South Carolina vs Virginia Tech highlights: LaNorris Sellers, Gamecocks take Week 1 win

Aug 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) rolls out of the pocket against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

No. 13 South Carolina took the "Beamer Bowl" against Virginia Tech to close out the 2025 Aflac Kickoff Game doubleheader weekend.

The Gamecocks' Week 1 win didn't come that easy, though.

Watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech live with Fubo (free trial)

A "Beamer Ball" punt return touchdown from Vicari Swain and a 64-yard touchdown throw from LaNorris Sellers, both in the fourth quarter, helped Shane Beamer's team avoid a Week 1 upset and instead come out with a 24-11 win over the Hokies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

It was the fourth SEC-vs.-ACC matchup of the opening weekend slate in college football, as Syracuse-Tennessee, Alabama-Florida State and Clemson-LSU all served as a prequel to the Gamecocks and Hokies matchup on Sunday. The Gamecocks gave the SEC a 3-1 advantage after the Seminoles shocked the No. 8-ranked Crimson Tide on Aug. 30, 31-17.

Sellers, who also had a 15-yard rushing touchdown on the day, struggled to find a rhythm for much of the afternoon, as did Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones. The two quarterbacks combined to take six sacks in the Gamecocks' win, while Drones threw two interceptions.

One interesting note from Sunday's game is that Virginia Tech scored none of its 11 points off a touchdown. The Hokies got on the board by sacking Sellers in the end zone for a safety in the first quarter, and then scored its next nine points on three successful field goals from veteran kicker John Love.

USA TODAY Sports provided updates, scores and highlights of the Gamecocks' Week 1 win. Check them out below:

South Carolina vs Virginia Tech score

South Carolina vs Virginia Tech highlights

Here's a compilation of highlights from South Carolina's win over Virginia Tech:

South Carolina vs Virginia Tech live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Final score: South Carolina 24, Virginia Tech 11

LaNorris Sellers stats vs Virginia Tech

Here's a look at LaNorris Sellers' stats vs. Virginia Tech on Sunday:

• Completions: 12
• Attempts: 19
• Percentage: 63%
• Passing yards: 209
• Total Touchdowns: 2
• Interceptions: 0
• QB Rating: 172.9
• Rush attempts: 13
• Rushing yards: 25

South Carolina-Virginia Tech stats

Here's a side-by-side comparison of South Carolina and Virginia Tech's team stats, according to StatBroadcast:

South Carolina defeats Virginia Tech

A big fourth quarter from LaNorris Sellers and Co. helps give South Carolina and Shane Beamer the 24-11 win in the "Beamer Bowl" against Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

With South Carolina's win, the SEC has swept the Aflac Kickoff Games against the ACC, as Tennessee defeated Syracuse on Aug. 30 in Atlanta.

South Carolina picks off Kyron Drones

Kyron Drones forces it down the field on fourth-and-10 and it goes right into the hands of South Carolina's Peyton Williams, who returns it 23 yards to the Gamecocks' 47-yard line.

That looks to be the dagger from South Carolina with 4:36 remaining in the fourth quarter and up 24-11.

LaNorris Sellers extends South Carolina lead with 64-yard touchdown

LaNorris Sellers hits speedy Nyck Harbor down the field for a 64-yard touchdown to extend South Carolina's lead over Virginia Tech to 24-11. A really nice throw by Sellers, who now has more than 200 passing yards on the day, and an even bigger response by South Carolina, which seems to have found something on offense.

The scoring drive is three plays and 75 yards and took 1:18 off the game clock.

Virginia Tech field goal cuts into South Carolina lead

John Love hits a 39-yard field goal to bring Virginia Tech within six of South Carolina at 17-11 with nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter. With a reliable kicker like Love, Virginia Tech elected to take the field goal compared to going for it on fourth-and-2 after Kyron Drones fell a few yards short of picking up the first down on the quarterback keeper.

BEAMER BALL: Vicari Swain returns 80-yard punt for touchdown

It was only a matter of time the "Beamer Bowl" would have "Beamer Ball" be involved in it, and it came at a much needed time for South Carolina.

After South Carolina elected for Virginia Tech to punt again following an illegal formation penalty on Virginia Tech, South Carolina's Vicari Swain breaks through Virginia Tech's special teams unit and takes Nick Veltsistas' 57-yard punt all the way back for an 80-yard punt return touchdown.

