Three things to know about South Carolina's Week 2 opponent: S.C. State
The 2025 South Carolina football season is nearly upon us and GamecockCentral is providing snapshots of each opponent leading up to kickoff.
After taking a look at Virginia Tech in our first feature, today we’re breaking down the South Carolina State Bulldogs.
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It was a successful first season for head coach Chennis Berry
It’s never easy to replace a legend like Buddy Pough, but first-year Bulldogs head coach Chennis Berry smoothly stepped up and led S.C. State to a 9-3 season in Year 1.
Originally known for his prolific offenses as a coordinator at Southern, Berry took over the program in Orangeburg after going 27-7 in three seasons at Benedict.
After losing two of their first three last season, the Bulldogs reeled off eight straight wins before falling to Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl.
Berry was named the AFCA 2024 FCS Region 2 Coach of the Year after leading his team to a MEAC title.
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Expectations are high again
Riding the momentum of Berry’s successful first season — the nine wins was the Bulldogs’ highest win total since 2013 — the reigning MEAC champs were picked by the media this week to win the league again, as voted on by MEAC head football coaches and sports information directors.
S.C. State was picked first with five first-place votes followed by NC Central at No. 2.
The Bulldogs will open their season against Wofford before traveling to Williams-Brice Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff in Week 2.
Three names to know
S.C. State has to replace quarterback Eric Phoenix, who not only has an excellent football name but was a playmaker on the field for the Bulldogs in 2024.
The HBCU+ National Player of the Year threw for 2,612 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
Replacing Phoenix is likely the top order of business for Berry and Co. this offseason.
With him gone, HBCU All-American defensive back Jarod Washington is probably the most accomplished player on the roster.
The 6-foot-2, 188-pound Washington was joined on the preseason All-MEAC lists by defensive lineman Josh Barker and offensive lineman Roger Smith. Washington was a first-teamer while Barker and Smith made the second team.
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