Columbia, South Carolina, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky Wildcats football team experienced a significant defeat against South Carolina, losing 35-13 in an SEC showdown. Despite an initial lead, turnovers plagued Kentucky, allowing South Carolina to capitalize and score 19 points off of mistakes. The Wildcats’ struggles continue, marking their fourth consecutive loss in SEC play, and they remain winless in conference games this season. Coach Mark Stoops noted no changes to the injury report before the game, and Kentucky must address both offensive and defensive issues moving forward.
Columbia, South Carolina – Kentucky Wildcats Suffer Humiliating 35-13 Loss to South Carolina in SEC Showdown
The Kentucky Wildcats football team faced a devastating defeat against South Carolina on Saturday, falling 35-13 in a Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup. The loss continued a troubling trend for the Wildcats, marking their fourth consecutive loss on the road in SEC play by double digits. With this defeat, Kentucky drops to winless in conference play, extending their losing streak to two SEC games.
Kentucky began the game with promise, scoring a touchdown that gave them a 10-3 lead. However, the momentum quickly shifted in the second quarter when the Wildcats committed four turnovers. The team logged a troubling -4 turnover margin for the game, with South Carolina capitalizing on these mistakes, scoring 19 points off turnovers, including two defensive touchdowns before halftime.
Key Game Highlights
South Carolina, despite having lost two starters from their offensive line before the matchup, managed to dominate the performance. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers stood out, completing 11-of-14 passes for 153 yards and rushing for an impressive 98 yards on non-sack plays. The Gamecocks achieved their first game with three offensive touchdowns of the season against Kentucky, showcasing a strong turnaround from previous performances.
Cutter Boley, the Kentucky quarterback, initially showed promise but struggled after being sacked six times throughout the game. Although running back Seth McGowan shined with a solid performance, rushing for 112 yards and one touchdown, the Kentucky offense failed to maintain momentum, particularly in the second half, where they only managed to gain 36 yards on 18 plays.
Injury Report and Roster Updates
Prior to the game, Kentucky’s head coach Mark Stoops confirmed that there would be no changes made to the team’s injury report. DJ Waller was confirmed out for the game, and it has been deemed highly unlikely that Zach Calzada would return to play. On a positive note for Kentucky, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy was removed from the availability report. Additionally, cornerback Judge Collier, who has missed every game since Week 1, was expected to return for this critical matchup.
Despite the loss, both teams entered the game with strong motivation, aiming to avoid significant setbacks in their respective seasons. South Carolina now leads the historical series against Kentucky with a record of 21-13-1, and they hold a notable advantage of 10-5-1 in games played in Columbia. This recent defeat comes on the heels of Kentucky’s prior loss to South Carolina when they suffered a 31-6 defeat on September 7, 2024, marking a continued struggle within the SEC.
Conclusion and Looking Ahead
With the loss, Kentucky will need to address critical issues, particularly regarding their offensive performance and defensive strategies, to have a chance at reversing their fortunes as they progress deeper into their SEC schedule. Fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the future of the Wildcats as they search for their first conference win this season.
FAQ
What was the final score of the game between Kentucky and South Carolina?
The final score was South Carolina 35, Kentucky 13.
How did Kentucky start the game against South Carolina?
Kentucky opened the game strongly, scoring a touchdown and taking an early lead of 10-3.
What factors contributed to Kentucky’s loss?
Key factors included a -4 turnover margin, four turnovers in the first half, and a lack of offensive production in the second half.
Who were some notable players from the game?
Notable players included Kentucky’s Seth McGowan, who rushed for 112 yards and one touchdown, and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, who completed 11-of-14 passes for 153 yards.
What is Kentucky’s record in SEC play following this loss?
Following the loss, Kentucky is winless in SEC play, having lost their last two conference games.
Key Game Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | South Carolina 35, Kentucky 13 |
| Turnover Margin | -4 |
| Offensive Touchdowns | South Carolina: 3, Kentucky: 1 |
| Leading Rusher | Seth McGowan (Kentucky) – 112 yards, 1 TD |
| Quarterback Performance | Cutter Boley (Kentucky) – struggled with 6 sacks; LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) – 11-of-14 for 153 yards |
| Kentucky’s SEC Record | 0-2 |
| Historical Series Record | South Carolina leads 21-13-1 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky Battles South Carolina in Critical SEC Matchup
Kentucky Wildcats Fall to South Carolina Gamecocks
Kentucky Volleyball Dominates Georgia in SEC Match
Kentucky Wildcats Football Unveils SEC Schedule for Future Seasons
Kentucky High School Football Rankings Released
Kentucky and South Carolina Injury Reports Ahead of SEC Showdown
University of Kentucky Launches BBN United Fan Club
University of Kentucky Unveils BBN United Fan Club
Karl-Anthony Towns Inducted into UK Athletics Hall of Fame
University of Kentucky Changes Ticket Pricing Structure
Additional Resources
- KSRS Rapid Reaction Live from Williams Brice Stadium
- 247 Sports: Score Updates South Carolina vs Kentucky
- Greenville Online: Connor Shaw Collapse – USC Football
- UK Athletics: Big Blue Preview – Kentucky at South Carolina
- ESPN: College Football Odds and Best Bets
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Google Search: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Wildcats
- Google News: Kentucky Wildcats
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
