“That’s a Geno question. I have not heard from Geno,” Staley admitted, via USA Today’s Meghan Hall. “It’s UCLA’s day. Let’s keep it there. We’re not gonna damper UCLA’s day with that.” Staley did say she has a lot of unread messages, and Auriemma’s reported text may well be one of them.

According to ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo, Auriemma did reach out to Staley to apologize for his candid reaction, but South Carolina‘s head coach couldn’t confirm that. As far as Staley knew—or cared to publicly discuss—she hadn’t heard from Auriemma.

Staley’s reaction to the question put on full display that she had no intention of touching the subject. That was not something on her mind after the Gamecocks lost in the National Championship Game for the second year in a row.

Staley vs Auriemma never fails to deliver

Regardless, after suffering one of the worst defeats of her coaching career in women’s college basketball, Staley was in no mood to speak about the clash with Auriemma that made waves across the nation last Friday. Everybody knows how heated matchups between Staley’s Gamecocks and Auriemma’s Huskies are, but this one went over the line.

The head-to-head record between Staley and Auriemma is now tied in NCAA Tournament showdowns. As it stands, both sides have won two and lost two against one another. Though she didn’t directly name Auriemma or Connecticut, Staley did fire a not-so-subtle shot at the Huskies with her praise for Cori Close and the Bruins.

“Although we didn’t win, I can swallow it because we lost to a really good human being and a good team that represents women’s basketball well,” Staley said, per The Athletic’s Grace Raynor. Clear as water, Staley put Auriemma on notice with that comment.

Missed opportunity for Staley

South Carolina’s loss against UCLA meant Staley failed to make the podium for the most decorated coaches in the NCAA Tournament. Auriemma still leads with 12 national titles, followed by Pat Summit’s 8 championships. Kim Mulkey closes out the podium with 4 conquests of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

Make no mistake, though, the Gamecocks will be back in the dance next year, and Staley isn’t going anywhere as she is inked to the highest contract in the nation. Moreover, her deal runs through the 2029-30 season. It’s safe to say, Staley is there to stay in Columbia.

• Geno Auriemma: 12 national titles with Connecticut
• Pat Summit: 8 national titles with Tennessee
• Kim Mulkey 4 national titles (Baylor 3x and LSU)

If there’s a silver lining, though, it’s the fact South Carolina avoided making history of the wrong kind. After the Gamecocks’ 28-point loss to the Bruins, the record for the biggest blowout in a national title game in women’s college basketball still belongs to the UConn Huskies, who defeated the Louisville Cardinals 93-60 (33-point difference) in the 2013 National Championship Game.

Regardless, Staley and the Gamecocks have now lost in back-to-back championship games, and they weren’t particularly close. Last season, South Carolina lost 82-59 (23-point margin) against UConn. Staley’s side has now been outscored by 51 points in its last two title game appearances in the NCAA.

Top 3 biggest losses in title game

Though Staley’s South Carolina avoided being on the wrong end of the worst defeat in the NCAA’s Women’s National Championship Game, it couldn’t escape the podium. The 28-point defeat at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ is now the third biggest blowout in a title showdown.

The Bruins’ victory is surpassed only by the Huskies’ 93–60 win over Louisville and 82–51 victory against Syracuse in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Had UCLA not taken its best players off the court in the final minutes, the final score might have been even more lopsided.

UCLA wins 1st NCAA title

Although UCLA had hoisted an AIAW national championship in 1978, its conquest over South Carolina meant the Bruins have cut down the nets of March Madness for the first time in school history. It was extra sweet for them, as the Bruins prevented the Gamecocks from hoisting their fourth national championship.

Hungry dogs run faster, and that was definitely the case, as the Bruins simply wouldn’t be denied in their pursuit of immortal glory. The program had gone through a valley, and how fitting that, in The Valley, UCLA touched the sky in NCAA Women’s Tournament history.

“I’m super proud of our kids and I’m not going to let any of this take anything away from the performance on the floor,“ she said to the press. Auriemma’s fury with the officiating may have sparked the verbal altercation between the two coaches—or even led to a perceived lack of respect between both sides.

“I guess he thought I didn’t shake his hand at the beginning of the game,” Staley told ESPN‘s Molly Rowe. “I didn’t know. I went down there pregame, shook everybody on his staff’s hand.”

A dominant victory for the Gamecocks

South Carolina secured a dominant 62–48 victory over UConn in the Final Four, fueled by a defensive masterclass that held the Huskies to a season-low 31.1% shooting from the field. After trailing at halftime, the Gamecocks took control with a decisive 12–2 run to start the third quarter, effectively neutralizing stars like Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd.

