Gamecocks Register Pair of Top 10 NCAA Indoor Team Finishes

Men's team ties for 7th, women finish 8th at NCAA Indoor Championship

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:19am

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The University of South Carolina track and field teams had strong showings at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Championship, with both the men's and women's teams finishing in the top 10 for the first time since 2005. The men's team tied for 7th place with 20 points, their best finish since 2003, while the women's team placed 8th with 24 points, their first top 10 finish since 2019.

Why it matters

This marks a significant achievement for the Gamecock track and field program, which has been working to rebuild its national prominence in recent years. The top 10 finishes for both teams demonstrate the progress the program has made and its ability to compete at the highest level of collegiate track and field.

The details

The men's 4x400m relay team made history by winning the NCAA Indoor Championship, becoming the first Gamecock quartet to claim the title. Individually, Josiah Wrice set a school record in the 400m to finish 5th, Tyson Williams placed 5th in the 200m, and Jaouad Khchina finished 7th in the mile. On the women's side, the 4x400m relay team earned bronze, Zaya Akins placed 4th in the 200m, Salma Elbadra scored in the 3000m, and Jathiyah Muhammad broke her own school record in the pole vault to finish 7th.

  • The NCAA Indoor Championship took place on March 14, 2026.

The players

Josiah Wrice

A Gamecock sprinter who set a school record in the 400m and was part of the championship-winning 4x400m relay team.

Tyson Williams

A Gamecock sprinter who placed 5th in the 200m to earn First Team All-American honors.

Jaouad Khchina

A Gamecock distance runner who finished 7th in the mile, becoming just the second scorer in program history in the indoor mile.

Zaya Akins

A member of the Gamecock women's 4x400m relay team that earned bronze medalist honors.

Jathiyah Muhammad

A Gamecock pole vaulter who broke her own school record and placed 7th to earn First Team All-American recognition.

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What’s next

The Gamecocks will immediately shift their focus to the outdoor season, competing at the Alan Connie Shamrock Invitational in Conway, South Carolina from March 19-21.

The takeaway

The Gamecock track and field program has made a significant resurgence, with both the men's and women's teams finishing in the top 10 at the NCAA Indoor Championship for the first time in over 15 years. This achievement demonstrates the program's ability to compete at the highest level and bodes well for their continued success in the outdoor season and beyond.