Coastal Carolina vs. Georgia Southern 2025 Preview: Keys, Players, and Predictions

This Saturday’s clash between Coastal Carolina (6-3) and Georgia Southern (4-5) promises intrigue, rivalry, and high‑stakes Sun Belt implications. The Eagles are coming off a narrow victory over App State last week, 25-23. Meanwhile, the Chanticleers look to extend their four-game win streak, one that was capped off with a win over Georgia State 40-27, celebrating bowl eligibility. Here’s a full breakdown of the series history, recent game excerpts, key players to watch, and a final score prediction in this Coastal Carolina vs. Georgia Southern 2025 college football preview.

Coastal Carolina vs. Georgia Southern: 2025 College Football Preview

History and Game Excerpts

Coastal Carolina and Georgia Southern have met 11 times, with Georgia Southern leading the head‑to‑head 7‑4. The Eagles have won the past two matchups. In their most recent meeting (Nov. 23, 2024), Georgia Southern beat Coastal 26‑6 in Conway.

In 2019, the two teams made headlines when a dance-off occurred in the fourth quarter. Once the fourth quarter started, Mo Bomba started playing, and both benches came out to the field. It wasn’t so much a “dance-off” as it was a way for the players to puff their chests out and try to intimidate the other side – but dancing was involved. Although the players stayed nearly 20 yards apart, and there was no fighting, punches or physical contact, the referees still threw unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on both teams. The game went to triple overtime before Georgia Southern danced off with a 30-27 win.

Surprisingly, Georgia Southern opens as a slight favorite (around ‑2.5 points) with the over/under in the high 50s. Despite Coastal’s better record, Southern’s win percentage is at 63.1-percent, according to ESPN. This is probably due to the home-field advantage and a tougher schedule for Southern.

For Coastal, a win would help their position in the Sun Belt East and continue their impressive winning streak into a tough end-of-season lineup of games. The Chants will need this win to carry momentum into those tough last two games of the season.

Key Players

Coastal Carolina

Samari Collier, the senior quarterback (6-foot-3, 225 pounds), has amassed 471 passing yards, seven touchdowns, two interceptions, and 360 rushing yards, with six rushing touchdowns so far this season. His dual-threat ability adds dimension to the offense that has been annoyingly hard to stop for opposing defenses. Since being named the starter, the Chants have gone 4-0.

Ja’Vin Simpkins leads the Coastal rushing attack (86 for 472 yards and two touchdowns) this season. Along with Collier, Domic Knickley, and Jevon Edwards, the Chants have rushed for 200+ yards in each of the last four games. Coastal is a run-first team, as it is critical to their success. Expect more of it to keep Georgia Southern’s offense off the field. Their balanced backfield keeps defenses guessing, and allows Coastal to control the clock while maintaining possession. The run game is critical to the Chanticleers’ offensive identity. With Georgia Southern expected to rely on their explosive passing game, expect Coastal to emphasize ground control, like they typically do, to keep the Eagles off the field and dictate tempo.

Defensively, Coastal has multiple playmakers capable of disrupting opposing offenses. Right defensive end Zeke Campbell leads the coastal defense with five sacks. On the opposite edge, left end Noah Arize has contributed 27 tackles and a forced fumble. Leading the team in tackles is safety Xamarion Gordon with 51 total, serving as a reliable last line of defense and a vocal presence in the secondary. Cornerback Ja’marion Wayne has the most pass deflections on Coastal’s defense with six. Together, these defensive leaders give Coastal the versatility to match up against multiple offensive threats while creating opportunities for turnovers and momentum swings.

Georgia Southern

Starting Quarterback JC French is coming off a big win over App State. His arm and mobility are key in stretching defenses. Running back O.J. Arnold is the lead rusher, with 617 yards. He will be important in keeping Coastal’s defense honest. Camden Brown, a big‑play receiver, has been spectacular for Georgia Southern this season. Through seven games he has 739 yards and nine touchdowns.

Georgia Southern’s defense has been tested, allowing ~34.0 points per game this season.

Matchups to watch: Coastal’s ability to run the ball and control tempo versus Georgia Southern’s passing attack and home-field advantage. Also, the question of whether Coastal can win the turnover battle.

Prediction & Final Score Estimate

Given all the factors, Georgia Southern has the slight edge historically and in recent performance, especially at home. However, this year is different.

Coastal Carolina has been taking care of business, and each week they look better and better. The over/under being in the high 50s suggests a moderately high-scoring affair.

My prediction: Coastal Carolina 34-28 over Georgia Southern.

Expect the Chants to continue their win streak in a close and competitive game, with them edging it out thanks to Collier’s play. If Coastal manages to establish the run and minimize turnovers, they should have no problem against a bad Southern defense.

Final Thoughts

This game has all the ingredients. A historical rivalry, key players stepping up, and contrasting styles. Coastal Carolina will want to continue momentum into the final stretch, while Georgia Southern will want to make a statement and defend their home turf. Expect a physical, strategic matchup that could come down to one or two big plays.