Lincoln 5-star phenom Oliviyah Edwards commits to modern basketball juggernaut
Lincoln High School star Oliviyah Edwards, the nation’s No. 3 recruit and a five-star prospect, has committed to Dawn Staley’s powerhouse South Carolina program after recently decommitting from Tennessee, per multiple reports.
In a social media post, Edwards wrote “Sometimes it takes twice to get it right” with accompanying footage of a visit to Columbia.
Edwards, a 6-foot-3 forward who can score inside and out, was The News Tribune’s 2026 All-Area and state player of the year.
She averaged 30 points, 22 rebounds, five blocks and four assists per game this season for Lincoln, nearly willing the Abes to the 3A state tournament at the Tacoma Dome. She was the 3A Puget Sound League’s Narrows Division MVP and played in the McDonald’s All-American Game after the high school season ended.
A week after decommitting from Tennessee in April, Edwards was in Columbia on a visit and was seen at a South Carolina baseball game alongside Staley and other Gamecocks on April 14, per The State.
Edwards has been able to dunk a basketball since she was 15 years old, taking a tantalizing skillset and athleticism to South Carolina. She’s considered the No. 3 prospect in the country by ESPN.
South Carolina has been one of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball, winning NCAA championships in 2017, 2022 and 2024. The Gamecocks played in the 2025 and 2026 national championship games, as well.
