The look also recalls one of the most iconic moments in program history — the 2010 upset win over No. 1 Alabama, when Steve Spurrier’s team stunned the nation at Williams-Brice wearing the same colors.
Since taking over the program, head coach Shane Beamer has leaned into that tradition. His Gamecocks have worn the white-garnet-garnet look just once since 2021 but boast an impressive 4-1 record when they do — including a 3-1 mark in his debut season.
During Spurrier’s era, South Carolina was known for its consistency in style, primarily rotating between the white-garnet-white and white-garnet-garnet uniforms. Beamer’s team has embraced that heritage while adding modern flair to the classic design.
Saturday’s matchup is more than a fashion statement — it’s a major test. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available via ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Both teams have flirted with the national spotlight this season. Alabama (6-1) remains firmly in the top 5, while South Carolina (3-4) has struggled to regain its early-season momentum. Despite being 12.5-point underdogs, the Gamecocks will look to channel that same energy — and perhaps the same magic — from 2010’s unforgettable “Big Game Garnet” victory.
As one fan put it on social media: “If history repeats itself, Bama better watch out — Garnet means game time in Columbia.”
