South Carolina Claims No. 1 in Preseason Polls: Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks Reload for Another Championship Run

South Carolina women’s basketball is beginning another season with the weight of national expectations. The Gamecocks have earned the top position in both the Associated Press (AP) and USA Today/WBCA preseason rankings, reinforcing their status as one of college basketball’s most consistently successful programs.

This marks the fifth time in seven seasons that South Carolina has started the year ranked No. 1 in both major preseason polls. With returning stars, key transfers, and a highly rated recruiting class, Dawn Staley’s team has assembled a roster capable of competing at the highest level once again.

A Championship-Caliber Roster Returns

South Carolina enters the new campaign with a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers. The team brings back six letterwinners from last season, along with two additional players who competed for the program in the previous season. The Gamecocks have also strengthened their roster with two veteran transfers and the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class.

Among the most important returning players are All-America forwards Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards, alongside senior guard Tessa Johnson, who earned Second-Team All-SEC recognition last season.

Edwards was South Carolina’s leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 57.1% from the field. Her scoring efficiency makes her one of the players to watch as the Gamecocks pursue another successful season.

Johnson also enters the campaign with considerable momentum. She converted 44.8% of her three-point attempts, ranking fourth nationally in that category last season, while recording career-best averages in scoring, rebounds, and assists.

Kitts returns after missing the 2025–26 season while recovering from an ACL injury. Her return could provide another important boost to the frontcourt as she works back into the lineup.

Ashlyn Watkins and Agot Makeer Add More Depth

South Carolina’s returning talent extends beyond its headline stars.

Fifth-year forward Ashlyn Watkins is back after taking last season off to recover from ACL surgery in January 2025. Known for her shot-blocking ability, Watkins has the potential to strengthen the Gamecocks’ interior defense.

Guard Agot Makeer also returns following an impressive NCAA Tournament performance. She finished second on the team in scoring during the tournament and earned a place on the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team.

Makeer’s postseason production offers encouragement that she could play an increasingly important role as the season progresses.

The biggest question is how quickly the returning players can build chemistry and translate their individual strengths into consistent team performances. With several experienced contributors available, South Carolina has multiple options to explore.

Jordan Lee and Brooke Quarles-Daniels Strengthen the Backcourt

The Gamecocks have also added experience through the transfer portal.

Junior guard Jordan Lee arrives after playing at Texas, where she averaged 13.2 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in 2025–26. ESPN ranked her sixth among its most impactful transfers for the upcoming season, highlighting the expectations surrounding her arrival.

Lee could provide additional scoring, playmaking, and defensive pressure as she adjusts to Staley’s system.

Fifth-year guard Brooke Quarles-Daniels is another significant addition. She joined South Carolina after two seasons at Michigan and helped the Wolverines reach the 2026 NCAA Elite Eight.

Her postseason experience could prove valuable in high-pressure situations, particularly as the Gamecocks work to integrate new players into an established program.

A Highly Rated Recruiting Class Arrives

South Carolina’s incoming class adds another layer of excitement. The five-player group features two prospects ranked among ESPN’s top 10 recruits in the 2026 class.

Oliviyah Edwards, ranked No. 3, and Jerzy Robinson, ranked No. 6, headline the group. Robinson also earned recognition as a finalist for the Naismith National Player of the Year award.

The class includes forward Kaeli Wynn, a top-20 recruit, and Kelsi Andrews, ranked No. 30. French newcomer Justine Loubens adds an international dimension after competing in France’s top professional women’s league last season.

The incoming talent gives South Carolina opportunities to develop future stars while maintaining competition for playing time throughout the roster.

However, recruiting rankings alone do not guarantee immediate success. The key will be how effectively the newcomers adapt to the college game, learn the defensive system, and contribute within a team that already has championship expectations.

South Carolina’s Historic Consistency Continues

The Gamecocks’ latest preseason ranking adds to an extraordinary record of national recognition.

South Carolina has occupied the No. 1 position in the AP Poll 87 times, the third-highest total in the poll’s history. The program also holds an active streak of 138 consecutive weeks inside the AP Top 10, beginning with the 2019–20 preseason rankings.

Its run of 269 consecutive AP Poll appearances, dating back to December 10, 2012, ranks second among active streaks nationally and sixth all-time.

The program has likewise remained in the USA Today/WBCA Coaches’ Poll Top 10 since entering that group in the 2019–20 preseason poll.

These figures demonstrate that South Carolina’s success is not simply the result of one exceptional season. The Gamecocks have established a sustained standard of excellence, with national relevance becoming a regular expectation rather than an occasional achievement.

Preseason Events Bring Fans Back to Colonial Life Arena

Supporters will have opportunities to see the program before the regular season gets underway.

South Carolina is scheduled to host Benedict in its final preseason exhibition at Colonial Life Arena on Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m. Admission and parking are listed as free.

The Gamecocks’ men’s and women’s basketball programs are also hosting GarNET and Black Madness on Wednesday, October 21, from 7–9 p.m. The event is scheduled to feature WWE-style team introductions, fan activities, team competitions, and a performance by Soulja Boy.

General admission tickets are listed at $6, while students can attend free. Parking is also free.

These events provide an opportunity for fans to reconnect with the teams, experience the atmosphere surrounding the new season, and get an early look at the players who will represent South Carolina.

Final Analysis: Can the Gamecocks Turn No. 1 Expectations Into Another Title?

South Carolina has the ingredients to make another serious championship push: proven scorers, returning defensive talent, experienced transfers, and a recruiting class packed with highly regarded prospects.

Joyce Edwards’ scoring ability and Tessa Johnson’s perimeter efficiency give the team established offensive weapons. The returns of Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins could strengthen the frontcourt, while Jordan Lee and Brooke Quarles-Daniels offer additional experience.

Still, being ranked No. 1 before the season begins is a statement of expectation, not a guarantee of a championship. The team must establish chemistry, maintain consistency, and navigate the challenges that come with facing other elite programs.

Dawn Staley has built a program accustomed to competing for major honors. Now, the focus shifts from preseason recognition to performance on the court.

The big takeaway: South Carolina begins the season as the nation’s top-ranked team, backed by a deep roster and an impressive collection of talent. Whether this group can turn that promise into another national championship will depend on how effectively its returning stars, transfers, and newcomers come together when the games count.

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