The Virginia Tech Hokies open the 2025 college football season on Sunday against the No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks. This game has been highly anticipated for a couple of years now because Shane Beamer is South Carolina’s head coach. Shane Beamer, of course, is the son of legendary Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer. Shane is also a Blacksburg native, Virginia Tech graduate and former assistant coach under his father for the Hokies.
Now, with that out of the way, what can we expect on the field?
The Gamecocks are a more established entity heading into 2025. They also have the best player on the field: quarterback LaNorris Sellers. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound sophomore was the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2024, completing almost 65% of his passes for 2,520 yards, with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Sellers also rushed for 674 yards and seven touchdowns. If he continues his progression from last season, Sellers looks the part of a future No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
He has help, too.
Utah State transfer Rahsul Faison will be South Carolina’s primary running back. He has played a lot of college football and rushed for 1,845 yards. At receiver, Sellers has 6-foot-5, 235-pound Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennett. Both are potential stars, with Harbor being featured on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” for two years in a row, due to his hulking size and world-class speed. Harbor is built like a tight end/linebacker with Olympic speed. He was invited to the 2024 USA Track & Field Olympic trials.
While Harbor has yet to put up big numbers, it’s fair to ask how a rebuilt Virginia Tech secondary will defend him. The good news is that the Hokies have talented and experienced players in the secondary. Junior Dante Lovett and redshirt sophomore Thomas Williams are the Hokies’ top cornerbacks and are ready for the promotion. VT has numerous transfers in the secondary at both safety and cornerback. Depth should be solid.
South Carolina’s top defender is sophomore defensive end Dylan Stewart. USC lost a lot on the defensive line from last season, but Stewart returns. He finished his freshman year with 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He’ll be a stiff test for Virginia Tech’s completely rebuilt offensive line.
The Gamecocks’ offensive line should be a team strength, with youth and experience on its side. Meanwhile, VT’s defensive line is experienced with Kelvin Gilliam and Kemari Copeland on the inside and Keyshawn Burgos on the edge. Copeland was also represented on Feldman’s “Freaks List” and may be the strongest player in all of college football.
Which Hokie will replace Antwaun Powell-Ryland’s 16.5 sacks? It could be a committee approach, with Burgos, Ben Bell, and James Djonkam as the leading contenders.
If it’s a close game, the Hokies should have the edge on special teams. The ‘Cocks are starting a freshman kicker (Mason Love), while the Hokies have a potential All-American kicker (John Love). Another player to watch on special teams is wide receiver Tucker Holloway. He was a record-breaking punt returner before he missed last season with an injury.
Offensively, the Hokies hope quarterback Kyron Drones returns to his previous form. Multiple injuries ruined his entire 2024 season. Tech has three running back transfers, with Terion Stewart expected to lead the way. Drones’ top targets will be junior wide receiver Ayden Greene and junior tight end Benji Gosnell. The Hokies have several talented receivers, so it will be interesting to see who steps up opposite Ayden Greene. Donavon Greene, a transfer from Wake Forest, but Tennessee transfer Cameron Seldon could be the X-Factor for Tech.
Here’s all the info you need to watch or listen to Sunday’s game.
How to watch
- When: Saturday, August 31, 2025
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Announcers: Bob Wichusen [play-by-play], Louis Riddick [analyst], Kris Budden [sideline]
- Radio: Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio. You can find a list of affiliates here.
- Streaming options: fubo TV [try it free], ESPN+
- Series history: The two teams have met 20 times, with the Gamecocks holding an 11-7-2 edge. VT and South Carolina last played in 1991.
- Odds: South Carolina is a 7.5-point favorite, per FanDuel.
