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The South Carolina Gamecocks breezed through their first-round matchup against Vanderbilt, but Saturday’s contest against Oklahoma promises to be a much tighter affair.

As the SEC Women’s Tournament enters its semifinal phase, the No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks are set to face off against the No. 5 overall seed, Oklahoma. Both teams are ranked in the top-10 in women’s college basketball, making this game a highly anticipated showdown.

South Carolina vs. Oklahoma Prediction: ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Gamecocks an 86.6% chance to win, while the Sooners are given a 13.6% chance.

South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Betting Line Update: According to FanDuel, South Carolina enters as a 12.5-point favorite, with the total set at 152.5 points.

Oklahoma’s head coach, Jennie Baranczyk, shared her thoughts on how to slow down the powerhouse Gamecocks, saying, “Well, I don’t know that. I don’t know, they are so good. It’s a game of runs and South Carolina is so good. And how many times have they played in this building, I just want us to come out here to compete.” She continued, “You don’t stop them, you just try to do the best you can.”

How to Watch: South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma

• GameDay: Saturday, March 8th
• Game Time: 4:30 PM EST
• Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
• Broadcast: SEC Network+

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Recent Ranking Changes Elevate South Carolina Football Target to 4-Star Status

South Carolina Football Recruiting Target Tamarion Watkins Boosted to 4-Star Status

We’re closely following South Carolina’s pursuit of Tamarion Watkins, one of the top football recruits in the Palmetto State. The Northwestern High School standout is a physical force on the field, standing at an imposing 6’4″ and weighing 201 pounds. His combination of size and athleticism has caught the attention of major programs, including Georgia, who have shown interest in potentially using him as a linebacker. However, USC defensive backs coach Torrian Gray sees him more as a versatile, long safety for the Gamecocks’ secondary. On3, along with other major recruiting outlets, currently ranks him as a safety.

Recent updates to the 2026 rankings have propelled Watkins to a prestigious position. He now holds a fourth-star ranking in the On3 industry composite rankings—a weighted average from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. This jump comes after On3, 247Sports, and Rivals all updated their rankings in recent weeks. Watkins is now placed at No. 312 nationally, No. 7 in South Carolina, and No. 26 among safeties nationwide. Rivals is especially high on Watkins, ranking him as the No. 125 player in the nation and the top recruit in South Carolina.

Notably, GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark recently included Watkins on a list of prospects who could soon earn South Carolina’s On3 RPM picks. Clark reports that despite a competitive offer list, South Carolina has positioned itself well in Watkins’ recruitment.

As of now, the Gamecocks have five commitments in the 2026 class, currently ranked 14th overall. This group includes 4-star safety J’Zavien Currence, 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, 3-star defensive back Peyton Dyer, and 3-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter. Interestingly, both Currence and Baxter are from Rock Hill, just like Watkins.

Stay tuned for more updates on this rising prospect and South Carolina’s recruiting efforts.

Five members of the SEC Champion South Carolina women’s basketball team have been honored with postseason awards, as announced by the SEC coaches today.

Leading the charge is Joyce Edwards, who was named to the All-SEC First Team. Edwards, who has been a standout for the Gamecocks all season, is joined by MiLaysia Fulwiley, who earned the prestigious title of SEC Sixth Woman of the Year. Also making waves, Te-Hina Paopao secured a spot on the All-SEC Second Team, alongside Fulwiley. Meanwhile, Sania Feagin and Raven Johnson earned places on the All-Defensive Team, and Edwards was named to the All-Freshman Team.

Joyce Edwards has etched her name into history, becoming only the third Gamecock freshman to land on the All-SEC First Team, following in the footsteps of A’ja Wilson in 2015 and Aliyah Boston in 2020. Edwards, hailing from Camden, S.C., has been the Gamecocks’ top scorer, averaging 13.0 points per game overall, 14.4 in SEC play, and 11.8 against ranked opponents. Her .558 field goal percentage ranks 4th in the SEC and 29th in the nation, with a remarkable 57.2% in league play—second-best in the SEC. Edwards has been the Gamecocks’ leading scorer in 13 games, including seven against ranked teams, and she has already posted three doubles-doubles, including her first career one against #15/15 Iowa State.

MiLaysia Fulwiley has been named SEC Sixth Woman of the Year, making her the third Gamecock to receive this honor, joining Alaina Coates in 2014 and Kamilla Cardoso in 2023. The dynamic sophomore has been exceptional this season, not only increasing her scoring average to 11.9 points per game but also thriving defensively. Fulwiley ranks ninth in the SEC with 1.94 steals per game and 10th in blocks (0.94 per game). She has posted seven games with three or more steals, highlighted by a career-high five against Florida and a memorable four steals— all in the fourth quarter—against #15/14 Kentucky.

