South Carolina Lands First 2026 Commitment as Top-20 Forward Kelsi Andrews Chooses the Gamecocks
The South Carolina Gamecocks have kicked off their 2026 recruiting class with a major splash. On Tuesday, top-20 forward Kelsi Andrews announced her commitment to Dawn Staley’s program, giving USC its first pledge in the class.
Andrews made her commitment public on social media Tuesday evening, shortly after her official visit to Columbia the weekend of September 26. The 6-foot-4 standout chose South Carolina over several powerhouse programs, including Virginia, Auburn, LSU, and Mississippi State.
“She’s been on our radar since middle school,” a source close to the program noted.
Andrews’ connection with South Carolina runs deep. The Gamecocks have been recruiting her for years, even through a pair of knee injuries in 2022 and 2023 that briefly slowed her rise up the national rankings.
Now healthy again, Andrews is proving why she remains one of the country’s most versatile forwards. Ranked No. 18 overall by ESPN HoopGurlz and No. 30 by Rivals/On3, she’s viewed as the prototype of a modern post player — dominant inside yet comfortable stretching the floor with a three-point shot.
“She’s just as comfortable banging in the paint as she is stepping out beyond the arc,” one scout said.
Andrews’ high school journey has been as impressive as it’s been varied. Originally from Alabama, she played for two different schools in her home state before transferring to IMG Academy (Florida) for her junior and senior seasons. At IMG, she’s thrived — both in health and performance.
In IMG’s 80–78 win over Montverde at the Chipotle Nationals, Andrews recorded 12 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks. That Montverde roster included current South Carolina freshman Agot Makeer and Saniyah Hall, the nation’s top-ranked prospect in the 2026 class.
Andrews also plays for FBC United, the same elite AAU program that produced several Gamecock standouts — including Joyce Edwards, Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, Ashlyn Watkins, Kamilla Cardoso, and MiLaysia Fulwiley.
Basketball talent runs in her bloodline. Her father played football at Alabama, while her mother played basketball at both LSU and Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide in rebounding as a senior before moving into coaching.
With Andrews on board, South Carolina continues to strengthen its future frontcourt — and reassert its dominance on the national recruiting stage.
