The reigning powerhouse of women’s college basketball, South Carolina, has officially released its 2025-26 schedule, and fans have plenty to get excited about. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks are poised for another competitive season as they aim to defend their national prominence with a packed non-conference slate and a challenging SEC schedule.
A High-Profile Start
The season tips off with an exhibition game against North Carolina on October 30 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. While it won’t count toward their official record, the matchup will serve as a competitive warm-up and a high-profile showdown to start the season with fireworks.
The official regular-season opener will follow shortly after on November 3, when the Gamecocks host Grand Canyon University at Colonial Life Arena. That game will carry extra intrigue, as Grand Canyon is now led by Winston Gandy, a former assistant on Staley’s staff who took the Antelopes’ head coaching job earlier this year.
Key Non-Conference Matchups
South Carolina’s non-conference schedule is filled with both traditional rivals and national powerhouses. The annual rivalry game against Clemson returns on November 11 in Columbia, promising to be one of the top non-conference home games of the year.
Another major highlight is the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas, where the Gamecocks will face Duke on November 26, followed by either UCLA or Texas on November 27, depending on results. These early tests will provide South Carolina with a chance to prove themselves against fellow national contenders.
Additional road trips include games at Southern California (Nov. 15), Louisville (Dec. 4) as part of the ACC-SEC Challenge, and other visits to South Florida (Dec. 18), Florida Gulf Coast (Dec. 20), and Coppin State (Jan. 18).
South Carolina’s other non-conference home games are against Bowling Green (Nov. 7), Winthrop (Nov. 19), Queens (Nov. 23), NC Central (Dec. 7), Penn State (Dec. 14), and Providence (Dec. 28).
No UConn on the Schedule
Notably absent this year is UConn, marking the first time in 11 seasons that South Carolina and the Huskies won’t face off in the regular season. The annual matchup had become one of the most anticipated games in women’s college basketball, often featuring national title implications. The Gamecocks’ matchup against Coppin State on January 18, which falls during the early stages of SEC play, essentially replaces what had traditionally been the UConn slot.
SEC Schedule Highlights
The Gamecocks will open SEC play on January 1 at home against Alabama. Their home SEC slate features matchups against Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Texas— all inside Colonial Life Arena.
On the road, South Carolina will visit Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Texas A\&M, and Oklahoma.
One of the most highly anticipated games of the season will come on February 14, when South Carolina travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU and former Gamecock MiLaysia Fulwiley, who transferred during the offseason. The matchup, which lands on a rare Saturday, is expected to be a marquee SEC showdown.
Looking Ahead
With an exciting blend of top-tier non-conference opponents, intense rivalries, and a deep SEC schedule, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be another thrilling campaign for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks. While tip times and broadcast details have yet to be announced, fans can start circling dates now — especially those early heavyweight showdowns and the must-watch road trip to LSU.
Whether you’re a die-hard Gamecock fan or a follower of women’s college hoops in general, this is a schedule packed with drama, talent, and national implications. The road to another deep postseason run begins on October 30 and South Carolina is ready to make another statement.
Full 2025-26 Schedule Highlights:
* **Oct. 30** – vs North Carolina (Exhibition in Atlanta)
* **Nov. 3** – vs Grand Canyon
* **Nov. 11** – vs Clemson
* **Nov. 15** – at Southern Cal
* **Nov. 26-27** – Players Era Championship (vs Duke, then UCLA/Texas)
* **Dec. 4** – at Louisville
* **Jan. 1** – SEC Opener vs Alabama
* **Feb. 14** – at LSU (vs Fulwiley)
* **Mar. 1** – Regular-season finale at Kentucky
Stay tuned for game times and television details as they’re announced.