10 Bold Predictions for South Carolina Women’s Basketball This Season — Can Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks Keep Their Dynasty Rolling?
Each year, a new South Carolina women’s basketball season brings sky-high expectations — and plenty of predictions. Some might be obvious, others might raise eyebrows, but come March, we’ll see how close they were to the mark. Here’s what to watch for in 2025-26 as Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program looks to stay on top.
1. South Carolina Will Once Again Rule the SEC
This one’s almost a given. South Carolina always wins the SEC, and last year’s lone loss at Texas looked more like an outlier. With Texas, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt all coming to Columbia — and only LSU and Oklahoma as true road tests — the Gamecocks are set up for another conference crown.
The icing on the cake? LSU and Texas play each other twice, which could cancel one another out in the standings.
2. Ta’Niya Latson Takes Home SEC Player of the Year
Latson being named to just the preseason second All-SEC team was a shock. “It’s just another reminder of how far off the radar Florida State women’s basketball is,” the writer noted.
Now with elite talent surrounding her at South Carolina, the nation’s leading scorer from last year (25.2 ppg) is poised for a monster season. Latson even said back in July that her goal was “to win SEC Player of the Year.” She’s got the talent — and the team — to make it happen.
3. LSU Finally Snaps Its Losing Streak Against the Gamecocks
The Tigers nearly broke through two years ago in Baton Rouge, but Bree Hall’s late heroics spoiled it. This Valentine’s Day rematch could be different — a Saturday night game, national spotlight, and the added drama of MiLaysia Fulwiley facing her former team.
“Fulwiley is good at revenge games,” the piece notes. “Ask North Carolina.”
4. Latson Becomes the First Gamecock Since A’ja Wilson to Average 20 Points
Even though Staley loves balanced scoring, losing Chloe Kitts means Latson will have to shoulder a heavier load. The Florida State transfer has averaged at least 21 points every season of her career, so cracking 20 again isn’t far-fetched.
Not since A’ja Wilson’s 22.6 points in 2017-18 has a Gamecock reached that mark.
5. The Final Four Streak Lives On
A sixth straight Final Four berth would set a new program record and give South Carolina sole possession of the second-longest streak in NCAA history.
“Without Kitts, South Carolina loses its margin for error,” the prediction admits. “But the Gamecocks were in a similar situation last season and played for the championship. The streak is going to end sometime, but I’m not going to be the one to predict it.”
6. The Gamecocks Split Their Vegas Trip
Sometimes you just go with a gut feeling — and this one says South Carolina drops one in Las Vegas during the Thanksgiving tournament.
7. Agot Makeer Becomes a Fan Favorite
She might not be ready for 20 minutes a game yet, but Makeer’s energy, defense, and shot-making will make her a spark plug.
“Makeer doesn’t just make positive plays; they are exciting plays,” the writer said. Expect a buzz every time she checks in.
8. Maddy McDaniel Outscores Raven Johnson
Johnson worked on her offense in the offseason, but she’s naturally a playmaker. McDaniel, meanwhile, “can get downhill and score at the rim,” which Staley will need from her bench.
“Because South Carolina doesn’t have a lot of scoring punch off the bench, the Gamecocks need Mouse to do what she does best,” the piece predicts.
9. Raven Johnson Climbs to Fourth on the Career Assists List
Johnson sits at 410 career assists — good for 10th place — but should easily crack the top four by season’s end. With a career average of 3.7 assists per game, she’s on pace to finish between 540–600, putting her among South Carolina’s all-time greats.
10. Edwards, Latson Headline All-SEC Honors
Joyce Edwards will likely repeat as a first-team All-SEC pick, and Latson will join her. But the surprise? A second-team nod for either Tessa Johnson or Madina Okot.
Johnson’s elite shooting and Okot’s growing dominance inside make them prime candidates to round out South Carolina’s award season sweep.
Prediction Summary:
South Carolina’s depth might not be what it once was, but talent, leadership, and championship experience run deep in Columbia. Between Latson’s firepower, Staley’s coaching, and a culture built on winning, the Gamecocks are primed for another Final Four — and maybe more confetti in April.
