Class of 2026 forward Kelsi Andrews officially signed with South Carolina on Nov. 12 as the early signing period began. She had committed to the Gamecocks back on Oct. 7, becoming Dawn Staley’s first pledge for the current recruiting cycle.
A five-star prospect, Andrews is rated as the No. 2 center in her class by the 247Sports Composite, the top player from Florida and No. 19 nationally. She is listed as both a forward and center, while ESPN ranks her as a four-star recruit.
In South Carolina’s announcement, Staley praised Andrews as an ideal fit for the program.
“Kelsi brings an impressive blend of size, skill and versatility that matches our style of play,” Staley said. “Her IQ, defensive impact and toughness set her apart. With her scoring ability in the paint, her shooting range and her presence on both ends, she has the potential to uphold our tradition of elite frontcourt talent.”
Before choosing South Carolina, Andrews also took visits to Auburn, Mississippi State, LSU and Virginia. Originally from Hazel Green, Alabama, she now plays for IMG Academy in Florida.
She earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and participated in the 2025 USA U19 national team trials in Colorado Springs. On Nov. 12, she was named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Girls Player of the Year Watchlist, alongside fellow Gamecock commit Kaeli Wynn.
South Carolina’s 2026 Commitments
No. 17 Kaeli Wynn
No. 18 Kelsi Andrews
Who Staley Is Still Targeting Staley continues to recruit Jerzy Robinson, ranked No. 5, and Fope Ayo, ranked No. 45. Ayo is expected to announce her decision this week. Robinson is choosing between South Carolina, LSU and UConn, while Ayo’s finalists are Michigan, Miami, South Carolina and Stanford.
Projected 2026–27 Roster Outlook The Gamecocks will lose Ta’Niya Latson, Raven Johnson, Maryam Dauda and Madina Okot. Ashlyn Watkins has already confirmed she will return for her senior season, and Chloe Kitts may either come back or enter the WNBA Draft after her ACL recovery.
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