South Carolina women’s basketball continues to make major moves on the recruiting trail, hosting one of the nation’s top post players for an official visit earlier this month.
Fope Ayo, a 6-foot-5 standout from Massachusetts, spent the first weekend of November in Columbia, visiting the Gamecocks. Ayo, who plays for Austin Prep, is regarded as the top-ranked player in her state and is of Nigerian descent.
Unlike most recruits of her caliber, Ayo maintains a low social media presence due to a strict family rule — making her one of the more mysterious elite prospects in the 2026 class.
ESPN ranks her No. 45 nationally under the name Ayo Mofopefoluwa, while On3 lists her as Fope Ayo, placing her No. 55 overall. Regardless of the name variation, scouts agree she’s one of the premier interior prospects in the country.
Standing tall with a college-ready frame, Ayo has become known for her physicality, elite shot-blocking instincts, and ability to finish at the rim. Her athletic background extends beyond basketball — she’s also played volleyball, a factor that contributes to her agility and timing.
Last season, Ayo’s defensive dominance earned her All-NEPSAC honors and the title of AA Defensive Player of the Year.
Her visit to South Carolina followed official trips to Miami (September) and Michigan and Stanford (October), highlighting her status as one of the most sought-after posts in the nation.
The Gamecocks have already secured a commitment from another 2026 post, Kelsi Andrews, ranked No. 14 nationally. However, with Andrews currently recovering from a meniscus surgery — her third major knee procedure after two prior ACL tears — Ayo could serve as key insurance for the frontcourt.
The early signing period runs from November 12–19, but Ayo has yet to announce whether she’ll make her commitment official during that window.
If South Carolina lands Ayo, it would further solidify Dawn Staley’s recruiting dominance, giving the Gamecocks yet another elite interior presence to anchor their future front line.
