Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey remain firmly in the mix as the recruiting battle for one of the most electrifying prospects in women’s basketball intensifies. Oliviyah Edwards, ESPN’s No. 2-ranked player in the 2026 class, has officially narrowed her list of finalists and outlined a commitment timeline, keeping both South Carolina and LSU in contention.

Commitment Coming Closer for Edwards

The 6-foot-3 power forward from Tacoma, Washington, told Yahoo Sports that she has narrowed her choices to USC, South Carolina, Tennessee, LSU, Washington, and Florida. While she admits she’s leaning toward one program, Edwards says she wants to complete her official visits before making a final decision, which is expected to come around November 2025.

“I’m going to keep an open mindset, and then after that, I’m going to make my decision, and that’ll be that,” Edwards said.

For powerhouse programs like South Carolina and LSU, this marks a critical phase in the recruiting cycle, especially as the battle intensifies for the next face of the women’s game.

A Generational Dunking Talent

Edwards has already made headlines with her ability to dunk, a skill that continues to generate buzz in the women’s basketball world. While viral moments from her slams fuel social media attention, it’s her well-rounded game that has coaches from the nation’s top programs in pursuit.

She is dominant in transition, sprinting the lane and finishing with power and precision. Her paint presence and rebounding tenacity make her one of the most complete frontcourt players in her class. Edwards is also improving her face-up game, developing a consistent mid-range jumper that adds another layer of danger to her already-loaded offensive skill set.

Dawn Staley vs. Kim Mulkey: A Clash of Recruiting Titans

Both Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey have built national-title-winning programs that regularly attract top-tier talent. Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks continue to be a model of consistency, combining elite defense with dynamic offense. Mulkey’s LSU Tigers, on the other hand, are flashy, fast-paced, and have become a haven for elite scorers and playmakers.

The addition of Edwards would be a game-changer for either coach. Her ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor, and finish above it would instantly elevate any roster she joins.

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After eliminating big-name programs like Notre Dame, Duke, Florida State, and North Carolina, Edwards is focused on visiting her final six schools.

With her rare blend of athleticism and skill, Edwards is expected to make an immediate impact at the next level and potentially beyond, with the WNBA clearly in her future. Wherever she lands, fans can expect highlights, dunks, and dominance from one of the most exciting prospects the sport has seen in years.