In a rapidly evolving women’s college basketball landscape, the reigning powerhouse of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program, has experienced a notable status change. According to national writer Kevin Miller of On3 Media, the Gamecocks have dropped from their expected No. 1 spot to No. 2 in the SEC preseason power rankings. The trigger: injuries to key front-court players. (On3)
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the update, the context, and what it means for the Gamecocks as they head into the 2025-26 season.
What’s changed: Why the drop to No. 2?
Miller’s ranking shift is rooted in two main concerns:
- Forward injuries — Critical pieces up front are sidelined or dealing with recovery, creating depth and continuity questions for the Gamecocks.
- Impact on the team’s projected dominance — With front-court stability challenged, the previously clear No. 1 slot is now up for debate in the SEC.
While the full article on On3 doesn’t list every injury in the open excerpt, the mention of “forward injuries” clearly signals that South Carolina’s front-court — historically a strong anchor of their dominance under coach Dawn Staley — is not at full strength. (On3)
By moving South Carolina to No. 2, On3 essentially elevates another SEC program to the top spot (though the identity of that program isn’t specified in the headline excerpt). For now, the Gamecocks must contend with the narrative that their margin for error has grown.
Key players affected & roster implications
While the On3 brief doesn’t enumerate every injured player, several front-court men and women of note for South Carolina point to where the concerns arise:
- Senior forward Chloe Kitts is reported to miss the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL. (Reuters) Her absence alone is a massive blow: last season she averaged roughly 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds in 38 games, and was the MVP of the 2025 SEC Tournament.
- Junior forward or big-post player Ashlyn Watkins has also announced she will take the 2025-26 season off, citing personal struggles and a prior injury (torn ACL) from January 2025. (SB Nation)
- These absences mean South Carolina will lean more heavily on younger front-court depth, earlier-arrival transfers, and internal reinforcements — all while expected to maintain high standards.
With two key forwards unavailable, the Gamecocks must adjust their rotation, possibly shift playing styles, and accelerate development of backups or newcomers. This drop in ranked expectation reflects those uncertainties.
Why this matters for the SEC and South Carolina’s trajectory
- Conference dynamics shift: The SEC is deep in women’s basketball, and when a dominant program like South Carolina gets tagged with front-court injuries, other teams sense opportunity. The “top dog” mantle is now contestable.
- Reputational pressure: South Carolina under Dawn Staley has built a national-championship track record — dropping in conference power rankings sends a signal (but not necessarily a reflection of collapse). It raises the stakes for the upcoming season.
- Motivation and narrative: Sometimes, drops like this fuel a program. The Gamecocks now have a chip on their shoulder: “We were still expected to be No. 1, and we’ll prove it.” The leadership of Coach Staley and veteran guards will matter.
- Recruiting & perception: High school recruits, transfers and NIL partners watch these rankings. A perceived dip in dominance might slightly influence recruiting momentum, though South Carolina’s brand remains elite.
What to watch as the season unfolds
In light of this ranking change, keep an eye on several indicators for South Carolina:
- Front-court health and depth: Who steps up to fill the void of Kitts and Watkins? How soon can younger players or transfers become reliable contributors?
- Style of play adjustments: Will the Gamecocks play smaller, faster? Will they rely more on guards and wings? How will the coaching staff tweak the scheme?
- Early season matchups: Non-conference games and the opener (noted as Nov 3 vs. Grand Canyon Antelopes) will give clues about how the team is shaping up. (Reuters)
- Benchmark wins: Community will gauge whether South Carolina can beat other elite programs — especially those vying for the top spot in the SEC — despite the setbacks.
- Narrative growth: Will this ranking change become motivation (“we’ll prove them wrong”) or begin a downward spiral of uncertainty? The former is more likely with Staley at the helm, but vigilance is warranted.
Final thoughts
The drop to No. 2 in On3’s SEC power rankings for South Carolina’s women’s basketball program is less about a dramatic downfall and more about margin of error. When your front-court loses two major contributors, the narrative changes — and power rankings reflect that reality.
Still, it’s far from doom. With Dawn Staley, an elite supporting cast, and a culture of winning etched into the program’s DNA, the Gamecocks remain among the nation’s elite. What’s shifted is the critical need to execute without key pieces, adapt under adversity, and answer the question: Can they still be the best even when not at full strength?
For fans of South Carolina — and for followers of the SEC more broadly — this ranking update adds spice to the season. It sets the stage for a storyline of redemption, resilience, and an opportunity for someone else to take a swing at the throw
