COLUMBIA, S.C. – The long-discussed possibility of a Clemson–South Carolina football matchup on Black Friday just took a major step forward.
According to a newly signed contract extending the in-state rivalry through the 2026–27 seasons, South Carolina now has the option to move its 2027 home game against Clemson from the traditional Saturday after Thanksgiving to Friday, Nov. 26, 2027 — the Black Friday of that year.
The agreement, finalized in early October and obtained by The State through a public records request, makes this scheduling flexibility official for the first time.
A new clause opens the door for a Black Friday rivalry
The 2026 game remains set in stone — Clemson will host South Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, the standard weekend date following Thanksgiving.
But the 2027 matchup at Williams-Brice Stadium comes with a unique twist. The contract specifically lists two possible dates:
“South Carolina shall host Clemson on Nov. 26, 2027 (Black Friday) or **Nov. 27, 2027 (Saturday).”
That simple use of “or” in the contract language gives the Gamecocks the unilateral option to shift the rivalry to Black Friday without requiring an additional amendment or separate agreement — a first in the modern era of the series.
Previously, all Clemson–South Carolina contracts required mutual written consent to alter the game date. This new clause simplifies the process, signaling a growing openness from the Gamecocks’ side to explore a prime-time television opportunity.
History and resistance
While the Palmetto Bowl is one of college football’s oldest rivalries — last season’s matchup marked the 121st meeting — it’s also been one of the most traditional. The game has almost always been played on Saturday after Thanksgiving, giving fans from both sides a familiar holiday rhythm.
However, South Carolina officials have shown increasing interest in the idea of a Black Friday showcase, pointing to its national exposure and potential for higher television ratings.
Clemson, on the other hand, has historically pushed back. The Tigers have cited logistical challenges, recruiting schedules, and holiday travel as reasons to avoid the Friday date. In fact, Clemson declined the ACC’s 2024 proposal to host South Carolina on Black Friday, opting to keep the game on Saturday.
Why it matters
By adding the new scheduling clause, South Carolina effectively streamlined the path toward a potential Black Friday showdown. It also positions the program for greater national spotlight opportunities — something the SEC and its TV partners have increasingly embraced in recent years.
A Friday rivalry game could draw prime-time attention, especially with major networks like ESPN and ABC often featuring marquee matchups that day. Still, there are tradeoffs — including shortened prep time, holiday travel complications, and potential attendance impacts.
The ACC and SEC typically finalize their football schedules in December or January, meaning the Gamecocks will likely need to make a final decision on the 2027 date by late fall 2026 or early winter 2027.
Looking ahead
This year’s Clemson–South Carolina clash remains on the traditional calendar. The 2024 edition will kick off at noon on Saturday, Nov. 29, in Columbia, airing nationally on ABC or ESPN.
According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), South Carolina currently holds a 55.2% chance of winning this year’s rivalry matchup — a narrow edge in one of college football’s most heated and enduring rivalries.
Bottom line
With this new contract clause, a Black Friday Palmetto Bowl is no longer just a possibility — it’s a near reality. While Clemson’s cooperation will still influence the final call, South Carolina now holds the scheduling advantage heading into 2027, setting up what could become one of the SEC’s next great holiday traditions.
