Jordyn Palmer Sets Her Decision Date: Four Finalists, Friday, Oct. 23
The News
Five-star 2027 wing Jordyn Palmer will announce her college decision on Friday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. ET. Her finalists are South Carolina, Ohio State, Penn State and UCLA. The timing is notable for Gamecock fans: the announcement lands during the block party on Lincoln Street (4-6:30 p.m.), just before South Carolina’s 7 p.m. exhibition against Benedict.
Who Is Palmer?
Palmer is a 6-foot-1 wing who plays for Westtown School in Pennsylvania. She has been rated the nation’s No. 2 shooting forward in the 2027 class and the No. 1 prospect from her home state. On3’s latest update has her ninth in its rankings, dropping from fifth to ninth, and describes her as “a little more offensively focused” than fellow wing Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka, with “incredible upside.”
Her summer was strong: she won gold with USA Basketball and collected multiple MVP awards.
How the Recruitment Narrowed
- The visits. Palmer visited South Carolina the weekend of Sept. 18, alongside GG Banks and Taylor Brown. She has since visited Ohio State, UCLA and Penn State, and appears to be done with visits.
- South Carolina’s view. As of August, Palmer appeared to be South Carolina’s top frontcourt target.
- Staley’s targets in the 2027 class. Banks and Brown are already committed, and Zaniya Johnson announces Oct. 21.
Where South Carolina Stands
The case for the Gamecocks:
- Momentum. Banks and Brown chose Columbia, and Palmer was on campus with them.
- Pro pipeline. Four South Carolina alumnae are in the WNBA Finals.
- Staley’s development record.
The roster question. On3 suggested that South Carolina probably only focuses on one of the top wings, since it already has Jerzy Robinson and Agot Makeer from the last two classes. Palmer would need to see a clear role, and the Gamecocks already have a deep class forming.
The Competition
I found less public reporting on her visits to the other three, so I can only describe them in general terms:
- Ohio State has been involved since the summer, and was one of the programs involved in her recruitment from the start.
- Penn State is the closest to her Pennsylvania roots, which could matter for family access.
- UCLA is the reigning national champion.
Why this matters: Palmer’s list mixes a Southern powerhouse, a Big Ten power, an in-state option and the national champion, so no single factor makes this an easy call.
What to Watch
- Zaniya Johnson’s decision on Oct. 21. If Johnson picks South Carolina, the Gamecocks’ class gets more crowded, which could affect Staley’s pursuit of Palmer.
- Social media hints in the final 48 hours.
- Her stated priorities. The announcement itself will likely explain what mattered most.
Bottom Line
For now, no published prediction for Palmer’s choice, so I wouldn’t put a number on any finalist. South Carolina has momentum and a strong pitch, but a crowded wing rotation and three serious competitors keep this open.
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