The Kentucky Wildcats (2-1) will travel to Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-2) on Saturday night. Both teams are looking to rebound from early-season setbacks against SEC opponents. Kentucky is coming off a bye week and looking for its first conference win, while South Carolina is aiming to avoid a third consecutive conference loss. Before this SEC matchup kicks off, continue reading to get my Kentucky vs South Carolina prediction.
Our Kentucky vs South Carolina Pick
- Pick: South Carolina -5.5
- Confidence: 3/5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Kentucky Wildcats vs South Carolina Gamecocks
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, 7:45 p.m. ET
- Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
- Broadcast: SEC Network
Kentucky vs South Carolina Odds
| Odds | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | -5.5 | -210 | Over 47.5 |
| Kentucky | +5.5 | +175 | Under 47.5 |
Key Storylines
- Quarterback Play: Kentucky’s redshirt freshman Cutter Boley is set to make his first SEC road start, adding an element of uncertainty to the Wildcats’ offense. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers is expected to play in spite of some injury concerns. That could breathe some life into the South Carolina offense in a game they need to have to avoid an 0-3 start in SEC play.
- Injuries: Kentucky will be without cornerback DJ Waller, while South Carolina is missing two starting offensive linemen. The absence of Cason Henry and Nolan Hay for the Gamecocks could impact their offensive production both through the air and on the ground. That might put more pressure on Sellers to perform.
- Defensive Matchups: Kentucky’s defense will need to pressure Sellers to disrupt South Carolina’s passing game. The Gamecocks will aim to contain Kentucky’s rushing attack, led by Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell. Doing so would make Boley have to beat them in his first time in a hostile environment in SEC play.
Betting Trends & H2H
- Kentucky is 1-2 against the spread to start their 2025 season.
- South Carolina is 2-2 when it comes to over/unders in 2025.
- Over/Under Trends: Three of South Carolina’s first four games have gone under their totals. Kentucky is 2-1 to the over to start the year.
Kentucky vs South Carolina Model Projection
- Score Projection: South Carolina 27 – Kentucky 20
- Win Probability: South Carolina 60%, Kentucky 40%
Final Thoughts
While Kentucky enters this game well-rested from their bye week, the uncertainties surrounding their quarterback situation and the challenges of playing on the road in a hostile environment at Williams-Brice Stadium make South Carolina a better wager in my eyes. The Gamecocks’ home-field advantage and the playmaking of Sellers at quarterback should provide the edge needed to cover the spread. I’ll take the Gamecocks to win this game by a touchdown and avoid an 0-3 start in SEC play.
