COLUMBIA — The spotlight is headed to ’s “College GameDay,” and this time, it’s shining directly on and in a historic top-20 showdown at .
No. 3 South Carolina (26-2, 12-1 SEC) will host No. 17 Ole Miss (21-7, 8-5) on Feb. 22 in a sold-out clash that carries more than just conference implications. While it marks Ole Miss’ first-ever appearance on the women’s edition of “College GameDay,” it will be the fourth time the Gamecocks have hosted — the most of any women’s basketball program.
But beyond rankings and records, this matchup represents a cultural milestone: it will be the first time in the show’s history that both featured women’s basketball teams are led by Black head coaches.
South Carolina coach reacted to the moment with both humor and reflection.
“Damn in 2026 we’re still making history like that,” Staley said with laughter. “I know it’s probably not the reason why they did it. I think the reason why they did it’s two top teams in our league, in the country, that are playing on a Sunday, and the fact that we draw a big crowd and game is sold out, I think the whole atmosphere.”
The pregame show will air at 11 a.m. ET ahead of the noon tip on ESPN, bringing national attention to a Columbia crowd that has become synonymous with energy and dominance.
The women’s version of “College GameDay” first launched in 2010 before going on hiatus and returning in 2023. Last season, the show made three regular-season stops and spent championship week at the SEC Tournament — a title ultimately claimed by South Carolina.
This year’s broadcast team includes , and newcomer , who replaced after Duncan departed ESPN for Netflix.
For Carter, the moment transcends basketball.
“We’re seeing there’s so much more representation across the board,” Carter said. “Young girls can watch this game and see us at ‘GameDay,’ see the two coaches on the sideline and as far as representation goes, dream big in terms of ‘Oh I could be a coach, I could be on TV, I could be a player’ and I think that’s why representation is so important.”
Staley, now in her 18th season leading the Gamecocks, has built South Carolina into a national powerhouse. On the opposing sideline will be — widely known as Coach Yo — who has guided the Rebels to four NCAA Tournament appearances and five 20-win seasons in eight years.
Despite her program’s rise, McPhee-McCuin is still searching for her first win against Staley, having gone 0-10 in previous matchups. Yet her respect for South Carolina’s head coach is unwavering.
“I have a lot of admiration for Dawn, she is someone that coming up mentored me and now treats me like a respectable opponent,” McPhee-McCuin said Feb. 19. “If I need her, I can still call. For our team, I think that’s amazing, I know Columbia will show out.”
She also acknowledged the historic significance of the moment, calling it “pretty cool” and adding she’s sure “she’ll take it in” once she arrives in Columbia.
Within the SEC’s 16 programs, five are led by Black head coaches. According to the NCAA Demographics Database as of 2025, there are 83 Black female head coaches in Division I basketball (23%) and 35 Black male head coaches (10%) in women’s Division I basketball — numbers that underscore both progress and room for growth.
For Carter, Sunday represents more than just another stop on the schedule.
“Always an amazing opportunity to be a part of ‘GameDay’ and these two coaches and what they’ve been able to do, just be a part of history,” she said.
When the cameras roll and the arena fills, the game will be about rankings, rivalries and SEC positioning. But history — once again — will be part of the story in Columbia.
