South Carolina Adds New Football Game, Completes 2027 Nonconference Schedule

The University of South Carolina football program has taken another significant step in bolstering its future nonconference schedules, as they recently announced the addition of a high-profile game to their 2027 slate. With the addition of this new opponent, the Gamecocks have now completed their nonconference schedule for the 2027 season, setting the stage for what is expected to be a thrilling year of college football.

South Carolina, led by head coach Shane Beamer, has consistently sought to challenge its players with tough matchups in both conference and nonconference play. The 2027 season will feature a mix of marquee games against powerful teams from across the country, and the recent addition to the nonconference schedule only adds to the excitement surrounding the program. The Gamecocks have made it clear that they are committed to competing with the best and further solidifying their place in the upper echelon of college football.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at South Carolina’s 2027 nonconference schedule, discuss the significance of the new game they’ve added, explore how these tough matchups will help prepare the team for SEC play, and examine the broader implications for the future of the program.

South Carolina’s 2027 Nonconference Schedule: A Competitive Mix

Before delving into the new addition to their schedule, it’s important to outline the games South Carolina had already secured for the 2027 season. In total, the Gamecocks had already scheduled three nonconference games prior to this latest announcement. These games, which are all against opponents from different conferences and regions, provide an interesting mixture of challenge and exposure.

1. Opening Week vs. North Carolina (Charlotte, NC) The season opener for South Carolina in 2027 will be a high-profile neutral-site game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. A showdown against a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is always a big deal, and this early season matchup will set the tone for the Gamecocks’ season. North Carolina, traditionally a competitive force in the ACC, will bring a tough challenge for South Carolina right out of the gate. The game will be played in Charlotte, a city that’s become a familiar venue for both teams in recent years. This will be an exciting matchup for fans of both programs, as it promises to be a tightly contested affair.
2. Home Game vs. Appalachian State (Columbia, SC) After the opener in Charlotte, South Carolina will return home to Williams-Brice Stadium to face Appalachian State. The Mountaineers have been a strong program in the Sun Belt Conference and have proven capable of competing with teams from Power 5 conferences in recent years. Appalachian State is known for its high-powered offense and scrappy defense, making this a game that South Carolina cannot overlook. The Gamecocks will need to be prepared for a tough challenge in front of their home crowd, especially with Appalachian State’s ability to pull off upsets.
3. Neutral-Site Game vs. Oklahoma (Dallas, TX) A true test of South Carolina’s strength will come when they face the Oklahoma Sooners in a neutral-site game. This game, scheduled to take place in Dallas, Texas, will feature two top-tier programs with storied histories in college football. Oklahoma, a perennial powerhouse in the Big 12, will present a major challenge for South Carolina, with their high-octane offense and impressive defense. For the Gamecocks, this is an opportunity to prove themselves against a national contender and showcase their talents in a high-profile game. With the Sooners often competing for national championships, South Carolina will need to bring their A-game to secure a competitive result.

These three games had already set the stage for an exciting nonconference schedule in 2027, but the addition of a fourth opponent has only made the schedule even more challenging.

The New Addition: South Carolina vs. Wisconsin

The newest addition to South Carolina’s nonconference schedule for 2027 will be a game against the Wisconsin Badgers. The game is set to take place at a neutral site, yet to be determined, but will undoubtedly be one of the marquee matchups of the season. Wisconsin, a program known for its dominant running game and physical defense, will provide a completely different style of play compared to South Carolina’s other nonconference opponents.

This addition to the schedule is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, Wisconsin is a top-tier program with a history of success in the Big Ten Conference. The Badgers have been a perennial contender in their conference, often making appearances in major bowl games and competing for Big Ten championships. Their brand of smash-mouth football, anchored by a powerful running game and a tough defense, will be a challenge for South Carolina’s defense to stop and will test their ability to adapt to a different style of play.