Ta’Niya Latson led the offensive charge with 16 points, while Agot Makeer added 14 to help snap UConn’s incredible 54-game winning streak. This physical and disciplined performance by Dawn Staley’s squad officially punched its ticket to Sunday’s National Championship game against UCLA.

Chasing the fourth National Title

The South Carolina Gamecocks last captured the March Madness title in 2024, further solidifying their status as the premier powerhouse in women’s college basketball. Under the elite leadership of Dawn Staley, the program has secured three national championships in total, winning in 2017, 2022, and 2024.

After finishing as runners-up in the 2025 tournament, the Gamecocks enter tomorrow’s final against UCLA with a chance to claim their fourth trophy in school history. A victory would mark their second title in three years and cement their era as one of the most dominant runs in the sport’s history.

Staley and Auriemma have both built powerhouses in women’s college basketball. Shattering records left to right, their success explains why both coaches take home big paychecks. Moreover, a breakdown of the coaches contract’s bonuses paints a clear picture.

Whenever Staley and Auriemma go head to head, though, money talks are pushed aside. It’s about legacy, and proving which program is the apex predator in a competitive NCAA landscape. So far, the Huskies have the upper-hand over the Gamecocks.

Staley and Auriemma first met in the 2008-09 season. Back then, the No. 1 Huskies visited the Gamecocks at Colonial Life Arena, and walked away with a 77-48 triumph. That trend has prevailed, as Auriemma and UConn are 8-4 against Staley and South Carolina in regular season matchups.

H2H record in March Madness

It sure feels like Staley and Auriemma go head-to-head in the NCAA Tournament every other season. However, the Huskies and Gamecocks have only met three times in March Madness before. So far, Auriemma and the Connecticut Huskies hold a 2–1 edge in win-or-go-home matchups against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Auriemma’s program had the last laugh when it defeated Staley and company in the 2025 NCAA Tournament national championship by a score of 82–59. The Gamecocks will vie for revenge as they meet in the Final Four at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.

Staley and South Carolina are no strangers to the feeling of holding a national title over Auriemma and UConn, though. The Gamecocks defeated the Huskies 64–49 in the 2022 national championship. Thus, Staley has already cut down the nets while Auriemma stood and watched.

The other time the two schools met in March Madness was in 2018, when UConn advanced to the Final Four with a 94–65 victory over South Carolina in the Elite Eight. Clearly, there’s a lot of history behind a matchup between Staley and Auriemma.

How many national titles has each coach won?

Still, that’s all tossed out the window. All that matters is right now, as the Gamecocks and Huskies go to battle for another shot at a national championship. For Staley, she is looking to cut down the nets of the NCAA Tournament once again. It would be her—as well as South Carolina’s—fourth national title.

For Auriemma, he hopes to add to his record-setting collection of NCAA national championships. He has helped UConn win each and every one of its 12 national titles.

That common factor has led to memorable showdowns between their two programs. Most recently in the National Championship in 2025, when the Huskies defeated the Gamecocks. Revenge is a dish best served cold, though, and Staley will have her shot at it in 2026. As UConn and South Carolina square off in the Final Four, fans are in for yet another matchup between Staley and Auriemma. And this one has a lot of prize money on the line.

According to information from CT Insider, Auriemma has already made $250,000 in bonuses as UConn reached the Final Four ($50K for making NCAA Tournament + $50K for advancing to Sweet Sixteen + $50K for reaching Elite Eight + $100K for Final Four appearance). That must be added to Auriemma’s reported $3.54 million salary for the 2025-26 college basketball season.

Still, Auriemma—coaching his 41st season at Storrs—isn’t cashing in his paycheck just yet. He can add an extra $125,000 with a win over South Carolina to make the National Championship Game, and he could cash in $300,000 by capturing his 13th national title in 2026—women’s college basketball record is held by Auriemma with 12 championships.

Staley’s contract bonuses

As for Staley, she hasn’t had to pinch pennies in Columbia, either. In January 2025, Staley became the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. South Carolina signed her to an extension running through the 2029–30 campaign. Under her new deal, Staley earned a base salary of $4.25 million this season.

According to Boardroom, Staley’s bonuses in the NCAA Tournament are as follows: $25,000 for reaching the tournament, $50,000 for making it to the Sweet Sixteen, $100,000 for an Elite Eight appearance, $250,000 for reaching the Final Four, and a whopping $500,000 for winning the national championship.

Last season, Staley came awfully close to cashing in on that last incentive, but it was Auriemma and UConn who prevented her from doing so. This time around, she hopes to return the favor, as the Gamecocks aim to capture their second title in three years and stop the Huskies from going back-to-back and completing yet another undefeated season.

