Top 2026 Recruit Oliviyah Edwards Visits South Carolina Amid LSU Showdown

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley is making waves in the 2026 recruiting class, with 5-star power forward Oliviyah Edwards from Elite Sports Academy in Tacoma, Washington, visiting campus this weekend. Edwards, one of the nation’s top prospects, is on an unofficial visit as the Gamecocks prepare for a highly anticipated matchup against LSU.

Edwards, ranked No. 6 nationally and No. 2 among power forwards in the 2026 class, has South Carolina among her top 10 schools. The Gamecocks face stiff competition from programs like Tennessee, LSU, North Carolina, Duke, and Southern Cal, all vying for the standout recruit. Edwards’ athleticism and versatility have drawn comparisons to current South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins.

Standing at 6’3” with an impressive wingspan and leaping ability, Edwards is a dominant force on both ends of the court. She is a skilled dunker, rebounder, and shot-blocker, with improving offensive skills, including a developing jump shot and ballhandling. Her ability to guard multiple positions makes her a coveted prospect.

Edwards’ visit coincides with South Carolina’s rescheduled game against LSU, originally set for Thursday but moved to Friday due to weather conditions. The Gamecocks, ranked No. 2 nationally, will host the Tigers at Colonial Life Arena, with tipoff at 5 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and available for streaming on the ESPN app.

Edwards plans to take official visits later this year before announcing her college decision ahead of her senior season. Her presence at the LSU game underscores the high stakes of her recruitment and South Carolina’s efforts to secure her commitment.