JUSTIN: South Carolina Poised to Shake Up the 2025 College Football Playoff — Could the Gamecocks Be the Surprise Breakout Team!

The South Carolina Gamecocks have been identified as a team that could disrupt the 2025 College Football Playoff landscape. As the CFP enters its second year with the expanded 12-team format, the upcoming season promises excitement. While college football remains famously unpredictable, many of the traditional powerhouses are still expected to secure playoff spots.

However, experts point to a select group of teams outside the usual national championship conversation that have the potential to shake things up this season. Among them, On3 highlights South Carolina as a dark horse capable of making its first-ever playoff appearance by winning nine to ten games.

Last season, the Gamecocks showed significant promise, and now they return with a dynamic and experienced quarterback who has the potential to become a breakout star, similar to DJ Lagway, notes On3’s Ari Wasserman. Alongside him, South Carolina boasts one of the nation’s top defensive players in Dylan Stewart, forming a strong core. The challenge for head coach Shane Beamer is turning that potential into consistent wins each week in the competitive SEC.

South Carolina will kick off their 2025 campaign in Atlanta against the Virginia Tech Hokies on Sunday, August 31st, at 3 p.m. This matchup marks the 21st meeting between the two programs, with the Gamecocks currently leading the series 11-7-2. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.