Five-Star Center Zaniya Johnson Commits to South Carolina Over LSU

South Carolina added another elite piece to its 2027 recruiting class Wednesday when five-star center Zaniya Johnson committed to the Gamecocks over LSU. The 6-foot-4 Biloxi, Mississippi standout is ranked No. 18 nationally by ESPN and No. 17 in the Rivals Industry Ranking. Johnson had previously considered Florida State, Texas A&M and Mississippi State before narrowing the decision to South Carolina and LSU.

Johnson gives Dawn Staley a true interior prospect with the size and physicality to anchor the paint. She averaged 14.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks as a junior at Biloxi High School and has already surpassed 1,000 career points. Johnson said South Carolina’s track record of developing post players helped separate the Gamecocks, a notable selling point for a program that has repeatedly turned size and defense into championship-level advantages.

The commitment also continues a major October recruiting run for South Carolina. Johnson joins No. 4 overall prospect Jezelle “GG” Banks and four-star guard Taylor Brown in the 2027 class, giving Staley elite talent in both the backcourt and frontcourt. South Carolina may not be finished: five-star wing Jordyn Palmer is scheduled to announce her decision Friday with the Gamecocks among her finalists. For now, Johnson’s decision gives South Carolina one of the nation’s most coveted true post prospects and another head-to-head recruiting victory over an SEC rival.