Columbia, S.C., October 7, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina and the University of Miami have mutually agreed to cancel their scheduled football series for the upcoming seasons. The decision follows adjustments in conference scheduling rules adopted by both the SEC and ACC, which now require a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026. With this change, both schools look to restructure their non-conference matchups without incurring cancellation fees. This re-evaluation also affects South Carolina’s future games against other Power-4 teams, highlighting ongoing challenges in college football scheduling.
Columbia, S.C. – The University of South Carolina and the University of Miami have mutually agreed to cancel their home-and-home football series for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The decision comes in the wake of both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) adopting a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026. This change has a significant impact on both schools as they navigate their non-conference schedules.
The Gamecocks were scheduled to host the Hurricanes at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C., in 2026, followed by a game against the Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in 2027. However, with the new scheduling requirements, both schools decided to cancel the series to avoid complications in fulfilling their revised schedules.
Under the new requirements, member schools in both conferences must play a non-conference game against a Power-4 opponent. South Carolina has a non-conference home game planned against Towson and a road game at Clemson in 2026. The Gamecocks are now actively seeking a third non-conference opponent for that season. Miami, on the other hand, has three non-conference games lined up for 2026: home games against Florida A&M and Central Michigan, and an away game against Notre Dame.
A key aspect of this cancellation is the financial implications. By mutually agreeing to cancel the series, neither institution will incur the $3 million cancellation fee specified in their contract signed in 2019. This financial reprieve gives both schools some flexibility as they adjust their schedules and pursue different matchups.
The cancellation also opens the door for South Carolina to reconsider additional non-conference games against Power-4 teams that do not include Clemson. Potentially jeopardized future matchups for South Carolina include games against North Carolina in 2028 and 2029, N.C. State in 2030 and 2031, and Virginia Tech in 2034 and 2035.
Historically, the all-time series record favors Miami, who holds an 8-6-2 lead over South Carolina. The last matchup took place in the 2014 Independence Bowl, and the last regular-season meeting was in 1987. Miami’s 2027 schedule already includes a game against Utah as part of ESPN’s “2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic” and a home game against Troy, leaving them with one open spot on their 2027 schedule to fill.
This cancellation is just one of the many adjustments happening as college football programs across the nation adapt to shifting conference dynamics and scheduling requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What impact did the new conference schedules have on the South Carolina vs. Miami football series?
The University of South Carolina and the University of Miami mutually agreed to cancel their home-and-home football series for the 2026 and 2027 seasons due to both the SEC and ACC adopting a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026.
What games were scheduled between South Carolina and Miami?
The Hurricanes were scheduled to play at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C., in 2026, and the Gamecocks were set to host the Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in 2027.
Will either school incur a cancellation fee for the canceled series?
By mutually agreeing to cancel the series, neither school will incur the $3 million cancellation fee specified in their contract signed in 2019.
How many non-conference games do South Carolina and Miami have scheduled for 2026?
South Carolina has a non-conference home game scheduled against Towson and a road game at Clemson, while Miami has home games against Florida A&M and Central Michigan, and an away game against Notre Dame.
What does this cancellation mean for South Carolina’s future schedules?
This cancellation may lead South Carolina to reconsider additional non-conference games against Power-4 teams that do not include Clemson, affecting future matchups against teams like North Carolina, N.C. State, and Virginia Tech.
Key Features of the South Carolina and Miami Football Series Cancellation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cancellation Agreement | South Carolina and Miami mutually agreed to cancel the series for 2026 and 2027 due to new conference scheduling rules. |
| Scheduled Games | 2026: South Carolina at Miami; 2027: Miami at South Carolina. |
| Cancellation Fee | No cancellation fee incurred due to mutual agreement. |
| Non-Conference Games 2026 | South Carolina: Towson, Clemson, plus one more to be determined. Miami: Florida A&M, Central Michigan, Notre Dame. |
| Future Matchups at Risk | Potential re-evaluation of games against North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia Tech for South Carolina. |
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