South Carolina Among SEC’s Top Transfer Portal Winners Thanks to Ta’Niya Latson Addition
Despite losing two players to the transfer portal — MiLaysia Fulwiley and Sakima Walker — Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks are still being hailed as one of the SEC’s biggest winners this offseason, largely thanks to one key acquisition: Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer.
In a recent On3 article, recruiting insider Talia Goodman ranked the top winners and disappointments in the SEC following the 2025 transfer portal cycle. South Carolina landed squarely in the “winner” column — even after losing Fulwiley, one of their brightest young stars, to LSU.
Fulwiley, who was named the SEC Sixth Player of the Year, averaged 11.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season. Yet, her departure was offset by the arrival of Latson, who averaged a staggering 25.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for Florida State last year.
“(Ta’Niya) was considered one of the top two transfers to enter the portal and it’s no surprise she’s chosen the Gamecocks as her landing spot,” Goodman wrote.
South Carolina also strengthened its frontcourt by adding 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot from Mississippi State. Okot posted 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game as a junior and brings valuable size and experience to the roster.
Along with South Carolina, Goodman also listed Tennessee, Ole Miss, and LSU among her SEC portal winners. Meanwhile, Alabama and Mississippi State were categorized as the “disappointments” of the cycle.
Why Ta’Niya Latson Chose the Gamecocks
Ta’Niya Latson, who had no shortage of suitors after entering the portal in April, said the decision became clear once South Carolina entered the picture.
“I talked to a lot of schools. Ultimately, I knew my goals, and I knew my vision and South Carolina had that,” Latson said last week, via the Greenville News.
“The coaching staff, the culture they have and I know the standard they have. … Coach Staley is amazing, my teammates are amazing, so it was an easy choice for me.”
With two national titles in the past four years and a culture of excellence built by Staley, the Gamecocks remain a prime destination for elite talent. For Latson, who is heading into her final collegiate season, South Carolina presents the perfect opportunity to chase a championship and cement her legacy.
