Another great week for Gamecock fans! South Carolina has kicked off their 2025-26 NCAA season with back-to-back wins over the Grand Canyon Lopes and the Bowling Green Falcons, with an average score difference of a whopping 53.5. But just as Dawn Staley’s squad keeps rolling on the court, another major off-court victory is making the headlines.

The Gamecocks have landed Kaeli Wynn, the No. 17 prospect in ESPN’s SC Next 100 Class of 2026. The 6’2” forward out of Mater Dei High School (CA) has committed to play under the guidance of Staley over Stanford. Her commitment adds yet another elite piece to South Carolina’s future core.

“I chose South Carolina because of Coach Staley’s leadership, the program’s championship culture, and the energy of Gamecock Nation that made Columbia feel like home,” Wynn said during an interview. “I’m looking forward to competing at the highest level and helping the Gamecocks win more SEC and national championships.”

While Wynn missed most of her last high school season due to dislocating her right knee in January, she was averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 33% from beyond the arc in 2024. Even the Director of Scouting for Women’s Basketball at 247 Sports, Brandon Clay, vouched for her in glowing praise.

“Wynn is one of the country’s more versatile options at the forward position. As a result, her stock continued to rise during a junior school season that saw Wynn play for a Mater Dei team coached by her mom, Jody. Kaeli’s versatility was on full display as she made open jumpers, rebounded the basketball and even helped handle opposing team pressure when All-American teammate, Addie Deal, was out of the game. Wynn has been on a tear the last 12 months. Not even a dislocated knee down the homestretch of the school season could sideline her for long. She has the tools and moxie to be productive in the right fit at the college level,” Clay said.

By bringing in Wynn, South Carolina might’ve finally opened a door that had stayed shut: the California high school basketball circuit. The Gamecocks have found success recruiting across most regions, but the West Coast has always eluded them. Until now, every Californian on their roster, like Destiny Littleton and Te-Hina Paopao, had come through transfers, not straight from high school.

That could be changing thanks to assistant coach Wendale Farrow. Having spent years working in California, he knows the scene inside out. His connections, especially with standout prospect Jerzy Robinson, are starting to show results. Wynn’s commitment, after joining Robinson on her campus visit, could make South Carolina an even stronger contender for Robinson’s signature.

In South Carolina, Wynn will join Kelsi Andrews, the No. 18 overall prospect and No. 4 post player, who announced her commitment a month ago, stating, “South Carolina just felt right.” Andrews also chose Staley’s program over a long list of top schools, including Virginia, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, Baylor, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.

With Kaeli Wynn and Andrews set to arrive in Columbia in 2026, South Carolina’s future looks bright.

Gamecocks firing on all cylinders in the 2025-26 season

The No. 2-ranked squad looks every bit the powerhouse they were expected to be. In their most recent matchup against Bowling Green, Staley’s Gamecocks delivered a jaw-dropping 114–47 victory, marking it as their second straight blowout of the season. Freshman Joyce Edwards led the charge with a game-high 24 points, while veterans Raven Johnson and Madina Okot both recorded double-doubles to complete the dominant performance.

While Edwards stole the spotlight against the Falcons, it’s Ta’Niya Latson who’s been setting the pace overall, averaging a team-best 18.5 points per game to start the season. Even the youngest members of the roster are stepping up early, as Freshmen guards Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell both delivered 23 points together against the Falcons.

With this under their belt, the South Carolina Gamecocks will be facing the Clemson Tigers in their next game on November 11th. However, the most-awaited game by the fans will be the next one, when they lock horns with the No. 8-ranked USC Trojans.