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No. 6 South Carolina’s matchup against Vanderbilt this Sunday at 3:00 PM ET at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. Let’s break down the key points for today’s game.

1. Stay Focused and Engaged
South Carolina’s journey to success against Arkansas was a bit of a slow start, but once they hit their rhythm, they dominated. Though Arkansas might not have been able to capitalize on the Gamecocks’ slow start, Vanderbilt could very well make them pay if they don’t come out strong. The key for South Carolina remains getting into their groove quickly, and for them, that means focusing on defense, fast breaks, and unselfish offense. Head coach Dawn Staley emphasized, “We’re focused. We’re not perfect, but we’re focused. When we have the level of focus that we have, we’re going to be disciplined on both sides of the basketball, and we’re going to play cleaner basketball.”

2. Containing Mikayla Blakes
Vanderbilt’s star freshman Mikayla Blakes is a major threat, averaging 23.4 points per game and shooting 46.4% from the field. Blakes is a versatile scorer, capable of driving to the rim, shooting from mid-range, and even hitting three-pointers. With a free-throw percentage of 88.5%, she’s a dangerous all-around player. Staley knows the challenge ahead, stating, “It’s hard to stop when you got the greenest of green lights. You’re unafraid. You have no fear of missed shots. You have no fear of turning the ball over.” The Gamecocks will need to limit her clean looks and control their fouls to make it tough for Blakes to operate.

Beyond scoring, Blakes also contributes 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, though she does have a tendency to turn the ball over, with over three turnovers per game. This could be an area South Carolina can exploit.

3. Dauda Time?
Maryam Dauda, the Arkansas transfer, had one of her best performances of the season against her former team, recording nine points and eight rebounds in just 14 minutes. Dawn Staley praised Dauda for showing more confidence, saying, “We gave her her flowers in film today, and I hope that she feels that and wants to bottle that up and display it again.” South Carolina has struggled with post depth this season, and Dauda could provide a much-needed spark, even with modest contributions. If Staley can rely on her for consistent minutes, it would add significant depth heading into the postseason.

4. Availability Report
South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins will be out for this game. As for Vanderbilt, Sacha Washington is out for the season due to a blood clot in her leg. Any further changes to the availability list will be updated accordingly.

5. Scouting Vanderbilt’s Commodores
While Mikayla Blakes has stolen the spotlight, Khamil Pierre has quietly been dominant. Pierre averages nearly a 20-10 double-double, posting 20.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, along with 2.9 steals. Pierre set Vanderbilt’s scoring record earlier in the season with 42 points, only to see Blakes surpass it multiple times.

Defensively, Vanderbilt is a bit undersized. Pierre, standing at 6-2, and Blakes, at 5-8, leave the Commodores vulnerable against larger forwards. The Commodores have struggled defensively, giving up big scores to teams like Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and others. When they’ve had success, it’s been by keeping the game close, as seen in their wins over ranked teams like Tennessee and Alabama. South Carolina won’t want to get into a shootout with Blakes, but they will need to ensure the game doesn’t stay stuck in the 60s either.

Scoreboard Watch
While South Carolina focuses on their game, there are a couple of games to keep an eye on. LSU faces Kentucky on Sunday, with South Carolina holding a one-game lead over the Tigers. A Kentucky win would be beneficial for the Gamecocks, while an LSU win would lock Kentucky into the fourth seed for the tournament. Additionally, South Carolina will be rooting for Georgia to pull off an upset against Texas on Monday.

Game Info
Who: #6 South Carolina (24-3, 12-2) vs. Vanderbilt (19-8, 6-7)
When: Sunday, February 23, 3:00 PM ET
Where: Memorial Gymnasium, Nashville, TN
Watch: SEC Network+

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach game time!

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the latest major topic of discussion among the Power 4 conferences is how to handle championship weekend. Once seen as a crucial lead-up to the national championship, even the prestigious SEC Championship game seemed less impactful this season, with empty seats in Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the Texas-Georgia matchup.

One of the biggest issues being raised is the potential unfairness of dropping teams that make their conference championship games but ultimately lose, specifically regarding their chances to make the College Football Playoff. SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee voiced concerns about this, prompting further discussions.

Reports suggest conferences are moving quickly to explore changes to the traditional championship weekend format. Pete Nakos of On3 shared that both the SEC and Big Ten are considering a three-game weekend. This new format would feature the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds facing off for the championship, while No. 3 would play No. 6 and No. 4 would face No. 5. The winners of these two matchups would automatically qualify for the College Football Playoff, with the top two seeds already earning auto-bids.

Such a shift would, of course, require significant adjustments to the College Football Playoff structure, potentially allowing for four automatic bids for the SEC and Big Ten. There’s also been talk of a four-game weekend, modeled after a traditional eight-team tournament, with all four winners receiving league bids.

While these ideas are still in the exploration phase, one can’t help but wonder what impact this could have had on the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2024. With a 9-3 regular season record, the Gamecocks were on the edge of making the College Football Playoff. Under the new potential format, South Carolina could have secured a spot in “championship weekend” as the six-seed, facing off against old SEC East rival Tennessee.

Though the whirlwind of changes in college football can sometimes feel overwhelming, the prospect of LaNorris Sellers and the Gamecocks’ defense facing off against Nico Iamaleava and the Vols for a playoff berth adds a thrilling “what if” scenario to an already memorable season. Would it have taken South Carolina even further? We may never know, but it’s a fascinating possibility.

More news…..

First-Round Projections Have South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders As a Top NFL Draft Pick

The 2025 NFL Draft process is in full swing, and former South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is now considered a potential first-round pick.

Although Sanders might have flown under the radar this season due to the dominant performances of South Carolina’s EDGE rushers, Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard, he is gaining recognition as the draft approaches. National analysts, including NFL Network’s lead draft expert, Daniel Jeremiah, are starting to take notice of Sanders’ impressive tape.

Jeremiah recently released his updated NFL Mock Draft, where he has Sanders going 31st overall to the Philadelphia Eagles. Regarding the potential selection, Jeremiah commented:

“There has not been a lot of buzz for Sanders, but I thought his tape was outstanding. He’s really twitchy and would fit right in with the bevy of talented defensive linemen in Philly.”

T.J. Sanders’ accolades include:

• 2024 Third-Team All-America (College Football Nation)
• 2024 First-Team All-SEC (College Football Nation)
• 2024 Second-Team All-SEC (AP, Phil Steele)
• 2024 SEC Interior Defender of the Year (College Football Nation)
• 2023 Third-Team All-SEC (College Football Network)
• 2023 Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
• 2023 Nutrition Award
• 2023 Rex Enright Defensive Player of the Spring
• 2023 co-South Carolina Spirit Award – Defense

In a major development for the 2026 recruiting class, Jared Curtis has officially narrowed down his college choices, and unfortunately, the South Carolina Gamecocks have been cut from the running.

On Saturday, the highly coveted five-star quarterback announced that his decision is now down to Georgia and Oregon. This leaves South Carolina on the outside looking in, as the Gamecocks no longer appear to be in contention for Curtis’s commitment.

However, it’s important to note that Curtis has made it clear he will only be taking official visits to Georgia and Oregon, despite previously planning to visit South Carolina in late June. While this doesn’t completely shut the door on the Gamecocks, it does place them at a significant disadvantage.

Curtis, who is regarded as the No. 1 quarterback and the second-best player overall in the 2026 class, is also considered the best player from Tennessee according to composite rankings. His status as a five-star recruit makes his decision a highly watched one.

Even though it’s still early in the recruiting cycle, and the Gamecocks have ample opportunities to secure a strong class this year, missing out on Curtis is undoubtedly a blow.

Currently, South Carolina has five commitments in the 2026 class, with J’Zavien Currence, a standout safety who has been committed since last October, leading the charge.

More news…..

“I’m a big fan of the Gamecocks”: RB Jayrean Campbell discusses his interest in South Carolina

Jayreon Campbell, a 2026 running back from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, has recently expressed strong interest in the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Campbell has garnered attention from several prominent programs, including Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, and Texas A&M. Notably, he holds an offer from South Carolina, reflecting the Gamecocks’ interest in his talents.

Campbell’s recruitment is highly competitive, with multiple schools vying for his commitment. His recent official visit to North Carolina has intensified the race, making it a closely contested battle between the Tar Heels and the Gamecocks. His father mentioned that Campbell is still evaluating his options, indicating that a decision has not yet been made.

The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, including running backs coach Montario Hardesty, is actively involved in Campbell’s recruitment. Their efforts to engage with Campbell underscore their commitment to strengthening the running back position for the upcoming seasons.

As Campbell continues to explore his options, the University of South Carolina remains a strong contender in his recruitment process. The outcome of his decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as it has the potential to significantly impact the Gamecocks’ future offensive strategies.

Gamecocks MBB to Face Texas Longhorns – Injury Updates, Betting Odds, and Viewing Info

Tonight, February 22, 2025, the South Carolina Gamecocks will square off against the Texas Longhorns at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Tip-off is set for 8:30 PM ET.

Injury Updates:

• Texas Longhorns: Forward Arthur Kaluma and Devon Pryor are both listed as probable for the game.
• South Carolina Gamecocks: Myles Stute, the Gamecocks’ guard, will not play tonight due to injury.

Betting Odds: According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the betting odds for this matchup are as follows:

• Point Spread: Texas favored by 3.5 points (-3.5)
• Moneyline: Texas -152, South Carolina +126
• Over/Under: 138.5 total points

The Gamecocks (10-16, 0-13 SEC) are hoping to break their 13-game losing streak, while the Longhorns (16-10, 5-8 SEC) are aiming to boost their position in the SEC standings.

How to Watch:

• Date & Time: Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET
• Broadcast: SEC Network, or stream the game live on FuboTV by signing up for free here.

Stay tuned for updates and more as we get ready for this exciting SEC showdown!

More news…..

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.

As of February 21, 2025, the South Carolina Gamecocks are actively engaging with a talented pool of in-state prospects for the 2026 recruiting class. The Palmetto State boasts numerous high-level athletes, and the Gamecocks are keen on securing commitments from these local talents to strengthen their roster.

Key In-State Prospects:

• Kentavion Anderson (Dorman High School, Spartanburg): A standout defensive back, Anderson has been a focal point of the Gamecocks’ recruiting efforts. His performance at recent camps has solidified his status as a top target.
• Zyon Guiles (South Florence High School, Florence): An offensive lineman with impressive size and agility, Guiles participated in South Carolina’s camp in June 2024, showcasing his skills and interest in the program.
• Khristian Jackson (Summerville High School, Summerville): A dynamic wide receiver, Jackson received a scholarship offer from the Gamecocks, highlighting his potential to make an immediate impact.
• Jaiden Kelly-Murray (Summerville High School, Summerville): Another talented wide receiver from Summerville, Kelly-Murray has been offered by South Carolina, indicating the program’s interest in bolstering its receiving corps.
• Darius Gray (Irmo High School, Irmo): An elite offensive lineman, Gray has scheduled an official visit to South Carolina, signaling his serious consideration of the Gamecocks.
• Noah Clark (C.E. Jordan High School, Durham, NC): A four-star defensive lineman, Clark has confirmed an official visit to South Carolina, reflecting the program’s national recruiting reach.
• Jackson Repp (Christ Church Episcopal School, Greenville): A speedy wide receiver, Repp committed to the Gamecocks, expressing his enthusiasm for playing at the highest level in the SEC.
• Bear McWhorter (Greenville High School, Greenville): A talented lineman, McWhorter included South Carolina in his top five schools and has set a commitment date, indicating the Gamecocks’ strong position in his recruitment.
• Travis Johnson (Bishop O’Connell High School, Arlington, VA): A four-star wide receiver, Johnson has set an official visit to South Carolina, showcasing the program’s appeal to out-of-state prospects.
• Gordon Sellars (Northwestern High School, Rock Hill): A priority wide receiver target, Sellars has scheduled an official visit to the University of South Carolina, highlighting the Gamecocks’ focus on enhancing their receiving options.

The Gamecocks’ proactive engagement with these prospects underscores their commitment to building a competitive team by tapping into the rich talent pool within the state. By focusing on in-state recruits, South Carolina aims to strengthen its roster with players who have a strong connection to the university and its community.

As the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses, the Gamecocks’ efforts to secure commitments from these in-state prospects will be pivotal in shaping the future of the program. Their success in this endeavor will not only enhance the team’s competitiveness but also solidify their presence in the Palmetto State’s football landscape.

South Carolina Softball on a Historic Path Under Ashley Chastain Woodard

Good afternoon, I’m here with breaking news from the world of South Carolina softball, where a thrilling new chapter has begun under the leadership of Ashley Chastain Woodard, the program’s 11th head coach. After being appointed on June 11, 2024, Woodard, a former Gamecock player and graduate assistant, has already ignited a wave of success that is making an undeniable impact in Columbia.