A big momentum shifter for the Gamecocks who now lead the Hokies 17-8 with 13:31 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Third quarter: South Carolina 10, Virginia Tech 8

South Carolina takes lead into fourth quarter

It's a scoreless third quarter in Atlanta between South Carolina and Virginia Tech, as the Gamecocks take the very same 10-8 lead they had at halftime into the fourth quarter. South Carolina's struggles on offense has allowed Virginia Tech to stay in this one.

The Gamecocks have only 155 offensive yards since their opening touchdown drive that went 75 yards.

Virginia Tech sacks LaNorris Sellers ... Twice

LaNorris Sellers' woes against the Virginia Tech defense continues, as the South Carolina quarterback is sacked twice during the Gamecocks' latest series. The first sack was a 10-yard loss from Emmett Laws and Jaden Keller on first-and-10 after a 21-yard catch-and-run pass from Sellers to Donovan Murph; while the second came two plays later on third-and-15 for another 10-yard loss.

South Carolina has struggled to find any success against Virginia Tech after the game's opening drive.

Virginia Tech penalty kills drive

Virginia Tech was moving on offense and sitting on South Carolina's 43-yard line after Kyron Drones hit Donovan Greene for a 32-yard catch down the left sideline. However, a 7-yard sack from South Caroline edge rusher Dylan Stewart on top of a self-inflicted 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on Greene killed the Hokies' momentum on offense as they punted it away.

A nice series overall for the Gamecocks as they got some big plays from their star edge rusher, who is a projected top first-round draft pick. South Carolina takes over at its 18-yard line with 3:22 remaining in the third quarter and a 10-8 lead.

South Carolina punts

South Carolina sends out the punt unit after LaNorris Sellers is unable to connect with Mazeo Bennett Jr. on third-and-4 in the middle of the field for the first down. A tough turn of events for South Carolina to punt the ball there after finding some rhythm and success with its passing game to begin the drive.

Virginia Tech punts

Virginia Tech appears to have a first down, but Takye Heath drops the pass from Kyron Drones on third-and-5. Hokies send out their punt unit on the first drive of the second half.

South Carolina will have the ball at its own 17-yard line coming up working with just a two-point lead at 10-8.

First half: South Carolina 10, Virginia Tech 8

John Love hits 56-yard field goal before halftime

South Carolina will head into halftime with a rare 10-8 lead over Virginia Tech after Hokies kicker John Love drills a 56-yard field goal right down the middle as time expired.

The Gamecocks offense went rather quiet after their first drive, but looked to have found some momentum and rhythm on their final drive of the half. While on the other side, Virginia Tech has been able to stay in it with the thirteenth-ranked Gamecocks due to some mistakes on defense from South Carolina.

South Carolina's Dylan Stewart injury update

South Carolina star edge rusher Dylan Stewart has exited the game with an apparent shoulder injury. ESPN's cameras showed Stewart holding his shoulder on the third-and-3 play. He immediately went down after the play was ruled dead.

A potential big loss to the Gamecocks defense as he heads off the field on his own power.

South Carolina extends lead with field goal

After a touchdown gets brought back, South Carolina extends its lead to 10-5 over Virginia Tech with a 27-yard field goal from William Joyce.

The scoring drive is 13 plays for 70 yards and took 5:01 off the game block. Virginia Tech now has a chance to take a lead going into halftime with that Nyck Harbor-LaNorris Sellers touchdown taken off the board.

LaNorris Sellers touchdown pass brought back

LaNorris Sellers looks to have Nyck Harbor on a corner route into right corner of the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown to extend South Carolina's lead over Virginia Tech to 14-5, but it was ruled a no catch after a video review on the field.

A tough break for South Carolina. The Gamecocks will now elect to take the field goal.

Here's another look at Harbor's catch that was brought back after review:

Rahsul Faison picks up big run for South Carolina

Hello, Rahsul Faison!

The new South Carolina running back breaks off for a 31-yard carry to erase bad field position for the Gamecocks on second-and-33 following a 14-yard loss on a LaNorris Sellers sack and fumble. Faison was originally awarded a first down on the play but video review showed he was three yards short of a new set of downs.

A big third-down coming up here for South Carolina with 4:54 remaining in the first half.

Marcellous Hawkins drops pass, Virginia Tech punts

Virginia Tech perfectly draws up a screen pass from Kyron Drones to Marcellous Hawkins, but Hawkins drops the pass to send the Hokies' punt unit out onto the field. If Hawkins had held onto the pass, the Hokies running back would have had open field coverage down the sideline for a big play.

John Love makes field goal for Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech's John Love hits a 29-yard field goal straight down the middle to bring the Hokies' deficit against No. 13 South Carolina closer at 7-5.

