Final Updates on Zaniya Johnson, GG Banks, and Jordyn Palmer: Commitment Day
Five-star post Zaniya Johnson has narrowed her recruitment to South Carolina and LSU and says her decision is coming soon. The article has no direct quotes from people, so none appear below.
Where her recruitment stands
- Finalists: South Carolina and LSU.
- Eliminated: Florida State, Texas A&M and Mississippi State.
- Visits: She had visited Florida State and Texas A&M, but canceled an upcoming visit to Mississippi State.
- Timeline: She hasn’t given a date. She has only said on social media that the announcement will come soon.
How her list shrank
South Carolina offered her in August 2025. Almost exactly a year later, at the start of this August, she announced a top 12 that included the Gamecocks. She then cut it to five, and now to two.
Who she is
- 6-foot-4 post from Biloxi, Mississippi
- Ranked 17th in the Rivals Industry rankings and 18th overall by ESPN
- The third-ranked post in the class
- Touted as one of the best players ever from southern Mississippi
Production:
- Last season: 14.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game
- As a sophomore: 14.5 points and 8.6 rebounds
- Two-time Region Player of the Year, first-team all-region last season and a MaxPreps honorable mention All-American
- Passed 1,000 career points as a sophomore and 1,000 career rebounds as a junior
What it means for South Carolina’s class
Taylor Brown, a point guard, has already committed. The Gamecocks’ other 2027 targets are:
- GG Banks: The top-five point guard’s final three are Texas, LSU and South Carolina. The article says she will announce on October 10, and that it is widely believed she has eliminated Texas. Earlier coverage I found had given October 9, so I’d check the latest on the date. I don’t know the result.
- Jordyn Palmer: The wing has visited South Carolina, Ohio State and UCLA and is expected to finish with a Penn State trip. The article calls South Carolina the frontrunner for both Palmer and Banks.
The roster math
The Gamecocks are only guaranteed three open scholarships. If they land four commitments, someone would have to give up remaining eligibility to make room. With Brown in, the targets (Banks, Palmer and Johnson) would fill the three spots, leaving no flexibility for a fourth addition such as another guard.
Why Johnson matters to the Gamecocks
Earlier reporting noted that South Carolina’s roster has no true center and that Dawn Staley’s offense has thrived with traditional bigs. Johnson would fit that need as the program looks ahead to its next frontcourt.
What to watch
- Banks’s announcement. Her pick may shape how South Carolina approaches the rest of the class.
- Johnson’s decision date. She has promised news soon.
- Palmer’s Penn State visit and any commitment timeline.
- Scholarship decisions. Whether a current player gives up eligibility to open a fourth spot.
Bottom line
This is a two-school race with a decision close. Johnson’s rankings, production and fit at a position of need make her a major target. If South Carolina lands her alongside Banks and Brown, the 2027 class would be a strong one.
About The Author
