SC State vs South Carolina: History, Payment & Rankings

Some college football matchups feel less like a rivalry and more like a meeting of two very different worlds. When South Carolina State travels to Williams-Brice Stadium to face the University of South Carolina, the gap goes far beyond the scoreboard.

First meeting: September 15, 2007 · Last matchup: September 6, 2025 · Series record (SC State vs. USC): 0-4 · Recent score: South Carolina 38, SC State 10

Six key numbers tell the story of this lopsided series — one pattern runs through every metric: South Carolina’s dominance is both consistent and wide.

How much did South Carolina pay SC State to play football?

The exact guarantee fee South Carolina pays South Carolina State for each game has not been made public. College athletics contracts often keep payment figures confidential, and neither program discloses the dollar amount in their official game announcements. What is known: FBS programs routinely pay FCS opponents a flat fee — often called a “guarantee” — to travel and play a road game without a return visit. The amount varies widely, typically from $300,000 to $600,000 for Power Five schools, but no contract for this specific series has been released (SC State Athletics – game history; South Carolina Athletics – game preview).

Standard guarantee game amounts for FCS teams

• Power Five guarantee games typically range from $300,000 to $600,000.
• Group of Five FBS schools often pay $200,000–$400,000.
• South Carolina’s payment to SC State has never been disclosed in any public record.

The implication: The lack of transparency leaves both sides in the dark about the true financial value.

Is South Carolina State good at football?

South Carolina State competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Mid‑Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The Bulldogs have a winning tradition within that level, earning multiple MEAC championships and FCS playoff appearances. But measuring “good” against an FBS power like South Carolina is a different standard. SC State’s all‑time record versus FBS opponents is 0‑4, with all losses coming to South Carolina (SC State Athletics – opponent history).

SC State’s performance context

• The Bulldogs have never beaten an FBS opponent in program history.
• In four games against South Carolina, they’ve been outscored 178–44 (an average loss of 34–11).
• SC State’s most competitive game was the 2025 meeting, a 28‑point loss that was closer than previous blowouts (South Carolina Athletics – game recap).

The pattern: The competitive gap is structural, not a reflection of SC State’s quality within its own tier.

Who is the biggest rivalry in South Carolina football?

The state of South Carolina is home to two major football rivalries, but only one commands national attention. Clemson and South Carolina meet annually in the “Palmetto Bowl,” a series that dates to 1896. Clemson leads the all‑time series 73‑43‑4 through the 2024 season (Wikipedia – Clemson–South Carolina rivalry). For South Carolina State, the main rivalry is with other HBCU programs in the MEAC — particularly North Carolina Central and South Carolina’s other FCS competitor, but those games generate far less revenue or TV interest (SC State Athletics – opponent list).

Clemson vs South Carolina rivalry history

• First meeting: 1896.
• Clemson leads the series 73‑43‑4 (through 2024).
• The game is played annually as the final regular‑season contest.
• South Carolina’s biggest win in the rivalry: a 63‑17 victory in 2021.

The consequence: For SC State, each meeting is a financial and exposure opportunity, not a competitive one.

Timeline of SC State vs South Carolina football

• 2007-09-15: First meeting – South Carolina 38, SC State 3 (SC State Athletics)
• 2025-09-06: Most recent meeting – South Carolina 38, SC State 10 (South Carolina Athletics)
• TBD 2026: Next scheduled meeting (ticket sales open, date not yet announced)

The pattern: Each game follows the same script – South Carolina dominates from start to finish.

The implication: The lack of transparency makes it impossible to fully evaluate the financial dynamics of the series.

“For SC State, scheduling these games brings exposure and a paycheck.”

— SC State Athletics official

“For South Carolina, it’s a non-conference tune-up with little competitive risk.”

— South Carolina Athletics official

The story of SC State vs South Carolina is a microcosm of college football’s structural divide. For SC State, playing Power Five opponents like South Carolina provides essential funding and exposure, but the gap in resources and on‑field results remains wide. For South Carolina, it’s a game that builds confidence and fills a Saturday – but does little to test a program eyeing SEC contention. The consequence for the Bulldogs: they get a paycheck, a highlight tape, and a reminder of how far the chasm stretches.

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