The 2025–26 season for South Carolina women’s basketball is set to be a dominant one due to an active spring transfer portal window. The 2025 runners-up enriched their roster through multiple key recruitments. Will they secure their position to fight for another national championship by combining experienced veterans with their new talents?
South Carolina benefits from new players adding different capabilities to enhance the state’s preexisting system. These recruits strengthen both the team’s abilities and depth by fixing inadequate areas from last season while boosting the Gamecocks’ chance to win championships.
Who Will Be Joining the Gamecocks for 2025?
G Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State
Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer from the 2024–25 season with an average of 25.2 points per game, transfers from Florida State to South Carolina. Her dynamic offensive capabilities are expected to provide the Gamecocks with a reliable scoring option, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Latson’s reunion with former AAU teammates Raven Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley in Columbia is anticipated to create one of the most formidable backcourts in the nation. Her ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls will be instrumental in breaking down defenses, while her presence will also open up opportunities for her teammates.
C Madina Okot, Mississippi State
Madina Okot, at 6’6″, joins the South Carolina team after coming from Mississippi State to provide height and court experience to their frontcourt. During the previous season, Okot averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game; thus, she is expected to strengthen the Gamecocks’ defensive performance and rebounding system.
Coach Staley has highlighted Okot’s competitiveness and SEC experience as valuable assets. Her ability to protect the rim and control the paint will be crucial in anchoring the team’s defense. At the same time, her rebounding prowess will facilitate fast-break opportunities, aligning with South Carolina’s up-tempo style of play.
G Agot Makeer, Incoming Freshman
Agot Makeer, ranked No. 4 in the ESPNW 2025 HoopGurlz Top 100, committed to South Carolina over programs like UConn and Michigan State. Standing at 6’1″, Makeer is known for her versatility, capable of playing multiple positions on the wing.
Her dual-court strength and physical abilities give the Gamecocks a strong asset with her addition to the team. Coach Staley benefits from Makeer’s versatility because she uses her skills to adopt different positions from scoring to defending and facilitating the offensive attack.
F Ayla McDowell, Incoming Freshman
Ayla McDowell is the No. 22 recruit from the 2025 class, and her arrival at South Carolina brings both athletic skills and an international competition background. As a Texas high school standout for Cypress Springs High School, she led her team to 30 victories and three defeats while earning McDonald’s All-American status.
During McDowell’s time with Brazil in the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup, she demonstrated her elite performance with 14.8 points and an average of 7.7 rebounds per game. McDowell’s defensive versatility and rebounding abilities will contribute powerfully in the South Carolina rotation as an important reserve player.
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With the integration of Ta’Niya Latson’s scoring, Madina Okot’s interior presence, Agot Makeer’s versatility, and Ayla McDowell’s athleticism, South Carolina’s roster for the 2025–26 season is deep and balanced. These strategic additions position the Gamecocks as strong contenders for the 2026 NCAA Championship.
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