As the college basketball season draws close, fans and experts have started drawing a picture of how this year may look for the top teams. South Carolina’s sports director, Matt Dowell, was joined by college sports journalist Jared Parker on the ‘South Carolina Sideline‘ podcast to discuss the Gamecocks’ college basketball season schedule for 2025-26.
One of the most anticipated fixtures that the Gamecocks will play this year is against the USC Trojans on Nov. 15. After this fixture was announced, fans were excited to see JuJu Watkins and MiLaysia Fulwiley face off against each other in Los Angeles. However, now that Fulwiley has transferred to LSU and Watkins is still recovering from her ACL injury, the expectations have shifted.
Both Dowell and Parker agree that the Trojans had some crucial pieces besides JuJu Watkins to remain competitive. However, after Avery Howell and Kayleigh Heckel also transferred their way out of USC, the Gamecocks seem to have an edge to grab a win. This is despite USC having a five-star recruit, freshman Jasmine Davidson, on board this season. On that note, Parker said:
“I think it’s a comfortable win for South Carolina. I will say the one interesting thing that remains with this matchup is the freshman. USC’s Jasmine Davidson ended up being the number one ranked freshman by ESPN by the end of the high school season.” (11:05)
Indeed, Davidson was one of the touted prospects from the freshman class this season. She finished her high school career as the all-time leading scorer in Oregon’s Class 6A history and was the No. 3 recruit in the 2025 class.
Parker believes she could help turn the game around, though the odds look in favor of South Carolina.
“So, you obviously have Davidson and South Carolina’s batch of Top 20 freshmen in that match. So, it will be a comfortable Gamecock win but there’s still some kind of ‘Hey, atleast the freshman will go at it,'” Parker added.
The freshman guard also had an impactful record playing for USA Basketball’s U-18 team. She won the gold medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup and averaged 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game. She also became the first U18 player to shoot a perfect 100% from the floor, with five or more attempts in a game, since 2004, against Mexico.
Parker’s bets on the freshman aren’t anything wrong. Perhaps, she could be the X-factor for the Trojans in the absence of key figures like JuJu Watkins.
South Carolina HC Dawn Staley to test her new players against North Carolina Tar Heels
South Carolina now has a number of new players coming in, including transferee Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot. And to find out how well these ‘new birdies’ fit in with the Gamecocks, Dawn Staley is looking to test their mettle in the upcoming preseason game against the North Carolina Tar Heels on Oct. 30.
For the longest time, the Tar Heels were best known for the accomplishments of their men’s team. But now, under Courtney Banghart, the Tar Heels made it to the Sweet 16 last year and are showing genuine potential. Reniya Kelly and Lanie Grant are expected to lead North Carolina in this matchup.
However, that doesn’t seem much of a worry for Staley. She can fall back and rely on the dynamic duo of Tessa Johnson and Chloe Kitts as veterans paving the way for the team. Furthermore, with Joyce Edwards also leading the way, this could be an interesting matchup for the Gamecocks as a heads-up before the season begins.
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