Te-Hina Paopao continues to lead with composure and veteran experience. Averaging 10.2 points per game, including 11.5 against ranked teams, Paopao is shooting 45.7% from the field. She’s also leading the team with 3.0 assists per game and boasts a 2.57 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking 16th nationally. In SEC play, her 3.44 assists per game rank 12th, and her assist-to-turnover ratio is fourth-best in the conference.

Sania Feagin has been an intimidating defensive force this season, ranking sixth in the SEC with 1.60 blocks per game, and second in SEC play with 2.06 blocks per game. Her presence in the paint has been a game-changer, with standout performances, including six blocks in a win over Texas and five in a crucial victory at Ole Miss.

Meanwhile, Raven Johnson continues to be the backbone of the Gamecocks’ defense. The team ranks fifth nationally in field goal percentage defense, and Johnson leads the charge with 1.48 steals per game. She has had six games with three or more steals, including three SEC games where she tallied five or more steals.

Looking ahead, South Carolina is heading to Greenville, S.C., for the SEC Tournament later this week. The Gamecocks, who are ranked No. 5 nationally, have secured the No. 1 seed for the fourth consecutive season and will begin their tournament run in the quarterfinals on Friday, March 7, at noon on ESPN.

Stay tuned to GamecocksOnline.com and follow the team’s social media (@GamecockWBB) for all the latest updates on the women’s basketball season.

Here are the full 2025 SEC Awards:

Player of the Year: Madison Booker, Texas
Coach of the Year: Vic Schaefer, Texas
Defensive Player of the Year: Clara Strack, Kentucky
Freshman of the Year: Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
Newcomer of the Year: Georgia Amoore, Kentucky
Sixth Woman of the Year: MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina
Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Grace Slaughter, Missouri

All-SEC First Team:

• Georgia Amoore, Kentucky
• Sarah Ashlee Barker, Alabama
• Raegan Beers, Oklahoma
• Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
• Madison Booker, Texas
• Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
• Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU
• Aneesah Morrow, LSU
• Mikaylah Williams, LSU

All-SEC Second Team:

• Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee
• MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina
• DeYona Gaston, Auburn
• Jerkaila Jordan, Mississippi State
• Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina
• Madison Scott, Ole Miss
• Clara Strack, Kentucky
• Payton Verhulst, Oklahoma

All-Freshman Team:

• Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
• Yuting Deng, Auburn
• Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
• Jordan Lee, Texas
• Liv McGill, Florida
• Sira Thienou, Ole Miss
• Trinity Turner, Georgia
• Mia Woolfolk, Georgia

All-Defensive Team:

• Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee
• Sania Feagin, South Carolina
• Rori Harmon, Texas
• Raven Johnson, South Carolina
• Aneesah Morrow, LSU
• Clara Strack, Kentucky

Stay with us for more updates!

The latest developments in South Carolina women’s basketball. Head coach Dawn Staley and her Gamecocks have clinched a share of the SEC regular season title for the fourth consecutive year and the fifth time in the last six seasons. In a twist of fate, the University of South Carolina secured the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament through a coin flip against the Texas Longhorns, a team they tied with in the SEC standings.

This past Monday, the AP updated its top-25 rankings, and the Gamecocks saw a slight improvement, moving up to the No. 5 spot overall, a one-place jump from their previous No. 6 ranking.

Here’s the latest AP Top 25 poll:

1. Texas Longhorns (25)
2. Southern Cal Trojans (6)
3. UConn Huskies
4. UCLA Bruins
5. South Carolina Gamecocks
6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
7. NC State Wolfpack
8. TCU Horned Frogs
9. LSU Tigers
10. Oklahoma Sooners
11. Duke Blue Devils
12. Kentucky Wildcats
13. Ohio State Buckeyes
14. North Carolina Tar Heels
15. Maryland Terrapins
16. West Virginia Mountaineers
17. Baylor Bears
18. Tennessee Lady Volunteers
19. Alabama Crimson Tide
20. Kansas State Wildcats
21. Oklahoma State Cowboys
22. Florida State Seminoles
23. Creighton Blue Jays
24. Michigan State Spartans
25. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

As we move into this week, the SEC Tournament will kick off in Greenville, South Carolina, with games starting on Wednesday afternoon. Thanks to their double-bye, the Gamecocks won’t take the floor again until Friday, when they will face either the Texas A&M Aggies, Tennessee Lady Volunteers, or Vanderbilt Commodores. In the first round, Texas A&M and Tennessee will clash, and the winner will face Vanderbilt in the second round. From there, the winner of that game will move on to face South Carolina.