The big play of the drive for Virginia Tech came on the first play call of the second quarter when Kyron Drones connected with Donovan Greene for a 37-yard catch on the run up the right sideline.

The scoring drive is eight plays for 59 yards and took 2:32 off of the game clock. South Carolina needs a big answer to respond on it next drive coming up, as it hasn't scored since the opening drive of the first quarter.

First Quarter: South Carolina 7, Virginia Tech 2

South Carolina leads Virginia Tech after first quarter

South Carolina leads Virginia Tech 7-2 after one quarter of action in the Aflac Kickoff Game. After driving down the field and scoring on their first drive of the game, the Gamecocks offense has gone rather cold, as they've had to punt twice and got a safety recorded against them on the other.

Virginia Tech will face a second-and-9 to open the second quarter after Marcellous Hawkins picked up a 1-yard carry to end the first frame.

Virginia Tech records safety

Virginia Tech rushes up the middle of the field and gets to LaNorris Sellers as the pocket collapses, resulting in a safety for the Hokies. Kelvin Gilliam Jr. and Kody Huisman were given the combo sack for Virginia Tech.

South Carolina intercepts Kyron Drones

Kyron Drones forces it on third-and-10 and it comes to backfire on him as South Carolina linebacker Fred Johnson intercepts the Virginia Tech quarterback in the end zone. A costly play by Drones after the Hokies found some rhythm and momentum on offense.

South Carolina takes over at its 2-yard line.

Virginia Tech in South Carolina red zone

The Hokies have something brewing on offense, as Kyron Drones utilizes the Greene brothers on back to back plays to get into the South Carolina red zone for the first time. On third-and-1, Drones connected with Donavon Greene for a 25-yard catch and then went to Ayden Greene on the next play for a 36-yard catch up the right sidelines.

LaNorris Sellers makes big run

Facing a third-and-11, LaNorris Sellers shows off his athleticism once again by getting out of the pocket and taking the right side of the field to pick up the first down with a 13-yard scramble. Nice job by Sellers to fight for the fight down along the sidelines as Virginia Tech defenders came on him.

Virginia Tech forced to punt

It's a three-and-out for Virginia Tech to open up the game after South Carolina defensive Brandon Cisse breaks up a pass from Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones on third-and-8. Nice coverage by Cisse to force the punt, and a strong start for South Carolina.

South Carolina scores on opening drive

Shane Beamer gets the start he wanted to see from LaNorris Sellers and the South Carolina offense, as the Gamecocks' quarterback calls his own number and runs it into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown.

A really nice drive put together by the Gamecocks who found some rhythm both in the passing and running game. If the Gamecocks continue to utilize Sellers' dual-threat abilities like they did on their opening drive, Virginia Tech's defense could be in for a long day.

Here's what Sellers' touchdown looks from field angle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Virginia Tech wins toss, defers

The Hokies win the coin toss and elect to defer the kick to the second half. South Carolina and LaNorris Sellers will come out first on offense. And here we go from Atlanta!

Pregame

Dawn Staley at South Carolina-Virginia Tech game

South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley has made the trip to Atlanta for Sunday's Aflac Kickoff Game between the Gamecocks and Virginia Tech.

Staley, who was at the Chris Brown concert last night in Atlanta, told Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston on their podcast that she interviewed for the New York Knicks coaching job this past offseason, and would "have had to" take it if they offered her the position. Staley is 475-110 overall in 17 seasons at South Carolina.

'Beamer Ball' chants

As Shane Beamer arrives to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the fifth-year South Carolina coach is welcomed to "Beamer Ball" chants from those outside of the Gamecocks entrance as he goes over and hugs his parents, Frank and Cheryl Beamer.

Pretty cool atmosphere building in Atlanta on what should be a day to remember for the Beamer family with South Carolina taking on Virginia Tech.

South Carolina football injury report vs Virginia Tech

Here's the injury report for South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech according to Lulu Kesin of The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network:

• George Wilson (EDGE) — OUT
• Zahbari Sandy (DB) — OUT
• Jackson Burger (DB) — OUT
• Kobby Sakyi-Prah (EDGE) — OUT
• Caleb Williams (DT) — OUT
• Ryan Brubaker (OL) — OUT
• Jaylen Brown (EDGE) — OUT

Rahsul Faison stats

With Raheim Sanders graduating, South Carolina went to the transfer portal to fill its hole at running back. The Gamecocks landed on Utah State transfer Rahsul Faison, who was just granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA to play at South Carolina.

