Everything on the Line: What to Know as South Carolina Faces Clemson in a Pride-Fueled Rivalry Showdown
The season hasn’t gone the way either side hoped, and yet, everything still comes down to this moment.
South Carolina enters rivalry week at 4-7, officially eliminated from bowl contention. Clemson stands at 6-5, already bowl eligible but out of the ACC Championship race and far removed from any College Football Playoff aspirations.
In other words — Saturday may not decide a championship, but it absolutely decides bragging rights.
Here’s the full breakdown of what fans need to know heading into one of the most emotional matchups on either team’s schedule.
How to Watch: South Carolina vs. Clemson
- When: Saturday, Noon
- Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
- TV/Stream: SEC Network and ESPN app
Series History
This rivalry dates back to 1896, with Clemson holding a commanding 73-44-4 advantage. The teams have met every year since 1909 — except the 2020 COVID pause.
Last year, South Carolina stunned Clemson in Death Valley with a 17-14 victory.
Betting Outlook
South Carolina opened the week as a 5.5-point underdog, according to the VegasInsider consensus. But early bettors quickly pushed the line to USC -1.5, showing growing confidence in the Gamecocks at home.
The projected over/under is 53.5 points.
South Carolina: Trying to Close a Tough Year on a High Note
This season has been one of frustration for the Gamecocks. They began the year ranked No. 13 in the AP Top 25 and climbed as high as No. 10 after defeating Virginia Tech 24-11 in the opener.
But a series of SEC losses, a 1-7 conference record, and the firing of two assistants derailed their momentum.
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope.
South Carolina just delivered its best offensive performance of the season, racking up 579 total yards in a 51-7 blowout win over Coastal Carolina.
A win over Clemson would give USC momentum heading into 2026 — and a second straight victory over the Tigers.
Clemson: A Season of Missed Expectations
Clemson also suffered several setbacks. Once ranked No. 4 to start the year, the Tigers stumbled early with a 17-10 home loss to LSU.
They then dropped four of their next seven games before rallying with back-to-back wins over Florida State and No. 19 Louisville, finishing ACC play at 4-4.
Last weekend’s 45-10 win over Furman secured bowl eligibility. Whatever happens against South Carolina, the Tigers will play at least one more game.
Players to Watch
South Carolina Gamecocks
LaNorris Sellers — QB
Once viewed as a dark-horse Heisman candidate, Sellers has struggled behind an injury-plagued offensive line. He’s thrown for 1,782 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions, and he’s been sacked 37 times — the second-most in FBS.
However, Sellers has looked revived in recent weeks under interim offensive play-caller Mike Furrey.
His performance Saturday matters, but so does his future. Sellers has said he won’t reveal whether he plans to enter the NFL Draft, stay at USC, or hit the transfer portal until after the season.
Dylan Stewart — EDGE
Stewart has been USC’s most consistent pass rusher, recording 31 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in nine games.
The big question: Is he healthy enough to play?
After being a game-time decision against Texas A&M and missing the Coastal Carolina game, Shane Beamer said Stewart is expected back.
His choice to play — or sit — could signal his long-term plans with USC.
Clemson Tigers
Cade Klubnik — QB
Like Sellers, Klubnik entered the season with heavy hype — expected to contend for the Heisman and lock himself into the top tier of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Instead, injuries and inconsistency have plagued him. His 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns are career lows since becoming the starter in 2023.
He’s out of eligibility. Assuming he doesn’t skip the bowl game, Saturday could be his final game in a Clemson uniform.
Will Heldt — DE
The Purdue transfer has been a force off the edge with 35 tackles and six sacks. He has recorded at least half a sack in every game but three.
Against a South Carolina offensive line still missing Cason Henry, Heldt could be a major disruptor.
South Carolina’s 2025 Results
- Aug. 31: South Carolina 24, Virginia Tech 11
- Sept. 6: USC 38, SC State 10
- Sept. 13: Vanderbilt 31, USC 7
- Sept. 20: Missouri 29, USC 20
- Sept. 27: USC 35, Kentucky 13
- Oct. 11: LSU 20, USC 10
- Oct. 18: Oklahoma 26, USC 7
- Oct. 25: Alabama 29, USC 22
- Nov. 1: Ole Miss 30, USC 14
- Nov. 15: Texas A&M 31, USC 30
- Nov. 22: USC 51, Coastal Carolina 7
- Nov. 29 vs. Clemson — Noon (SEC Network)