If the Gamecocks can secure a victory in the quarterfinals, they are likely to face the Kentucky Wildcats. Meanwhile, the Arkansas Razorbacks, Georgia Bulldogs, and Oklahoma Sooners will be fighting to advance from Kentucky’s side of the bracket.

A highly anticipated rematch with the Texas Longhorns is expected to be on the horizon, with both teams potentially vying for the SEC Tournament title. Texas, now ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, split the season series with South Carolina earlier this year.

Following their victory over Kentucky on Sunday, the Gamecocks improved to an impressive 27-3 overall, finishing with a 15-1 record in conference play. After enduring two top-10 losses within just eight days, South Carolina rebounded by winning four straight games to close out the regular season. The AP has certainly recognized this strong finish, rewarding the Gamecocks with their rise in the rankings.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow South Carolina’s journey through the SEC Tournament.

In a recent development, South Carolina graduate student and running back Oscar Adaway III has been appointed as the chairman of the SEC Football Leadership Council. Known for navigating obstacles on the field, Adaway is now facing the challenge of representing student-athletes in a new capacity off the field.

“I was chosen to represent our team,” Adaway shared. “Then, once I got to the council, they selected a chairman for all 16 teams. Every team has its own leadership council, so it’s a huge honor to be in this position.”

As chairman, Adaway plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between student-athletes and key stakeholders like the NCAA and SEC. He’ll be responsible for gathering feedback from other teams and conveying it to SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, who, according to Adaway, has always been attentive to the voices of athletes.

“The feedback we get from the teams is really important,” Adaway said. “We share what we hear from the NCAA and SEC, then bring back the thoughts from our teams. Commissioner Greg Sankey really listens to us. He’s always done a great job of that.”

The SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Councils offer athletes a platform to connect with university administrators, conference office staff, and raise concerns or propose changes. Although much of the focus lately has been on NIL, other topics, such as game celebrations, have also been at the forefront of discussions.

“One of the biggest things we talked about at the council meeting in Alabama was celebrations during games,” Adaway explained. “It might sound minor, but it’s something that could change the game. We’re likely going to see more allowed celebrations now. SEC referees stated we can’t spike the ball because they want the game to move quickly, but just about everything else will be okay.”

However, some restrictions remain. Players can’t mimic celebrations of rival teams, like Texas’ “horns down,” and excessive celebrations in opponents’ faces are prohibited. But players can express themselves with their teammates, and Adaway hinted at potential team celebrations that could bring even more fun to the game.

“I think we’ll see some wild celebrations,” Adaway said. “You might see a five-man celebration with a dance like the Temptations’ routine. It’s going to be exciting because college football didn’t allow that kind of freedom before.”

Reflecting on his role, Adaway expressed the significance of his new position. “I believe I can make an impact,” he said. “Becoming the chairman of the Leadership Council is important for me.”

A North Little Rock, Ark. native, Adaway has contributed significantly to the Gamecocks’ football team, playing in 13 games with two starts in their successful nine-win season. His performance was highlighted by a 36-yard touchdown run in the Citrus Bowl against Illinois. However, Adaway hopes to make an even greater impact off the field through his leadership and experience, leveraging his education to create change within the administration.

“I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had to pay for my education,” he said. “Hopefully, I can earn another degree in my final year, which would be amazing. When it comes to applying for jobs, it would be a unique advantage to say I have three degrees while no one else applying does.”

Adaway is also focused on finishing his academic career strong. He already holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and will complete his master’s in coaching education this May. As his last season of college football approaches, he’s eager to make the most of it.

“This is my final year of college football,” Adaway said. “I’m looking forward to enjoying the game and hopefully achieving more with the team. Last year, winning nine games was one of the best experiences of my life, and I want to replicate that success this year.”

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is underway, exciting news is emerging about the South Carolina Gamecocks. Fresh off a successful (9-3) regular season, the Gamecocks are heading into the 2025 college football season with heightened expectations, fueled by a major offseason development. Head coach Shane Beamer has been extended through the 2030 season, solidifying his position at the helm of the program.

While in Indy, Gamecocks on SI spoke to an NFL general manager, who was effusive in his praise for the coaching and player development happening under Beamer’s leadership. According to the GM, the Gamecocks are setting a high bar in the SEC.