Here's a breakdown of his Faison's stats at Utah State:

• Career: 316 carries for 1,845 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns; 33 receptions for 151 receiving yards
• 2023: 118 carries for 736 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns; 11 receptions for 52 receiving yards
• 2024: 198 carries for 1,109 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns; 22 receptions for 99 receiving yards

Frank Beamer rocking South Carolina gear

Former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, the dad of South Carolina coach Shane Beamer, is taking selfies outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with Hokies fans ... while wearing a Gamecocks jacket.

South Carolina uniforms released vs Virginia Tech

South Carolina announces on its X account (formerly Twitter) that it will be wearing its home black uniforms for its Aflac Kickoff Game vs. Virginia Tech on Aug. 31.

Where did Shane Beamer go to college?

The Week 1 showdown between South Carolina and Virginia Tech on Aug. 31 is a bittersweet one for South Carolina coach Shane Beamer, as he is not only facing against his alma mater, but also going against a program that his dad, Frank Beamer, led from 1987-2015.

In fact, Shane Beamer was an assistant at Virginia Tech for Frank Beamer's final five seasons, as he served as assistant head coach and running backs coach for the Hokies from 2011-15.

South Carolina Gamecocks depth chart

As noted by Lulu Kesin of The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network, South Carolina did not release a depth chart ahead of its Week 1 opener vs. Virginia Tech.

"I didn't want him to release one then we don't release one and he's like 'what the heck?'" South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said Aug. 27. "It's not trying to keep any secrets from Virginia Tech, to be honest I am just trying to avoid any unnecessary overreactions."

He added: "We still have position battles going on out there on the practice field and if I had released a depth chart it was going to have a gazillion 'and's and 'or's' ... I'm respectful of the job you have and I'm not trying to make things more difficult but that's just what I was trying to avoid. I looked at what's best for our team right now that's not putting anything out on paper."

South Carolina vs Virginia Tech odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Aug. 31

• Spread: South Carolina -7
• Over/under: 51.5
• Moneyline: South Carolina (-220) | Virginia Tech (+180)

Who is starting at quarterback for South Carolina vs Virginia Tech?

LaNorris Sellers is starting at quarterback for South Carolina in its Week 1 opener vs. Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game. The preseason second-team All-SEC selection is entering his second season as the Gamecocks' starting quarterback, as he led the team to an 8-4 record last year while throwing for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Who is starting at quarterback for Virginia Tech vs South Carolina?

Kyron Drones is starting at quarterback for Virginia Tech in its Week 1 opener vs. South Carolina in the Aflac Kickoff Game. He is one of six ACC starting quarterbacks who are returning for their second consecutive season.

What time does South Carolina vs Virginia Tech start?

• Date: Sunday, Aug. 31
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)

The Week 1 matchup between South Carolina and Virginia Tech is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 31 from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech live with Fubo (free trial)

What TV channel is South Carolina vs Virginia Tech on today?

• TV channel: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech will be broadcast nationally on ESPN in Week 1 of the 2025 college football season. Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick will call the game from the booth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Kris Budden reporting from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

South Carolina-Virginia Tech predictions

• Lulu Kessin, The Greenville News: South Carolina 24, Virginia Tech 14

South Carolina schedule 2025

Here is South Carolina's schedule:

• Sunday, Aug. 31: vs. Virginia Tech | 3 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo)
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. South Carolina State | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Vanderbilt *
• Saturday, Sept. 20: at Missouri *
• Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. Kentucky *
• Saturday, Oct. 4: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at No. 9 LSU *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. Oklahoma *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. No. 8 Alabama *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: at No. 15 Ole Miss *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 15: at No. 21 Texas A&M *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Coastal Carolina
• Saturday, Nov. 29: vs. No. 6 Clemson | Noon ET

* Denotes SEC game

Virginia Tech schedule 2025

Here is Virginia Tech's schedule:

• Sunday, Aug. 31: vs. No. 13 South Carolina | 3 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. Vanderbilt | 7:30 p.m. | ACC Network (Fubo)
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Old Dominion | 7 p.m. | ACC Network (Fubo)
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. Wofford
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at NC State *
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Wake Forest *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Georgia Tech *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: BYE
• Friday, Oct. 24: vs. Cal * | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Louisville *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 15: at Florida State *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. No. 10 Miami *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Virginia *

* Denotes ACC game

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Carolina vs Virginia Tech highlights: LaNorris Sellers, Gamecocks take Week 1 win

Reporting by John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect