BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ/Peach Bowl Release) - The 2025 Aflac Kickoff Game featuring Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina will kick off at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, Aug. 31 from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and will be nationally telecast on ESPN, according to Peach Bowl Inc. CEO and President Gary Stokan. Stokan says this will be the first Aflac Kickoff Game played on a Sunday in the event’s 17-year history.

“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to have the Hokies and Gamecocks meet again for the first time in more than three decades,” said Stokan. “It should be an exciting matchup between South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer and the team his father, Frank, coached for 29 seasons as the all-time winningest coach in Virginia Tech’s history.”

South Carolina will make its first appearance in the Aflac Kickoff Game, while Virginia Tech is set to return after facing Alabama during its previous two trips in 2009 and 2013.

This will be the 21st meeting between the two programs dating to 1905. The Gamecocks hold an 11-7-2 all-time record vs. the Hokies, including a 28-21 South Carolina win in their most recent meeting during the 1991 season, according to Stokan.

Fans interested in purchasing tickets are encouraged to join the official Peach Bowl, Inc. Wait List . Members of the Wait List will be contacted before the general public on any ticket offer on a first come, first served basis if there is ticket availability in late summer. All proceeds from the Wait List will benefit the Peach Bowl LegACy Fund, dedicated to helping find a cure for childhood cancer.