“There is a helluva lot of good coaching going on with the Gamecocks. All you have to do is look at Lanorris Sellers, who, when he was in high school and who he is now, and that youngster has made some real money thanks to that staff,” the GM said. “In the SEC, you’re competing with the biggest dogs in the nation, and to compete with the Gamecocks, you have to develop guys. If those fans give Shane Beamer the support he needs financially, he can develop them, but they must keep them. There is a lot of good coaching in the SEC, but South Carolina, Shane and his staff aren’t second to anybody.”

South Carolina has also made strides in keeping their talent in-house, despite considerable interest from other programs. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers and EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart, both of whom were highly sought after this offseason, have remained with the Gamecocks, helping to ensure the future of the program is in strong hands.

Beamer’s leadership and the development of these players are key reasons why the Gamecocks are being taken seriously as they look toward the 2025 season. With a strong foundation and impressive talent retention, this program is poised for further success under Shane Beamer’s guidance.

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NFL Combine Performance – South Carolina Linebacker Bam Martin-Scott

South Carolina’s Bam Martin-Scott Hits the NFL Combine

As the NFL Combine kicks off this week, the South Carolina Gamecocks are well represented, with several players gearing up to showcase their talents. On Thursday, it’s the defensive linemen and linebackers’ turn to take center stage, and Bam Martin-Scott is already making his mark.

The linebacker, who wrapped up his college career with an impressive 76 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, is out on the field this Thursday, hoping to impress scouts. Martin-Scott began his journey at Dodge City Community College before transferring to South Carolina in 2022. His standout play earned him honorable mention All-SEC honors from College Football Nation.

Currently projected as a late-round draft pick in many mock drafts, Martin-Scott has a golden opportunity this weekend to boost his stock with a strong performance at the combine.

NFL Combine Results – Bam Martin-Scott:

• Height: 6’2 1/8”
• Weight: 231 lbs
• Arm: 32”
• Hand: 8 ¾”
• Vertical: [Results Pending]
• Bench Press: [Results Pending]
• 40-yard Dash: [Results Pending]
• 3-Cone Drill: [Results Pending]

Additionally, here are the other South Carolina Gamecocks invited to this year’s NFL Combine:

• Raheim Sanders, RB
• Joshua Simon, TE
• Torricelli Simpkins III, OL
• Tonka Hemingway, DL
• DeAndre Jules, DL
• Kyle Kennard, DL
• TJ Sanders, DL
• Demetrius Knight Jr., LB
• Bam Martin-Scott, LB
• Nick Emmanwori, DB
• O’Donnell Fortune, DB

Stay tuned for more updates as the weekend unfolds and these athletes continue their journey to the NFL!

In a thrilling regular season finale on March 2, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley discussed her team’s reaction after a hard-fought 78-66 victory over Kentucky, which secured the Gamecocks their SEC regular season title.

While the win was a significant achievement for South Carolina, the path to becoming the No. 1 seed was not as straightforward. The Gamecocks had to rely on a coin toss to determine their position after finishing with an identical 15-1 record as Texas.

Speaking about the tense moment after the game, Staley admitted the uncertainty was strange, even after her team had done everything in their power to secure the top spot. “No, we just watched it in the locker room; I mean, it was kind of exciting, and the buildup was good, you know,” Staley said during her postgame press conference, which was shared on the South Carolina Gamecocks YouTube page. “I know when you are part of the equation, it doesn’t feel good to have your fate in a coin toss and I didn’t know that eight other sports use a coin flip, that was news to me. I feel a little better about it now,” she added with a chuckle.

Reflecting on the game itself, Staley explained a slight tactical adjustment that helped her team seal the win. “I thought when we got Georgia Amore going more right than left, that created better rotation for us, and I thought we did a good job capitalizing on our defense,” Staley said.

In another significant development, the win against Kentucky might have been Raven Johnson’s final home game at the Colonial Life Arena. The guard received a heartfelt standing ovation from the fans, but Staley made it clear that Johnson has not yet made a decision about her future. “Classy touch by the fans. She hasn’t made a decision, and you know for me, it’s a personal choice, so I’m not going to push her either way,” Staley shared. “I’m gonna let her and her family decide what they want to do. Obviously, Raven makes us a basketball team. Raven is a winner. She comes back, (and) it increases our chances of winning a lot more basketball games.”

Staley went on to express her confidence in Johnson’s future, whether she returns to college for another season or enters the professional ranks. “If she doesn’t, I’m sure the WNBA will welcome her. Probably not as well as we would if she came back. But Raven’s going to be a pro whether it’s coming out this year or coming out next year,” Staley said.

As for now, Johnson’s focus will be squarely on helping South Carolina pursue an NCAA championship, with her future decision still up in the air.