ATLANTA, Ga. (WFXR) — Officials Tuesday announced the 2025 Aflac Kickoff Game featuring Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina will kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 31 from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and will be nationally telecast on ESPN. This will mark the first-ever Aflac Kickoff Game played on a Sunday in the event’s 17-year history.

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

This will be the 21st meeting between the two programs dating back 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.

Both teams will battle for The Old Leather Helmet Trophy, one of college football’s newest rivalry-style icons. Traditionally, winners of The Old Leather Helmet don the helmet on the field after the game, starting with the head coach and then rotating from player to player as the team celebrates its victory.