South Carolina is firmly in the mix for one of the nation’s most sought-after prospects in the class of 2027 — Jordyn Palmer, a top-ranked small forward from Westtown School in Pennsylvania. Her recruitment by Dawn Staley’s program reflects the Gamecocks’ continued push to secure elite talent.
A Gamecock Dream
Palmer recently described being pursued by South Carolina as “a dream come true,” reflecting the prestige and allure of Staley’s program. The remark came during an episode of Around the W on Sports Illustrated, showcasing how much the Gamecocks stand out even among national powerhouses. (On3)
National Standing & Recruiting Arc
According to ESPN’s most recent rankings — released about 170 days ago — Palmer is ranked No. 4 overall in the 2027 class, making her a clear Tier A recruit with significant upside.(ESPN.com)
On3’s scouting report confirms similar sentiment. Not only is Palmer the No. 2 small forward in her class, but she’s also ranked No. 4 overall on their board.(Prospects Nation, On3) On3 also notes her recruitment has been methodically handled—whittling down from a top 12 list last year to a top 7 in March, before entering her current finalist stage.(On3)

Other Schools Still Invited to the Race
Timeline & Recruitment Outlook
Palmer has maintained a deliberate and focused recruitment process:
- Top 12 list revealed roughly one year ago.
- Trimmed to Top 7 by March.
- Now progressing toward selecting a final destination, with her top-tier status clear for programs like South Carolina, which continue to pursue her.
Her recruitment remains fluid, and with her level of interest clearly high, South Carolina’s ability to make the final cut depends on maintaining trust, connection, and alignment with Palmer’s goal