Oliviyah Edwards arrives at South Carolina. What to know about top WBB signee

Five-star forward Oliviyah Edwards has officially arrived in Columbia, moving in on June 12 to begin her career with Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks. The No. 3-ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 took a winding path to South Carolina after initially signing with Tennessee.

“Big Oh already has a deep toolbox and elite intangibles,” Staley said in an April release. “She can score, pass, handle the ball, defend and process the game at a high level. She’s a competitor, a communicator and a good teammate. With that as her starting point, she has the hunger and the work ethic to continue elevating her game. We’re excited to get started with Big Oh.”

Here’s what to know about Edwards:

• Edwards is the proverbial crown jewel of South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class. The forward is the highest rated of three five-stars in Staley’s class. Edwards is ranked No. 3 in the country by ESPN.
• Edwards initially signed with Tennessee in November but was granted a release from her National Letter of Intent on April 7 amid the Lady Vols’ mass roster exodus after a poor 2025-26 season.
• Edwards became “a priority” for South Carolina after she reopened her recruitment in April, Staley told The State in May at SEC spring meetings.
• Edwards committed to South Carolina on April 23 and officially signed on April 27, posting “Sometimes it takes twice to get it right” on social media, when she announced her commitment to the Gamecocks.
• The 6-foot-3 forward averaged 30 points, 22 rebounds and five blocks in her senior year at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington.
• Edwards earned McDonald’s All-American and Naismith All-American honors in 2026.
• Her high school coach, Melanie Jones, said Edwards’ length, agility and built-up core strength set her apart, and predicted she could play more at the three position (than at four or five) at South Carolina.
• Returning South Carolina star Chloe Kitts called Edwards “a freak athlete” and said Edwards wants to learn from her and Ashlyn Watkins.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.

This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM.