One of the biggest showdowns in women's college basketball is taking a break, at least for now. According to a report from CT Insider, South Carolina and UConn will not face off during the upcoming regular season. This ends a streak of annual matchups that date back a decade, at least. The two powerhouse programs have met 14 times since, with UConn holding the winning edge, 9-5. The Gamecocks, however had won four straight before falling to the Huskies this past February. UConn also won again in the National Championship game in Tampa, FL. For over a decade, the Dawn Staley vs. Geno Auriemma rivalry has defined the women's game. It is a matchup that will be missed in the 2025-26 campaign.
The break in the annual matchup may sting for basketball fans hoping for a regular-season rematch, but both programs are still stacking up some elite matchups. The Gamecocks will take on Duke, Texas, and UCLA at the inaugural Players Era Women's Championship in Las Vegas and will face off against Louisville on the road in the ACC-SEC Challenge. The Gamecocks will also face USC and USF during a trip to the West Coast.
And while the Gamecocks won't see the Huskies in the regular season, a postseason matchup is still very much in play.
Staley and Auriemma are both returning star-studded rosters this season, both with aspirations of a national title run. With South Carolina returning Raven Johnson, Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson, and Joyce Edwards. With added star transfers Ta'Niya Latson and Madina Okot, the Gamecocks have a strong chance to find themselves bringing another trophy home to Columbia.