All eyes are on South Carolina heading into 2025—and for good reason. After a thrilling 2024 campaign that saw QB LaNorris Sellers break out and the team finish 9-4, the buzz in Columbia is real. They came close to crashing the CFP—and with Sellers back under center, expectations are sky-high. But head coach Shane Beamer isn’t on the hot seat. Because he’s helped flip the program and turn South Carolina into a true SEC contender. Now, with success comes pressure. After raising the bar last season, fans and analysts alike are expecting even more—despite the heavy losses on defense to the NFL Draft. So, it’s time to prove last year was no fluke.

Well, just days ago, South Carolina football geared up for one of its biggest on-campus recruiting weekends of the summer—and the timing couldn’t be more important. With the NCAA’s summer dead period now here, this was the Gamecocks’ final major push to make a statement. So, Shane Beamer and his staff rolled out the red carpet for a wave of key 2026 targets, both official and unofficial. However, their mission? Strengthen a class that already sits at No. 17 nationally and No. 7 in the SEC. And as it turns out—they had a little help along the way.

On June 23, Shane Beamer sent a clear message—and the rest of the SEC took notice. “Been a great month of recruiting visits in Columbia!! It’s heating up in South Carolina…..Here We Go……,” posted Beamer, setting the tone with confidence and energy. So, the Gamecocks aren’t just hosting—they’re making moves. Four-star DB commit J’Zavien Currence is in town for his long-planned OV. And in a surprise twist, four-star TE pledge Jamel Howse joined the weekend lineup as a late addition. Now, momentum is building, top talent is on campus, and Beamer has put 15 SEC rivals on notice.

But according to GamecockCentral, the weekend got even bigger with the expected arrival of twin 4-star commits—LB Andrew Harris and DL Aiden Harris. With the Harris brothers joining four-star DB Currence and Howse on campus, South Carolina had more than just coaches working the room. Yes, they had trusted voices—future teammates—helping to seal the deal. So, the added firepower gave Shane Beamer and his staff a serious edge, setting the stage for what could be a massive recruiting weekend finale in Columbia.

However, starting June 23, CFB hit the pause button with the NCAA’s summer dead period officially underway. Running through August 1, this stretch means no in-person contact between coaches and recruits—no campus visits, no face-to-face meetings. But don’t get it twisted. The recruiting grind doesn’t stop. Phone calls, texts, and DMs are still very much in play. And with Shane Beamer known for working the phones like a pro, South Carolina fans have every reason to stay optimistic. So, the visits may be over for now—but #WelcomeHome messages could still be on the way.

Why not? Ahead of the 2025 season, Shane Beamer has retooled both his staff and roster to push South Carolina to the next level. He added veteran coaches like Mike Shula (OC/QB), Mike Furrey (WR), and Super Bowl winner Joe DeCamillis (Special Teams). On the player front, the Gamecocks landed key transfers including linebacker Shawn Murphy, DB Brandon Cisse, and OL Boaz Stanley, along with major depth across both lines. With these upgrades, Beamer is clearly building a tougher, deeper, and more experienced team for a big SEC run.

Now, while Shane Beamer is going all-in on building a dynasty for the Gamecocks, the in-state rivalry is shaping up to be one of the hottest showdowns of 2025.

Shane Beamer’s biggest challenge

The in-state rivalry has long tilted in Clemson’s favor. The Tigers hold a commanding 7-2 edge over the last decade, and for years, it felt like the Gamecocks were stuck playing catch-up. But under Shane Beamer, the tide is turning fast. South Carolina stunned Clemson last season with a statement win in Death Valley—a game that still stings for Tiger fans, even though their team made the playoff. Now, with momentum building in Columbia, this rivalry is heating up like never before. The gap is closing, and 2025 could be fireworks.

Heading into 2025, Clemson vs. South Carolina isn’t just a rivalry—it’s a full-blown showdown. This game is shaping up to be one of the best non-conference matchups in the nation, and in the Palmetto State, it’s appointment viewing. Come November 29, don’t expect much movement, because SC might as well shut down. So, every eye will be locked on this game. Now, with bragging rights, rankings, and playoff implications all in play, this year’s clash has more on the line than ever.

According to Bill Bender’s 2025 rankings of the top 25 hottest rivalries in CFB, Clemson vs. SC officially cracked the top 10—landing at No. 10. So, the buzz is real, and the stakes are higher than ever. Bender pointed out that the Gamecocks have won both ranked matchups over the past decade, and this year’s clash is shaping up to be another top-25 showdown. Now, if history holds, that might not be great news for the Tigers. So, momentum’s shifting—and the rivalry is hotter than it’s been in years.