After injuries to senior forward Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins stepping away for the year, several outlets have dropped South Carolina women's basketball from the top of their preseason rankings, nudging them below Texas in the SEC hierarchy. Both On3's Talia Goodman and the SEC coaches' poll listed the Longhorns ahead of the Gamecocks, suggesting that maybe Dawn Staley's dynasty is slowing down. The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant listed the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks at No. 3 nationally, trailing UConn and UCLA, but still above Texas.
Merchant also made it clear that South Carolina's path to another SEC crown "will be as tough as ever." She cited Texas and LSU at legitimate threats, with Tennessee and Oklahoma also hovering in the top 10, with Kentucky cracking the top 20.
The Gamecocks are replacing seven players from last year's roster, including six who played meaningful minutes. Te-Hina PaoPao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin are all wearing WNBA jerseys. MiLaysia Fulwiley and Samika Walker took their talents elsewhere. And with Kitts and Watkins out, it is a completely different roster composition.
But this is Dawn Staley's program. And under her, the standard does not change, only the names do. South Carolina added what many call the best transfer portal class in the country, headlined by Florida State transfer Ta'Niya Latson. The frontcourt is reloaded too, as Madina Okot brings length, rim protection, and rebounding stability. Add in five-star freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell as well.
The Gamecocks open the 2025-26 regular season on Monday, November 3, hosting Grand Canyon at Colonial Life Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on SEC Network+.