Honestly, if you weren't paying attention to Orangeburg this past year, you missed one of the most electric turnarounds in HBCU football history. Chennis Berry didn't just walk into South Carolina State; he basically set the building on fire and rebuilt it into a powerhouse in record time. People were skeptical when he took over, wondering if the success he had at Benedict would translate to the MEAC.
Well.
The south carolina state 2025 football schedule wasn't just a list of dates. It was a gauntlet that proved the Bulldogs are officially back on the national stage. We’re talking about a season that ended with a 10-3 record and a wild 4-overtime thriller in Atlanta to secure the Celebration Bowl.
The Brutal September Gauntlet
Look at the start of that season. It was nasty. Most teams want to "buy" a win early on, but Berry took his squad straight into the mouth of the SEC and the AAC.
The year kicked off on August 30th with a nail-biter against Wofford. SC State eked out a 16-15 win at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. It wasn't pretty. It was gritty. But it set the tone: this team knew how to hold the rope. Then came the big one. On September 6th, the Bulldogs headed to Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks.
They lost 38-10.
But if you watched that game, you saw a team that didn't blink. They were down 17-3 at the half, but they were physical. They moved the ball on 15-play drives. Coach Berry famously said afterward that "football is football," regardless of the logo on the helmet. That confidence is what allowed them to bounce back and absolutely dismantle Bethune-Cookman 55-41 the very next week.
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The rest of September was a road-trip nightmare:
- Sept 20: A tough 63-14 loss at South Florida.
- Sept 27: A heartbreaking 31-24 loss to Charleston Southern.
At that point, the Bulldogs were 2-3. Most fanbases would have started looking toward next year. But in the MEAC, the season doesn't even really start until October.
Dominating the MEAC and the Road to Atlanta
Once the calendar flipped, the south carolina state 2025 football schedule turned into a victory lap. They didn't just win; they dominated. It started with a 49-6 homecoming blowout of Savannah State. That game was the catalyst.
The rivalry game against North Carolina A&T on October 11th was the real turning point. Playing in Greensboro is never easy, but the Bulldogs walked out with a 22-16 win. That’s where the defense really started to gel. Aaron Smith and the linebacking corps were everywhere.
Then came the "November to Remember."
- Nov 1: Beat Morgan State 36-30.
- Nov 8: Crushed Howard 42-12.
- Nov 14: The Friday night showdown. They traveled to Durham and beat NC Central 34-27 in a game that basically decided the conference.
- Nov 22: Wrapped up the regular season by handling Delaware State 28-17.
By the time they reached the Celebration Bowl on December 13th, the Bulldogs were on an eight-game winning streak. They met Prairie View A&M at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It was a classic. 40-38 in four overtimes. If you’ve never seen HBCU football at that level, you’re doing yourself a disservice. The atmosphere was part church, part party, and all business.
Why 2025 Was Different
What most people get wrong about this team is thinking it was just about talent. Sure, having Caden High catching everything in sight (over 900 yards) helped. Having KZ Adams in the backfield helped. But the real shift was the culture.
Berry emphasizes "situational football." They don't just run plays; they practice for the specific stress of a 3rd-and-short in a loud stadium. That’s why they didn't panic when they were 2-3. They knew the back half of the south carolina state 2025 football schedule was their time to shine.
The stats from the 2025 run are actually kind of wild when you dig in. They led the MEAC in total offense and were top 10 nationally in total defense. You don't see that kind of balance often in the FCS. They were holding teams to around 118 rushing yards per game while scoring over 33 points themselves.
Looking Toward the 2026 Horizon
So, what’s next? The 2025 season is in the books, and the rings are being sized. But the target on their back is now massive.
The Bulldogs are losing some key pieces. The offensive line is taking a hit with guys like Nick Taiste and Cam Johnson moving on. Replacing that level of veteran leadership upfront is always the hardest part of a rebuild. However, the core of the defense—led by Aaron Smith—is largely intact.
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If you're a fan planning for the next cycle, keep an eye on the non-conference scheduling. SC State has shown they aren't afraid to play anyone, anywhere. They’ve proven that an HBCU can go into an FBS stadium, take the check, and still keep their dignity and momentum for the conference run.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Secure your season tickets early: Oliver C. Dawson Stadium saw massive attendance spikes in 2025 (over 24,000 for homecoming). Don't get left outside the gate in 2026.
- Watch the transfer portal: Coach Berry has been a master at finding talent that fits his "Hold the Rope" philosophy. The spring window will be crucial for rebuilding that offensive line.
- Support the NIL collectives: If SC State wants to keep this momentum, they need the resources to compete with the bigger FCS programs.
The 2025 season wasn't a fluke. It was a blueprint. The Bulldogs have reminded everyone why Orangeburg is the epicenter of MEAC football, and the rest of the league is officially on notice.