Coming off a dominant 2024 campaign that saw South Carolina State capture the MEAC championship, expectations for the Bulldogs in the second season under Chennis Berry are high.
But the Bulldogs will not be a surprise in 2025.
With a challenging schedule that includes two FBS opponents and several key conference matchups, the road ahead promises both opportunities and tests for the reigning MEAC champs.
Schedule Breakdown
South Carolina State’s 2025 schedule features:
2 FBS opponents: at South Carolina (SEC) and at South Florida (AAC)
1 non-Division I opponent: Savannah State
4 FCS non-conference games: Wofford, Bethune-Cookman, Charleston Southern, North Carolina A&T
5 MEAC conference games: at Norfolk State, vs. Morgan State, vs. Howard, at North Carolina Central, at Delaware State
Key Games and Predictions
FBS Matchups: The Bulldogs will be heavy underdogs at both South Carolina and South Florida. Wins in these contests would be major upsets, but both are likely losses.
Non-Conference FCS Games: Wofford and Charleston Southern have struggled in recent seasons, giving SCSU a strong chance for wins. Bethune-Cookman and North Carolina A&T could be toss-ups, but SCSU’s recent form gives them the edge.
Savannah State (Non-D1): SCSU should be heavily favored.
MEAC Play: The Bulldogs swept the MEAC last year and return much of their core. However, road trips to North Carolina Central and Delaware State could be challenging. Still, SCSU remains the team to beat in the conference.
Predicted Record: 9-3
Wins: Wofford, Bethune-Cookman, Charleston Southern, Savannah State, North Carolina A&T, Norfolk State, Morgan State, Howard, Delaware State
Losses: South Carolina, South Florida, North Carolina Central
A 9-3 finish would mirror last year’s record, with another strong run through the MEAC and a likely return to the Celebration Bowl.
The Bulldogs’ combination of returning talent, coaching stability, and recent success makes them favorites for another conference crown. However, a challenging road test in the MEAC could keep them from double-digit wins.
2025 South Carolina State Football Schedule
08/30 – Wofford
09/06 – at South Carolina
09/13 – Bethune-Cookman
09/20 – at USF
09/27 – Charleston Southern
10/04 – Savannah State
10/11 – at North Carolina A&T
10/18 – OFF
10/25 – at Norfolk State*
11/01 – Morgan State*
11/08 – Howard*
11/15 – at NC Central*
11/22 – at Delaware State*
* MEAC contest.
