The rich are getting richer in women's college basketball as South Carolina and UCLA — the 2026 NCAA tournament finalists — landed major talent Thursday to fuel another championship chase.

South Carolina secured a commitment from Oliviyah Edwards, the No. 5 prospect in the Class of 2026 who reopened her recruitment after initially committing to Tennessee. Edwards requested a release following major roster turnover at Tennessee earlier this month.

"Sometimes it takes twice to get it right," Edwards posted after her South Carolina visit, signaling her commitment to the Gamecocks.

Edwards joins Jerzy Robinson, another top-ranked prospect South Carolina landed in December. The additions bolster Dawn Staley's program after the Gamecocks won three titles before falling short in back-to-back finals.

Edwards proved her elite status at the McDonald's All American Game, posting eight points and nine rebounds. She also visited USC and LSU before choosing South Carolina.

Reigning champion UCLA also padded its roster Thursday as Iowa State transfer Addy Brown officially committed to the Bruins.

Brown battled injuries last season at Iowa State. However, she still averaged 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 21 games. The 6-foot-2 guard earned spots on the Naismith Trophy and Wooden Award preseason watch lists before entering the transfer portal following the Cyclones' 2026 NCAA tournament exit.

Brown joins coach Cori Close's team as the Bruins look to replace six WNBA Draft picks, including five first-rounders.

South Carolina women's basketball is building toward the future, as this year’s No. 6 high school recruit Jerzy Robinson officially signed with the Gamecocks this week.

The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 27 points and 10.2 rebounds in her junior season at LA's Sierra Canyon High School. Robinson is now finishing her senior year, subsequently becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer after just three years on the team.

"Jerzy is an all-level scorer who can shoot it from outside, get to her spots and be physical in the paint," South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said in a team statement. "Beyond that, she has a winning mentality that she brings to every possession and every matchup she faces. Her competitive spirit and confidence will elevate our program."

"I chose South Carolina because I had a sense of peace when it came down to the decision for me," Robinson told ESPN last December. "When I visited South Carolina, I was already home. I was already valued there... I felt like this was where I needed to be for the next four years."

South Carolina Launches Rebuild with Jerzy Robinson Signing

Having fallen short of two straight NCAA title games, the Gamecocks are turning to both recruiting and the transfer portal after losing Raven Johnson and Madina Okot to the WNBA.

South Carolina recently hosted ex-Tennessee commit Oliviyah Edwards on an official visit after the No. 3 prospect re-opened her recruiting, while also eyeing prospective Texas transfer Jordan Lee.

The 2026 McDonald's All American Games are back, as one the most prestigious high school basketball showcases tapped 24 standout teenagers — currently committed across 18 top NCAA programs — to play in the March 31st girls' competition in Arizona.

The Class of 2026's No. 1-ranked recruit Kate Harpring (UNC), and No. 2 Saniyah Hall (USC) will headline Team East, joined by No. 4 Olivia Vukosa (UConn).

No. 3 Jerzy Robinson (South Carolina) will lead Team West alongside No. 5 Oliviyah Edwards (Tennessee) and No. 6 McKenna Woliczko (Iowa).

“Nearly five decades into the McDonald’s All American Games, I continue to be amazed by the talent who raise the bar every year,” McDonald’s USA VP of marketing Elizabeth Campbell said in Tuesday's statement.

“We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2026 into this storied legacy and cheer them on as they write the next chapter of basketball history.”

No. 4-ranked Texas and No. 16 Kentucky lead collegiate representation, with No. 11 Addison Bjorn, No. 12 Bri Crittendon, and No. 18 Aaliah Spaight bound for the Longhorns while No. 8 Maddyn Greenway, No. 14 Savvy Swords, and No. 36 Emily McDonald join the Wildcats.

No. 17 Duke and unranked Notre Dame are the only other schools with more than one participant, with No. 7 Autumn Fleary and No. 13 Bella Flemings set to become Blue Devils while No. 16 Jacy Abli and No. 27 Jenica Lewis will fight for the Irish in the 2026/27 NCAA basketball season.

How to watch the 2026 McDonald's All American Games

The 2026 McDonald's All American Games will take over Phoenix's Desert Diamond Arena starting with skills competitions on Monday, March 30th before the centerpiece clashes tip off on Tuesday, March 31st.

Tickets to the games are currently available via Ticketmaster, with game coverage starting at 7 PM ET on March 31st, live on ESPN.

South Carolina basketball is stocking up, as top-ranked high school senior Jerzy Robinson announced her commitment to join the head coach Dawn Staley and the No. 3 Gamecocks last Tuesday.

"I chose South Carolina because I had a sense of peace when it came down to the decision for me," Robinson told ESPN. "When I visited South Carolina, I was already home. I was already valued there.... I felt like this was where I needed to be for the next four years."

A 6-foot-2 guard who averaged 27 points and 10.2 rebounds in her junior season at Los Angeles's Sierra Canyon High School, Robinson is now the highest-ranked Class of 2026 recruit heading to South Carolina — as well as the final Top 5 player to make a college decision after also visiting No. 1 UConn and No. 5 LSU.

Robinson first made a name for herself at the youth level, winning three gold medals and the 2025 U-19 FIBA World Cup with Team USA.

The young talent also inked one of the first-ever shoe sponsorships for a high school player, signing an NIL deal with Nike in November 2024.

"Basketball has always been my love and my passion," she said. "To see it pay off and the hard work and the hours pay off, in the sense of I get to play for one of the best universities in the country, I just have so much gratitude."