While some of the defense was returning for the 2025 season, the South Carolina Gamecocks' special teams had some concerns. However, that was not the case in the Gamecocks' 24-11 win in Week 1 over the Virginia Tech Hokies.
If there is something to take away from the South Carolina Gamecocks' 24-11 win on Sunday, August 31, against the Virginia Tech Hokies, never underestimate the defense and special teams. In what was a slog of a first half, the Gamecocks' defense held strong all game, limiting the Hokies to 11 points and only allowing 336 total yards (221 passing, 115 rushing).