Columbia, South Carolina, August 17, 2025
News Summary
The Southeastern Conference has revealed the schedule for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season, with the South Carolina Gamecocks starting their SEC play at home against Vanderbilt. They will compete in 18 league games, facing teams like LSU and Florida twice. The season promises a mix of home games and mid-week matchups, concluding with the SEC Tournament in Nashville. Fans can now purchase season tickets to support their team.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has officially announced the game dates and key matchups for the upcoming 2025-26 men’s basketball season. The South Carolina Gamecocks will kick off their SEC play at home against Vanderbilt on January 3, 2026.
In the upcoming season, the Gamecocks will play a total of 18 league games. They will face prominent teams such as LSU, Georgia, and the defending NCAA Champion Florida twice, while they will compete against all other conference opponents once. The home schedule promises excitement, as it includes five Saturday games and several mid-week matchups.
Notable mid-week games include facing Florida on January 27 or 28, Kentucky on February 24 or 25, and Tennessee on March 3 or 4. The final regular season game for South Carolina is set for March 7, 2026, when they will visit Ole Miss. Subsequently, the SEC Tournament is slated for March 11-15, 2026, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
As for scheduling, all mid-week games are subject to change due to television arrangements as per SEC guidelines. Game times and TV designations are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with ESPN serving as the primary broadcasting network for SEC basketball.
The SEC has seen remarkable success recently, with the 2024-25 season boasting a record-breaking 88.9 percent win rate in non-conference games, accumulating an impressive record of 185 wins and just 23 losses. The conference also registered the highest KenPom.com rating in history at +22.09.
During the past season, a notable milestone was achieved when all 14 SEC teams made it to the NCAA Tournament, setting a new record. Furthermore, seven of those teams advanced to the Sweet 16, with four reaching the Elite Eight. Auburn and Florida showcased their prowess by advancing to the Final Four, where Florida ultimately clinched the National Championship.
For fans eager to support their team, season tickets for the 2025-26 season are now available, starting at $95. Details on purchasing tickets and additional information regarding the Gamecocks’ schedule can be found on GamecocksOnline.com.
In summary, the SEC men’s basketball schedule for the Gamecocks features a competitive slate and presents numerous opportunities for fans to engage with the team throughout the season as they strive for success on the court.
FAQ Section
When does the South Carolina Gamecocks start their SEC play for the 2025-26 season?
The South Carolina Gamecocks will start their SEC play on January 3, 2026, at home against Vanderbilt.
Where will the SEC Tournament take place in 2026?
The SEC Tournament will be held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, from March 11-15, 2026.
How many home games will the Gamecocks play during the 2025-26 season?
The Gamecocks will have five Saturday home games and several mid-week matchups throughout the season.
What teams will the Gamecocks face twice during the season?
The Gamecocks will face LSU, Georgia, and the defending NCAA Champion Florida twice during the 2025-26 season.
Key Features of the 2025-26 Men’s Basketball Schedule
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Game | January 3, 2026, vs. Vanderbilt (Home) |
| Notable Home Matchups | Florida (Jan 27/28), Kentucky (Feb 24/25), Tennessee (Mar 3/4) |
| Final Regular Season Game | March 7, 2026, at Ole Miss |
| SEC Tournament Dates | March 11-15, 2026 |
| Ticket Price | Starting at $95 |
| SEC Past Achievements | 14 Teams in NCAA Tournament, 4 in Elite Eight, Florida – NCAA Champion |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- On3: SEC Network’s Chris Doering on South Carolina
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Gamecocks Online: Women’s Hoops Non-Conference Schedule
- Google Search: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Roll Bama Roll: 2025 Alabama Football Season Predictions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Athlon Sports: Paul Finebaum on Gamecocks’ Schedule
- Google News: South Carolina Gamecocks News
- Sports Illustrated: Biggest Question for Gamecocks
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