The second major factor is the geographical contrast between the two teams. While South Carolina is based in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a conference known for its speed, athleticism, and high-powered offenses, Wisconsin’s Big Ten roots emphasize physicality, ball control, and defensive prowess. This will be a fascinating contrast in styles and will give South Carolina a chance to test their adaptability and growth in facing a team with a completely different identity.

Finally, this game represents a chance for South Carolina to make a statement on the national stage. Playing against a respected program like Wisconsin will not only help the Gamecocks prepare for the physicality of SEC competition but also show that they are willing to face tough, competitive teams from across the country. It is a bold move for the program to schedule a nonconference game against a team like Wisconsin, and a successful outcome in this game could provide a significant boost to South Carolina’s national standing heading into SEC play.

Preparing for SEC Play: Tough Nonconference Slate as a Springboard

The 2027 nonconference schedule, with its mixture of Power 5 opponents, neutral-site games, and regional rivals, will undoubtedly serve as a critical preparation tool for South Carolina as they enter SEC play. The Gamecocks will be tested early and often, and this nonconference slate is designed to toughen them up and get them ready for the grueling competition that awaits in the SEC.

The Southeastern Conference is widely regarded as the most competitive and physical conference in college football, with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently fielding championship-caliber teams. As South Carolina strives to rise in the SEC ranks, playing a tough nonconference schedule can serve as a valuable learning experience and a springboard for success in the league.

Each of the nonconference games will present a unique challenge that mirrors different aspects of SEC competition. The North Carolina matchup will test South Carolina’s ability to compete against a fast, high-scoring offense—something that they’ll face regularly in the SEC. Appalachian State will challenge South Carolina’s depth and ability to stay focused against a team that plays with relentless intensity and doesn’t back down. The Oklahoma game will offer a chance to test South Carolina’s resilience against a team with a pedigree of competing for national titles, while the Wisconsin game will push them to embrace physicality and control the line of scrimmage.

Each of these matchups will prepare the Gamecocks for the toughness and mental fortitude required to succeed in the SEC, where teams often battle it out in close, hard-fought games. With a strong nonconference showing, South Carolina can enter their SEC schedule with a greater sense of confidence and readiness for the challenges ahead.

The Bigger Picture: A Step Toward National Relevance

South Carolina’s decision to schedule a tough slate of nonconference games reflects the program’s broader ambitions to remain nationally relevant in college football. Under Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks have made significant strides in recent years, building a competitive team capable of taking on some of the best programs in the nation.

The addition of Wisconsin to the 2027 schedule only reinforces the idea that South Carolina is committed to facing top-tier competition in order to continue growing as a program. A strong showing in these nonconference games will not only help South Carolina’s bowl prospects but also increase their visibility on the national stage. Beating a program like Wisconsin or competing hard against teams like North Carolina and Oklahoma can help solidify South Carolina’s reputation as a legitimate contender in college football.

Furthermore, as the SEC continues to evolve with the addition of new teams and changes in scheduling dynamics, having a robust nonconference schedule is critical for the Gamecocks to maintain their national profile. Games against teams from other major conferences will help keep South Carolina in the conversation as one of the premier football programs in the country.

A Bright Future for South Carolina Football

With the addition of Wisconsin to their 2027 nonconference schedule, South Carolina has set the stage for an exciting and challenging season. The Gamecocks will face a variety of styles and challenges, from fast-paced offenses to physical, power-running teams, all of which will prepare them for the rigors of SEC play. The 2027 nonconference slate will be a key part of South Carolina’s ongoing growth as a program and their ultimate goal of competing for championships in the SEC and beyond.

Under Shane Beamer’s leadership, South Carolina is positioning itself as a program that is not afraid to take on tough competition in order to build a strong foundation for future success. With a mix of exciting opponents, neutral-site games, and challenging matchups, the Gamecocks are ready to show the nation that they are a force to be reckoned with in college football. As they prepare for 2027, South Carolina’s fans can be excited for a season filled with promise and the potential for something special.