Top 2026 Recruit Olivia Vukosa Chooses UConn Over South Carolina and Dawn Staley
In a significant move for women’s basketball, Olivia Vukosa, the third-ranked recruit in the 2026 class, has committed to the University of Connecticut (UConn). This announcement was made on October 21, following her official visit to UConn just days earlier. Vukosa, a 6-foot-4 center, had several top programs in contention for her commitment, including South Carolina, LSU, Texas, and Ohio State.
Olivia Vukosa’s Recruitment Journey
Vukosa’s decision highlights the ongoing competition among elite programs. While she considered South Carolina, she did not take an official visit to their campus in Columbia. According to her social media posts, no images from such a visit exist, suggesting her priorities might have shifted towards UConn. Last season, South Carolina faced UConn twice, losing both encounters—the regular season matchup and the national championship game.
Recent South Carolina Recruitment Updates
- As of October 21, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has secured only one commitment for the 2026 class: Kelsi Andrews, a 6-foot-4 center.
- Andrews ranks as the 18th overall recruit and is considered the second-best center according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
- Notable upcoming recruit Jerzy Robinson, ranked fifth in the class, is expected to visit Columbia on the weekend of October 25.
Staley’s recruiting prowess is well-documented, as she consistently secures top talent. Over the years, she has landed players who rank among the best in the nation. For instance, she has had either the top or second-best recruiting class in the country four times, with her most recent ranking being second in 2024.
Impact on Future Seasons
The Gamecocks are integrating freshmen like Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, who were ranked sixth and fifteenth in the class of 2025, respectively. These new players, along with Staley’s continued recruitment efforts, aim to maintain South Carolina’s position as a national contender.
With Vukosa’s commitment to UConn, the competition between these two powerhouse programs is set to intensify in the coming years. Fans of women’s basketball will undoubtedly be watching closely as these talented recruits shape the future landscape of the sport.