Woodard’s coaching resume speaks volumes. Before returning to her alma mater, she spent five successful years as the head coach at Charlotte, compiling a remarkable 154-96 record and securing two NCAA postseason appearances. Her teams consistently delivered impressive results, including Quad 1 victories over powerhouse programs like Florida State, Georgia, and Virginia Tech. Now, she brings that winning mentality and culture to South Carolina.

An Unstoppable Start to 2024

The Gamecocks’ transformation under Woodard has been nothing short of spectacular. Since taking the reins, she has led the team to a perfect 12-0 record, earning a spot in the national rankings at No. 21. In these early games, South Carolina has already proven its mettle with victories over respected opponents like North Carolina, Virginia, Providence, and East Carolina. Clearly, this team is poised to compete at the highest level.

Key Players Driving the Momentum

The Gamecocks’ dominance is fueled by standout performances from key players:

• Quincee Lilio (INF) – With a staggering .576 batting average and 1.496 OPS, Lilio leads the team in hits (19) and runs (12).
• Natalie Heath (UTIL) – Hitting .538 with a 1.496 OPS, Heath has been a consistent offensive threat.
• Emma Sellers (SS) – A steady force at the plate, Sellers boasts a .400 average and .971 OPS.
• Abigail Knight (OF) – Contributing heavily with a .394 average and 10 runs scored.
• Lexi Winters (C/OF) – With a .367 batting average, 1.253 OPS, and 11 RBIs, Winters has been clutch at the plate.
• Ella Chancey (3B) – A dynamic presence, Chancey has a .357 average and 1.132 OPS.

In the circle, Sam Gress has also shined, delivering dominant pitching performances while contributing offensively.

What’s Next for the Gamecocks?

Looking ahead, South Carolina will aim to extend their perfect start as they take on Boston University at 1 PM today. With Ashley Chastain Woodard at the helm, the Gamecocks are rapidly establishing themselves as a force in college softball. If the team’s early success is any indication, they’re more than ready for a deep postseason run.

The Gamecocks’ newfound winning mentality has them on the rise, with the past struggles of the program now firmly in the rearview mirror. The Ashley Chastain Woodard era is off to a historic and exciting start, and South Carolina fans have much to look forward to as this thrilling season unfolds.

Update on South Carolina women’s basketball as they look to secure their first road win since their loss to Texas in Austin on February 6.

The No. 6-ranked Gamecocks (24-3, 12-1 SEC) are coming off a dominant 95-55 victory over Arkansas on Thursday night. Now, they travel to Nashville for a matchup with Vanderbilt on Sunday at 3 p.m. (SEC Network+).

The Commodores (19-8, 6-7 SEC) are fresh off a tough 101-81 loss to Oklahoma. Despite their recent struggles, head coach Shea Ralph, who is in her fourth season with Vanderbilt, has had a history of success against South Carolina as an assistant coach at UConn. However, since taking over as the head coach of the Commodores, Ralph has yet to defeat Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley. Historically, South Carolina holds a 22-21 lead in the all-time series against Vanderbilt, and the Gamecocks have won 16 straight games against the Commodores, with their last loss to Vanderbilt coming back in 2011.

Here’s a closer look at some key aspects of the upcoming game:

Mikayla Blakes: Vanderbilt’s Rising Star

Freshman Mikayla Blakes is a standout for the Commodores and is making a strong case for SEC Freshman of the Year. The 5-foot-8 guard has already scored 50+ points in two separate games this season and recently dropped 34 points in a 30-point performance, her fifth of the season. She’s currently averaging 23.4 points per game, ranking No. 6 in the nation and second in the SEC. Blakes’ highlight moment came on January 19 when she hit a game-winning shot to defeat Tennessee. Just this past Sunday, she set an NCAA freshman record with 55 points in a comeback victory over Auburn.

The Gamecocks will likely have Bree Hall match up against Blakes, but as Coach Dawn Staley mentioned, Blakes is a tough player to stop. Staley remarked, “When you’ve got the greenest of green lights, it’s hard to stop, you’re unafraid and have no fear of missed shots. It’s hard when you are running up against a player like that, you’ve just gotta make it difficult. You gotta control what you can control.”

The key for South Carolina’s defense will be to limit Blakes’ open looks, avoid fouling, and make her uncomfortable whenever possible.

