Clemson-South Carolina Just Cracked the Top 10 Hottest CFB Rivalries of 2025

Clemson-South Carolina Just Cracked the Top 10 Hottest CFB Rivalries of 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The gloves are off in the Palmetto State! Forget what you thought you knew about college football's fiercest rivalries, because Sporting News just dropped its bombshell ranking for 2025, and the Clemson-South Carolina showdown is making a massive leap, landing squarely at No. 10! That's right, the annual grudge match between the Tigers and Gamecocks is officially one of the hottest tickets in the nation, and if last season's stunner is any indication, November 29th in Columbia is going to be must-see TV.

While Michigan-Ohio State, Texas-Oklahoma, and Auburn-Alabama rightfully claim their top spots, the Palmetto Bowl is surging, fueled by a potent mix of history, recent upsets, and some truly bizarre trends.

The Gamecocks pulled off the unthinkable last season, marching into Death Valley and snatching a dramatic 17-14 victory. It was a monumental win that sent shockwaves through the ACC and SEC, proving that Shane Beamer's squad is no longer content to play second fiddle. But don't let that fool you into thinking Clemson has lost its grip on the series. Dabo Swinney's Tigers still hold a commanding 73-44-4 all-time lead – their most wins against any single opponent – and have won seven of the last nine contests where the teams actually met on the field. (We're still not talking about 2020, thanks COVID.)

However, a closer look at the numbers reveals why this rivalry is red-hot. South Carolina has emerged victorious in both of the ranked matchups between the two schools since 2015, including last year's thriller. That's a huge psychological edge for the Gamecocks, even as Clemson has largely dictated the series' recent narrative.

And here's the kicker, the stat that will have fans on both sides scratching their heads and pacing nervously: The road team has won the last FIVE meetings in this rivalry! That's right, Clemson has won its last five trips to Williams-Brice Stadium, dating back to 2015. A win this November 29th would give the Tigers their first six-game road winning streak against the Gamecocks since the dominant stretch from 1989-99.

Sporting News highlighted the escalating stakes, noting, "Shane Beamer has spiced a series where the road team has won each of the last five meetings, and there is a hint of pressure on Dabo Swinney to re-take the Palmetto State in 2025. When this rivalry is hot, it’s as good as any in college football.”

So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare for fireworks. On Saturday, November 29th, when Clemson rolls into Columbia, it won't just be another rivalry game. It'll be a clash for state supremacy, with national implications and bragging rights on the line. The Palmetto Bowl is back, and it's hotter than ever!

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.