The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team is once again reloading for dominance in the 2025-26 season under the masterful direction of head coach Dawn Staley. Known for crafting championship-caliber rosters year after year, Staley has assembled a squad that blends returning stars, breakout potential, elite freshmen, and key transfer talent. After coming off another deep tournament run and maintaining their status as one of the nation’s premier programs, the Gamecocks enter the new season with the same high expectations that have become the norm in Columbia.
At the heart of the 2025-26 roster is a returning core that has both experience and toughness. Raven Johnson, now a veteran leader in the backcourt, continues to anchor the team’s offense with her poise, vision, and defensive tenacity. Johnson has grown tremendously over her college career, evolving into one of the country’s most reliable point guards and one of the few true floor generals left in the game. Her ability to dictate pace, manage possessions, and defend at an elite level makes her indispensable, and she’s poised to take on an even greater leadership role this year.
Alongside Johnson, Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins bring length, versatility, and energy to the forward spots. Kitts, a smooth shooter with perimeter skills, has developed into a reliable stretch forward capable of spacing the floor while still battling on the boards. Watkins, on the other hand, provides physicality and elite shot-blocking that gives South Carolina a strong defensive identity inside. She’s also shown flashes of offensive growth, and another offseason under Staley’s guidance could unlock a new level in her game.
The frontcourt will also be reinforced by the return of Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac, both of whom bring important depth and size to the interior. Dauda, in particular, has the tools to be a major contributor on both ends with her length and mobility. Tac has shown flashes of promise and provides valuable rim protection and rebounding. These returning pieces give the Gamecocks one of the deepest and most athletic frontcourts in the country, a staple of Staley’s program in recent years.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing change to the roster is the addition of high-scoring transfer guard Ta’Niya Latson. One of the most electric players in the nation over the past two seasons, Latson arrives in Columbia with the ability to change the dynamic of South Carolina’s offense. A former top-10 recruit and national scoring leader, Latson is a three-level scorer who can attack the rim with authority, knock down the midrange jumper, and stretch defenses with her range. Her competitiveness and flair fit perfectly with the Gamecocks’ culture, and she’s expected to slot into a prominent role from the jump.
While the Gamecocks gained a star in Latson, they also lost one of their brightest young talents with the departure of MiLaysia Fulwiley, who entered the transfer portal. Fulwiley’s dynamic ball-handling, flashy finishes, and fearless style captured the attention of fans nationwide, and while her absence will certainly be felt, it also opens the door for new players to step up and fill the creative void. Dawn Staley has always preached team-first basketball, and this year’s squad is likely to follow that same blueprint with balanced contributions from across the roster.
The freshman class for 2025-26 adds even more intrigue. Headlining the group is Agot Makeer, one of the top-ranked recruits in the nation. A high-impact wing with elite defensive instincts and a college-ready frame, Makeer has the potential to be a game-changer on both ends. Her athleticism, versatility, and high motor make her an ideal fit for South Carolina’s high-pressure, fast-paced style. She’s expected to compete for minutes right away and could even crack the starting lineup depending on how quickly she adapts to the college level.
Joining Makeer is Ayla McDowell, another top-25 recruit who brings a smooth shooting stroke and great feel for the game. McDowell’s ability to score efficiently from multiple spots on the floor will be valuable, especially as the Gamecocks look to stretch defenses and create space for their slashers and post players. With Staley’s reputation for developing guards, both Makeer and McDowell are entering an ideal situation to maximize their talents.
As always, depth will be a major strength for the Gamecocks. Dawn Staley has cultivated a culture where every player on the roster contributes, whether through five minutes of defensive energy or a game-winning performance. Players like Tessa Johnson and Sania Feagin, who’ve been developing in the program and learning from veterans, are candidates to break out this season. Both have shown flashes in limited roles and could blossom into key contributors with expanded responsibilities.
The combination of veteran leadership, elite transfer additions, and high-upside freshmen gives South Carolina one of the most complete rosters in the country. The Gamecocks will once again play suffocating defense, rebound with relentless energy, and play an unselfish brand of basketball that thrives on depth and balance. There’s no doubt that Dawn Staley’s team will be in the national championship conversation yet again, and anything less than a Final Four appearance will be considered a disappointment by the program’s lofty standards.
Staley’s ability to evolve with the changing landscape of college basketball has also been key to her continued success. She’s managed to navigate the transfer portal and NIL era while still maintaining a strong foundation rooted in player development, accountability, and team culture. The 2025-26 Gamecocks embody that balance — they are built not just for talent, but for chemistry and championship-caliber toughness.
In a sport where parity continues to rise and the talent pool is deeper than ever, South Carolina remains at the top because of the program’s consistency, commitment to excellence, and the trust players have in Staley’s leadership. With stars like Latson and Johnson leading the charge, an exciting freshman class hungry to contribute, and a collection of returners ready to rise, the Gamecocks are entering the season with all the pieces to make another run at a national title. The road won’t be easy, but as always, South Carolina won’t back down from the spotlight — and under Dawn Staley, they never do.