SEC fines South Carolina $500,000 after fans storm field, will be paid to Tennessee

South Carolina football was fined $500,000 on Oct. 25 after fans stormed the field to celebrate a 27-24 win against No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 on Oct. 24 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.

The fine will be paid to Tennessee in accordance with conference policy, which provides for a $500,000 penalty for violations involving access to competition areas in all SEC-sponsored sports.

NEWS | South Carolina fined $500,000 for violation of access to competition area policy: https://t.co/eaR5WjW6W0pic.twitter.com/82lfjnHgUx

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 25, 2026

The SEC first instituted a field-storming policy in 2004 with escalating fines that started at $100,000 for the first offense, $250,000 for the second offense and $500,000 for each additional offense. But SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced in 2025 that all offenses would draw the same fine of $500,000.

South Carolina kicker Malik Orsan hit a game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired to give the Gamecocks (4-3, 2-3 SEC) the victory against Tennessee (6-2, 3-2).

Video surfaced after the game showing Tennessee players in altercations with South Carolina players and fans during the field storming.

UT linebacker Jeremiah Telander appeared to throw a punch at a South Carolina player. And UT defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs appeared to push a South Carolina fan to the ground while the fan was running away carrying UT equipment. Fans also yelled profanities and waved their hands in UT players’ faces during the latter incident.

UT did not immediately respond to a Knox News request for comment on Oct. 25. Coach Josh Heupel's next press conference is scheduled for Oct. 28.

Tennessee enters an open week before playing Kentucky on Nov. 7 (time, TV TBA) at Neyland Stadium.

Tennessee paid a $500,000 fine after fans stormed the field to celebrate the Vols' stunning win over No. 7 Alabama on Oct. 17.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: SEC fines South Carolina $500,000 after fans storm field, will be paid to Tennessee