Still, it appears the player has other plans for the future. According to Pete Thamel on X, Sellers has decided to return for another year in the NCAAF and is set to extend his stay with the Gamecocks for one more season.

While no agreement has been signed yet, both sides are expected to finalize a deal soon. If the move is completed, the QB will return for his redshirt junior season in 2026, coming back as an even more mature version of himself.

There is no doubt this is great news for Shane Beamer moving forward, as the program not only looks to improve on its most recent SEC campaign but also aims to make a greater impact on the national college football landscape.

Sellers’ impact on the Gamecocks’ offense

The South Carolina Gamecocks have been significantly energized by the stellar play of quarterback LaNorris Sellers this season. His impressive campaign saw the dual-threat signal-caller total 2,437 passing yards, throwing for 13 touchdowns against 8 interceptions.

While the interception count reflects a learning curve, his overall yardage and touchdown production demonstrate a high level of performance that has been crucial in driving the Gamecocks’ success.

Sellers’ ability to command the offense, coupled with his late-game heroics, established him as a breakout star and a core component of South Carolina’s major victories this year.

Top candidates for the upcoming NFL Draft

The upcoming NFL Draft class, while still unconfirmed in terms of underclassmen declarations, is expected to feature a competitive group of quarterbacks at the top of the board. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has emerged as a likely early pick, drawing attention for his prototypical size, poise in the pocket, and strong production that has led many mock drafts to project him as the potential QB1.

Meanwhile, both Dante Moore (Oregon) and Ty Simpson (Alabama) are also highly regarded, showcasing elite talent and athleticism, though there is ongoing discussion about whether each would benefit from an additional year of college development to solidify their consistency before vying for an immediate, high-round selection. Their ultimate decision to declare will heavily shape the top of the draft board.

DeBoer and Alabama are finally proving their worth in the NCAA. As a result, the Tide is now ranked 4th in the AP Poll. After four straight wins over ranked SEC opponents, the Crimson Tide hope to stay on this successful road when they visit the Gamecocks. South Carolina is far from its best version—3-4 in the season (1-3 in the SEC)—but DeBoer isn’t taking Sellers and Shane Beamer for granted.

“We’ve faced running backs and guys that are tough to bring down, but [Sellers] touches the ball every single play. So, you can get to him. That’s one thing. But you also, now, got to get him down,” DeBoer said about Sellers per On3.

“It’s not gonna be just one. It’s gotta take multiple guys rallying, coming from different directions. He’s got the speed. He’s got the size. He’s just, he’s super strong. He’s a relentless player. He fights for every yard he can get.”

That’s enough

Ahead of every matchup in college football, teams pore over every second of film they can find on their opponents. When facing an SEC foe, that study becomes even more exhaustive. In games filled with history and bad blood, no coach wants to overlook a key detail that could come back to bite them.

However, when it came to Sellers, DeBoer and his staff didn’t need to spend much time watching tape—just a handful of plays were enough to make their point.

“Watched a cut-up this morning with the defensive staff, and it’s just one play after the other. There was more,” DeBoer stated. “We didn’t even need to see it all because the point was very clear, and we’ve gotta make sure our guys continue to rally.“

History behind the matchup

As DeBoer and Alabama travel for the game on Saturday, October 25, the Crimson Tide will make their sixth visit to Columbia. Fortunately for Bama, the school’s record against South Carolina is very favorable. Moreover, the Tide doesn’t seem to be too affected by being on the road.

Alabama and South Carolina have faced off 17 times in college football history. The school in Tuscaloosa has the upper hand with a lopsided 14-3 record to its name. When playing on the road, Bama is 4-2. The last time the ‘Script A’ lost to the Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium was during the 2010 season, when Saban and Alabama fell 35-21 to Spurrier and South Carolina.

The latest update of the AP Top 25 has the Gamecocks ranked No. 13, improving on last season’s position, where they came in at No. 19. With that in mind, expectations for this team are significantly higher heading into the new campaign.

Addressing the situation, the talented head coach made it clear to the media that he always prefers to be ranked higher and have expectations — but what truly matters is being able to sustain that success over multiple seasons.

“Yeah, I mean I’d rather be ranked high and have those expectations than not,” he said. “I mean as a coach, when you’re not ranked high like we were last year, it’s great because you can use that as fuel and motivation. But we want to be a team that’s consistently ranked high in the top 10, top 15 going into every single season because it means we did some good stuff the year before and we’re expected to do stuff again.”

