NC State to Host South Carolina in 2026 ACC/SEC Challenge

The ACC and SEC officially announced the matchups for the 2026 ACC/SEC Men’s Basketball Challenge, and NC State will host South Carolina on Tuesday, December 1.

The matchup will renew a series that has historically favored the Wolfpack and provide Justin Gainey with another quality non-conference test during his first full season in Raleigh.

Familiar Opponent

While the two programs haven’t met in a regular-season game in nearly two decades, NC State fans got a recent preview.

Last preseason, the Wolfpack defeated South Carolina 88-86 in an exhibition game played in Greensboro.

The game was one of the early indicators that Will Wade’s first NC State squad could compete with high-major competition.

Now the two teams will meet when the games count.

Series History

NC State has traditionally enjoyed success against the Gamecocks.

All-Time Series

NC State: 49 wins

South Carolina: 28 wins

The Wolfpack has also won four of the last five meetings between the programs.

Last Official Meeting

The last official matchup between the schools came on November 23, 2007, during the Old Spice Classic in Orlando.

NC State escaped with a 63-61 victory behind a standout performance from former Wolfpack star Brandon Costner, who scored 21 points.

Nearly two decades later, the series finally returns.

Looking For The First ACC/SEC Challenge Win

There’s another storyline attached to the matchup.

NC State is still searching for its first victory in the ACC/SEC Challenge.

Wolfpack Results

2025: Auburn (73-83)

2024: Texas (59-63)

2023: Ole Miss (52-72)

The Wolfpack enters the event with an 0-3 record since the challenge began.

That makes the South Carolina game an opportunity to finally put a mark in the win column.