Dawn Staley’s South Carolina team is getting plenty of national title hype ahead of the 2025-26 hoops season. There’s good reason for the hype. Joyce Edwards showed flashes of stardom a season ago. Join her and senior Chloe Kitts and solid returnees Tessa Johnson and Raven Johnson with national top scorer Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State and it could be electric.
That said, there are some major stumbling blocks the Gamecocks will encounter in the question for another title, which would be Staley’s fourth at the school. Here’s a quick rundown of five reasons USC figures to come up short in its title hunt.
5 reasons Dawn Staley’s USC will fall short of title in 2025-26
1. Azzi and UConn will be back
Yes, that UConn team that blasted South Carolina Gamecocks for the national title in April does lose Paige Bueckers. But, Azzi Fudd decided to return to school and the path to a national title has to go through Geno and his seriously impressive Huskies. Sarah Strong will be joined on the low block by Serah Williams and UConn figures to be as feisty as ever. To be the best, the Gamecocks will have to beat the best.
2. UCLA has both the nation’s top player and top recruit
UCLA absolutely should not be overlooked in the list of potential roadblocks for the Gamecocks. Center Lauren Betts is a 6-foot-7 force of nature inside. The Bruins added both top national recruit Aaliyah Chavez and standout portal shooter Gianna Kneepkens. UCLA probably won’t have quite as much depth as the Gamecocks, but the Bruins will put together five players on the floor who will equal anybody’s best.
3. The SEC figures to be absolutely brutal as always
The common thread that UConn and UCLA both enjoy that Carolina will miss is this– an easy pass in the conference. Yes, the Bruins will get a few quality Big Ten schools. UConn could probably play its second team and win in the Big East. Not so for Carolina. Texas is off a Final Four season and should be stout. LSU went at the portal (and USC star MiLaysia Fulwiley) like a team with a purpose. It’ll be a brutal SEC next season.
4. Could it actually be too much talent?
There was a time when this question would have been unthinkable. But this is the era of the transfer portal. A few epic malcontents could scuttle an excellent Carolina roster. As things stand, there are going to be talented, well-qualified players who have to take bench spots. Mississippi State post standout Madina Okot will likely come off the bench. Superb freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell will have to accept smaller roles.
Injured forward Ashlyn Watkins will look to return at some point in the season. There’s just a bunch of moving parts. Staley is one of the best coaches in the sport, but there can be too much talent on one roster.
5. Raven may not be ready
The biggest question mark on this Carolina team at the outset is probably point guard. Raven Johnson started a season ago and she’s a great leader and distributor, but hasn’t shown much as a scorer.
Johnson averaged 4.9 points per game and shot 35% last year. She shot a combined 2-for-11 in the Final Four with four points in the two games. Carolina will need more from her, or may have to move on to another floor general.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