To make it happen, Beamer believes it’s something that has to be built year in and year out: “The best teams in the country year in and year out, they’re in those preseason rankings every year. But those teams, and what we’re continuing to convey to our guys, and we’ve been talking about it since the beginning, is all that matters is just what we do from this point forward.”

Blocking out the noise

The fact that his Gamecocks haven’t dazzled with their play — and aren’t even considered contenders by many — doesn’t seem to faze the head coach. Instead, he remains focused on instilling a winning mindset in his players and keeping them locked in on their goals, regardless of the outside noise.

“If you had a good season the year before and your quarterback returns, you’re probably going to be ranked pretty high,” the HC said via On3.com. “Now do I think we’re a good team? Heck yeah. And we also have a lot of work to do, but as you saw last year, or every year, there’s teams that are ranked in that preseason top 10 or top 15 and won’t be at the end of the season. And there’s a lot of teams that aren’t right now that will be at the end of the season, as well.

“So just making sure our guys understand every year’s different. We didn’t really listen to it when everybody was telling us how terrible we were — maybe a little bit. But we don’t need to listen to it now when everybody’s telling us how great we are.”

Improving on last season

The South Carolina Gamecocks are entering the season with the weight of expectation on their shoulders, particularly after a disappointing showing in the SEC last year. But there’s a new sense of optimism in Columbia, and it’s largely due to the emergence of quarterback LaNorris Sellers.

The redshirt freshman, who has been named the starting QB, has the chance to be a game-changer for the Gamecocks. His athleticism, size, and strong arm have drawn comparisons and Heisman buzz, and he’ll be tasked with leading an offense that desperately needs to be more consistent.

The hope is that Sellers can build on his impressive late-season performances from last year and elevate the entire program, proving that South Carolina can compete with the top teams in the brutal SEC conference.

Nick Emmanwori has become one of South Carolina’s most talked-about names on the field. With his towering presence and undeniable instincts, the Gamecocks’ safety is making noise and not just with bone-rattling tackles.

From his breakout freshman season to earning national attention as a defensive force, his rise has been fast and furious. Coaches, scouts and fans alike have taken notice of his rare mix of athleticism and awareness.

Behind the stats and highlight reels lies a story of discipline, drive, and quiet confidence. As South Carolina gears up for another fierce campaign, he stands at the heart of it all—ready to elevate his game even further.

How old is Nick Emmanwori?

Nick Emmanwori was born on February 7, 2004, in Irmo, South Carolina. That makes him 21 years old as of 2025. Despite his young age, he has already built a reputation as one of the most reliable safeties in college football.

His rapid ascent began at Irmo High School, where he excelled as a two-way player. But it was his defensive play and football IQ that earned him a scholarship at the University of South Carolina and set the stage for his breakout freshman campaign.

How tall is Nick Emmanwori?

Nick Emmanwori is 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall—an imposing presence in the secondary. His height gives him a significant edge in coverage, especially when matched against taller receivers and tight ends.

Scouts have often noted that his frame allows him to cover ground quickly while also offering versatility in coverage schemes. Whether patrolling deep zones or stepping into the box, his size is a key asset.

What is Nick Emmanwori’s weight?

Weighing in at 220 pounds (99.8 kg), Emmanwori is built like a hybrid linebacker. That mass doesn’t slow him down—he combines strength with agility, making him a nightmare for ball carriers and quarterbacks alike.

His physicality is one of the reasons he was used in a variety of roles across the Gamecocks’ defense. From deep safety to slot coverage and even blitz packages, his build makes him durable and dependable.

Who is Nick Emmanwori’s coach?

Nick Emmanwori has been coached by Shane Beamer, the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks since 2020. Under Beamer’s leadership, he quickly became a defensive cornerstone, starting as a true freshman.

Beamer, son of legendary coach Frank Beamer, has emphasized development and versatility on defense. Emmanwori has thrived in that environment, with his growth reflecting the faith Beamer placed in him early on.

Nick Emmanwori’s career highlights

• 2022 – Immediate impact as a true freshman: Emmanwori didn’t wait his turn—he started nine games in his first year and led the Gamecocks with 85 total tackles. His football IQ and range turned heads, earning him Freshman All-American honors from multiple outlets.

• 2023 – Establishing himself as a defensive anchor: With a full year of experience under his belt, he became even more reliable in coverage and run support. He recorded 78 tackles, several pass breakups, and played nearly every snap in key SEC matchups.

• 2024 – Named First-Team All-SEC: His junior season solidified his status as one of the top safeties in the country. Emmanwori finished the year with 81 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a growing reputation as a hard-hitting, smart safety with NFL potential.

