Top local sports teams to follow in Columbia, South Carolina, in 2025 include a mix of collegiate, minor league, and semi-professional teams. The University of South Carolina Gamecocks are the most prominent, with strong programs in football, basketball, and baseball. The Gamecock football team plays at Williams-Brice Stadium and is well-known in the NCAA Southeastern Conference (SEC), while the baseball team at Founders Park has a rich history of NCAA tournament success.
Other notable teams in Columbia include Allen University Yellow Jackets, Benedict College Tigers, and Columbia College Fighting Koalas, representing local collegiate athletics across various sports. Minor league baseball fans follow the Columbia Fireflies, a Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals playing at Segra Park, with a fun and unique glow-in-the-dark uniform theme. For soccer enthusiasts, Soda City FC competes in the UPSL and SC United Bantams represent a pre-professional under-23 soccer team.
These teams provide a diverse sports culture in Columbia, ranging from collegiate glory to community-focused minor league and semi-pro teams, making the city vibrant for sports fans across different interests.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.experiencecolumbiasc.com/things-to-do/sports/local-teams/)
[2](https://colatoday.6amcity.com/city-guide/play/sports-teams-columbia-sc)
[3](https://www.maxpreps.com/sc/dma/columbia/football/rankings/1/?dmaid=2a43274d-79d9-4455-aa21-b27a47e8893f)
[4](https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Professional+Sports+Teams&find_loc=Columbia%2C+SC)
[5](https://www.facebook.com/61556913985041/posts/breaking-south-carolina-crowned-nations-top-athletic-program-of-2025-only-school/122253433766230466/)