Khamil Pierre: A Threat in the Paint

Blakes may get most of the attention, but Khamil Pierre is another dangerous player for Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-2 sophomore forward is averaging 20.8 points per game and has posted more than 24 points in three games this month alone. She provides the Commodores with a strong inside presence, complementing Blakes’ outside scoring. Pierre also stands out on the boards, averaging 9.7 rebounds per game, more than Sania Feagin, Joyce Edwards, and Chloe Kitts, who will need to be mindful of Pierre’s presence down low.

If Bree Hall can disrupt Blakes’ shooting, the Gamecocks will need to make sure they limit Pierre’s impact on the glass, as she is dangerous both offensively and defensively. Transition defense will also be crucial, with Blakes likely looking to push the pace following any rebounds from Pierre.

Vanderbilt’s SEC Resume

While the Commodores have faced some struggles this season, they’ve proven they can compete with top-tier SEC teams. Notable victories include wins over Tennessee and Alabama, both of which have given South Carolina trouble this season. Additionally, Vanderbilt only narrowly lost to LSU by six points. If the Gamecocks underestimate them or replicate the mistakes they made against UConn, this game could turn into a serious challenge.

South Carolina vs Vanderbilt Prediction

In what promises to be an exciting matchup, I predict South Carolina will win 89-77. Blakes will certainly put up over 18 points, but I expect Bree Hall to limit her scoring and prevent her from reaching a 50-point game. Ultimately, South Carolina’s starters should be more in sync on offense, allowing them to overcome the Commodores and extend their win streak.

Stay tuned for updates as the Gamecocks look to continue their dominant season!

UConn has made a major jump in Sportnaut’s Week 16 Women’s College Basketball Top 10 Power Rankings after a historic win over South Carolina, ending their 71-game winning streak. Here’s how the rankings have shifted this week:

10. North Carolina State Wolfpack (Last week: 8)

The Wolfpack (21-5) drop two spots after a tough one-point loss to North Carolina, snapping their nine-game winning streak. They bounced back with a solid 83-68 win over No. 20 Georgia Tech but face a tough challenge against No. 1 Notre Dame on February 23.

9. TCU Horned Frogs (Last week: 10)

The Frogs remain steady at No. 9 after a strong season, continuing to build momentum.

8. North Carolina Tar Heels (Last week: Not ranked)

The Tar Heels (24-4) make their debut in the top 10 after a thrilling win over in-state rival No. 13 North Carolina State. North Carolina has now won six straight games. They’ll be looking to keep the streak going with upcoming games against Louisville on February 23 and No. 11 Duke on February 27.

7. South Carolina Gamecocks (Last week: 6)

South Carolina (24-3) suffered a painful 87-58 loss to UConn, which ended their 71-game home win streak. However, the Gamecocks bounced back with a 40-point victory over Arkansas and are eager to restart their home winning streak against Vanderbilt on February 23.

6. LSU Tigers (Last week: 4)

LSU (25-2) slides two spots after a tough stretch, looking to recover and re-establish their rhythm in the weeks ahead.

5. Connecticut Huskies (Last week: 7)

UConn (25-3) makes a huge leap after their dominating 87-58 victory over South Carolina. The Huskies have kept their momentum going with a 42-point win over Seton Hall. Paige Bueckers and the team will take on Butler on February 22 before hosting No. 23 Creighton on February 27.

4. UCLA Bruins (Last week: 5)

UCLA (25-1) is back in form after their first loss of the season, now with victories over No. 22 Michigan State (75-69) and No. 25 Illinois (70-55). They aim to extend their winning streak when they face Iowa on February 23 and Wisconsin on February 26.

3. USC Trojans (Last week: 3)

USC (24-2) remains steady at No. 3 after an upset over former No. 1 UCLA and victories over Washington (69-64) and No. 22 Michigan State (83-75). The Trojans are set to take on No. 25 Illinois on February 23.

2. Texas Longhorns (Last week: 2)

Texas (26-2) keeps their spot at No. 2, with an impressive 65-58 victory over No. 7 LSU, marking their third consecutive ranked win. Up next, they’ll face Georgia on February 24 and Mississippi State on February 27.

1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Last week: 1)

Notre Dame (24-2) continues to dominate, most recently crushing Miami 82-42. The Fighting Irish have won their last five games by an average margin of 35 points. Their next game is against North Carolina State on February 23, followed by Florida State on February 27.

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling season.