South Carolina women's basketball hosts top-50 post for official visit

South Carolina hosted a top 50 2026 post for an official visit for the first weekend of November.

Fope Ayo is a 6-5 post from Massachusetts, where she plays for Austin Prep and is the state’s top-ranked recruit. Ayo is of Nigerian descent.

Ayo has minimal social media presence, a result of a family rule. That makes her about as much of a mystery as a top 50 recruit can be. 

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ESPN has her ranked 45th in the country, but under the name “Ayo Mofopefoluwa.” On3 lists her under “Fope Ayo,” and has her ranked 55th. 

Ayo has a college-ready body. She has a big, strong frame and has continued to grow, adding inches to her listed height. She is a strong shot blocker who can finish around the rim. Ayo has also played volleyball. Last season, she was named All-NEPSAC and the AA Defensive Player of the Year.

Ayo has also taken official visits to Miami (late September), Michigan, and Stanford (both in October).

South Carolina already has a commitment from one 2026 big, 14th-ranked Kelsi Andrews. But Andrews recently underwent knee surgery for a meniscus injury. She previously tore the ACL in both knees, making this the third major knee surgery for Andrews. Ayo could be insurance for Andrews.

The early signing period runs from November 12-19. Ayo has not announced if she will commit during the early period.

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