According to FanDuel and ESPN, the South Carolina Gamecocks are the early betting favorite to win the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, and for good reason. The Lady Gamecocks may have lost some key starters from last season, but Dawn Staley has reloaded the roster with transfers, freshmen, and the return of some of the elite contributors from the Final Four squad. Staley's ability to blend talent and culture within the program is once again being put to the test, but all the signs point toward another dominant season in Columbia.
Elite Additions and Remaining Questions
The biggest additions to the roster include transfer guard Ta'Niya Latson, the nation's leading scorer last year, and Madina Okot, a double-double threat from Mississippi State. While Latson brings immediate power to the backcourt, the frontcourt additions are where South Carolina is a downright threat in the paint.
Okot joins a loaded post rotation that incudes Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards, who were arguably the team's most consistent performers last year. And don't forget Ashlyn Watkins, one of the best interior defenders in the country, who is on track to return at some point this season.
Stacked Backcourt
South Carolina's backcourt will undoubtedly be one of the best in the nation. Raven Johnson returns as the Gamecocks' lockdown defender, while Tessa Johnson offers elite three-point shooting and underrated perimeter defense. Adding Latson to that mix of talent, set the Gamecocks up to have the most dominating guard trio in the country.
Sophomore Maddy McDaniel is also another name to watch, as she showed flashes of brilliance in the limited minutes she was on the court last season. She earned the trust and respect of Staley during key plays of the NCAA Tournament. And with Te-Hina Paopao now gone, McDaniel could step up to a more prominent role.
The X- Factors
For six straight seasons, South Carolina has relied on elite and athletic wing defenders, first Brea Beal, then Bree Hall. And this season could very well belong to Agot Makeer or Ayla McDowell. Both athletes fit the mold perfectly for the Gamecocks squad. Makeer at 6-foot-1 and McDowell at 6-foot-2 possess the length and versatility who broke out on the international stage during the 2024 U18 AmeriCup Tournament. Look for Makeer and McDowell to bring the effort, defense, and hustle to the court for the Gamecocks.
Bottom Line
With the depth and veteran leadership on the South Carolina roster, the Gamecocks are aiming for redemption. The 2025-26 squad may not look like last year's powerhouse quite yet, the talent is there, and the ceiling is high.