SEC fines South Carolina $500,000 for fans storming field after Tennessee win

The Southeastern Conference fined the University of South Carolina $500,000 for permitting fans to storm the field following the Gamecocks' 27-24 victory over then-No. 11 Tennessee, according to Live 5 WCSC and WCBD Count on 2.

The fine will be paid to Tennessee as part of SEC policy, which aims to limit access to competition areas to protect athletes, coaches, and spectators. The policy allows celebration on the field only after visiting team personnel and officials have safely exited.

South Carolina was one of at least four schools whose fans rushed the field after wins in recent days, including Minnesota, UCF, Cincinnati, and Appalachian State. Tennessee was fined $500,000 the previous week for a similar violation after a win over Alabama.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey may reduce South Carolina's fine to $100,000 if the school demonstrates that it made a full attempt to prevent the field rush and that minimal interaction with the visiting team occurred.

The fine highlights the SEC's ongoing efforts to enforce safety policies during postgame celebrations at SEC football games in Columbia and across the conference.