• Versatility across defensive schemes: Throughout his college career, he showcased the ability to play deep coverage, box safety, and slot defender—a versatility highly valued by pro scouts. He became known for his ability to read offenses and close in quickly on ball carriers.

• NFL Draft prospect with elite athletic profile: Although surprisingly not picked in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Emmanwori remains a top safety prospect, thanks to his rare size-speed combo and a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score (RAS).

Dawn Staley’s journey from an outstanding player to one of the most powerful coaches in basketball is a testament to her unwavering commitment. As the coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, she’s redefined what it means to lead with heart and strategy.

Her rise to the top has been nothing short of inspiring, breaking records, winning championships and commanding respect across the world. But beyond the trophies, she can shape the future of women’s sports that truly sets her apart.

With a net worth that speaks volumes about her success, her wealth is a reflection of her talent, influence and hard-earned place in history. For her, coaching isn’t just a job—it’s a platform for change and an undeniable legacy in the making.

What is Dawn Staley’s net worth?

Dawn Staley’s impressive net worth of $12 million as of 2025 is a direct reflection of her incredible career, as Marca reported. Her financial success is the result of years of dedication, from her days as a legendary player to her current status.

She has built a brand of excellence not only through her championships and accolades but also through her ability to empower the next generation of athletes. Her wealth speaks to her accomplishments both on and off the court.

What is Dawn Staley’s salary?

In January 2025, Staley signed a historic contract extension with the University of South Carolina, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball. The deal, valued at $25.25 million, includes a starting annual salary of $4 million.

It also includes a signing bonus of $500,000 and an annual salary increase of $250,000. This extension underscores the university’s commitment to retaining a coach who has elevated the program to national prominence.

Dawn Staley’s career

Dawn Staley’s career is nothing short of legendary, and her story is one of transformation, resilience and unwavering passion for basketball. Of course, this has led her to where she is today…

From her early days as a standout guard at the University of Virginia, where she led the team to three Final Fours and earned countless accolades, it was clear that she had the potential to leave a lasting mark on the sport.

But her journey didn’t stop there. As a coach, she took on the challenge of turning the South Carolina Gamecocks into a powerhouse in women’s basketball, according to the University of South Carolina Athletics’ website.

In 2008, she joined the team as head coach, and over the years, she has reshaped the program into one of the most dominant in the nation, capturing NCAA championships and numerous Final Four appearances.

Her ability to blend leadership, mentorship, and basketball IQ has made her one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s sports, earning her respect across the basketball world and beyond.

The Huskies and Gamecocks have become staple programs in women’s college basketball, with deep runs during the NCAA Tournament becoming yearly traditions for these schools, while others see it as once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Thanks to their remarkable success at their respective programs, both schools had no hesitation in locking in their head coaches to multi-million dollar deals. The contracts were massive, but no one in Storrs or Columbia is second-guessing a thing—Auriemma and Staley have more than earned every penny, and their schools would hand them those deals again in a heartbeat.

In May 2024, Auriemma signed a five-year extension with the Huskies worth $18.7 million, averaging $3.74 million annually, according to USA Today. The contract also includes multiple performance-based bonuses and a $200,000 annual escalator to his base salary. His salary for the upcoming season will be of $3.54 millions.

For instance, during the past season—when UConn captured its 12th national title—Auriemma earned $737,500 in bonuses, raising his total compensation to over $4 million in Storrs. Needless to say, the Huskies happily footed the bill for their record-setting head coach.

Dawn Staley’s contract

In January 2025, Staley signed the most lucrative contract in women’s college basketball history. Her new deal with South Carolina extended her stay in Columbia through the 2029-30 campaign.

The three-time national championship-winning coach will earn an annual salary of $4 million, which includes a $500,000 signing bonus and a $250,000 annual escalator—bringing the total value to approximately $25.25 million over five seasons, per ESPN.

That number doesn’t take into account any performance-based bonuses which the deal includes. During the Gamecocks’ runner-up finish in March Madness 2025, Staley would have earned a $500,000 bonus if they had beaten Auriemma’s Huskies, according to Essentially Sports.

Auriemma, on the other hand, took home a $300,000 championship bonus. Still, $300,000 in hand beats $500,000 on paper—especially when it comes with the untouchable memory of cutting down the nets in such dominant fashion.

Staples of success

Since the 2005-06 season, either UConn or South Carolina has reached the Final Four in every NCAA Tournament, further solidifying their status as the powerhouses to beat in women’s college basketball.

With Auriemma and Staley signed to their schools for the long haul, it doesn’t look like the tide will turn anytime soon. Any team hoping to compete will have to get past the indomitable forces in Storrs and Columbia.