With college football season in full swing, South Carolina basketball stars Ta’Niya Latson and Joyce Edwards decided to try their hand at touchdown drills during offseason training. The competitive session showcased both players’ athleticism, but it also created an unexpected reaction from fans who quickly voiced concerns about injury risks.
The timing couldn’t be more sensitive for Gamecock supporters. After watching the physical nature of their competitive session, fans know South Carolina can’t afford to lose key players as they look to bounce back from their championship game loss to UConn.
What Did South Carolina Post That Worried Fans?
South Carolina’s Instagram account posted a video showing Latson and Edwards participating in a touchdown drill during offseason training. The session featured both players taking turns trying to prevent each other from scoring touchdowns, with physical contact and falls occurring during the competitive exercise.
The video showcased the competitive nature both stars bring to any activity. The drill involved one player attempting to reach the end zone while the other tried to make the tackle, creating exactly the kind of physical play that made fans nervous.
Coach Dawn Staley’s program regularly shares behind-the-scenes content during the offseason. This particular post was meant to show team bonding and the players’ versatility, but it had an unintended effect on supporters who immediately worried about potential injuries.
The timing made the concerns even more pronounced, with basketball season approaching fast and South Carolina needing both players healthy for their championship pursuit.
How Are Fans Reacting to the Training Video?
Fans immediately flooded the comments section with alarm. The reactions reflected genuine anxiety about losing key contributors before the 2025-26 season begins, with supporters pleading for caution from their favorite players.
One worried fan said, “No injuries PLEASE.”
Another supporter pleaded, “No broken wrists or ankles please.”
A concerned user said, “Yesss- I’m ready for season to start- be careful yall we need all you guys on the court.”
One anxious fan wrote, “[Staley] unh uh sit [Joyce] down the season finna start. We need her sittin down we already lost [other players] out. Uh Joyce sat down.”
A passionate supporter said, “Oohhhhhh Please GOD we can’t have NO INJURIES BEFORE THE SEASON! WE NEED THEM!”
Another worried fan said, “No injuries please!! We need Joyce and Latson this year.”
The fan concerns reflect South Carolina’s situation heading into 2025-26. After losing to UConn 82-59 in April’s championship game, the Gamecocks are determined to get back on top, making every healthy player crucial to those championship aspirations.
Latson’s transfer from Florida State brings serious scoring power to Columbia. The nation’s top scorer at 25.2 points per game gives Staley someone who can take over games when they matter most. Her ability to create offense in clutch moments is exactly what championship teams need to succeed in March.
Meanwhile, Edwards adds a different dimension to the Gamecocks’ front line after her breakout freshman campaign. The Camden native put up 12.7 points and 5.0 rebounds to earn All-SEC First Team honors while showing the versatile skills that make her essential to Staley’s championship plans.
Losing either player would seriously damage South Carolina’s title chances. Under Staley, the program has what might be its strongest roster, mixing experienced veterans with talented newcomers who could help deliver another championship banner to Columbia.
The specter of injuries has haunted promising seasons at South Carolina before. With championship expectations higher than ever for the 2025-26 campaign, keeping Latson and Edwards healthy on the court becomes the most critical factor for everything the Gamecocks want to accomplish this season.