Ford Lands on The Bowerman Preseason Watch List
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Jan. 7, 2026) – For the second consecutive season, South Carolina Track & Field star sprinter JaMeesia Ford has been named to The Bowerman Preseason Watch List, as announced by The Bowerman Advisory Board on Wednesday afternoon.
The Bowerman debuted in 2009 and is named after former Oregon Head Coach Bill Bowerman and is presented annually to the most outstanding male and female NCAA track & field athletes in the nation.
Ford, a 2025 semifinalist for The Bowerman, has now been named to the watch list for the 13th time in her collegiate career which is the active leader for the women. The junior sprinter opened her 2026 campaign at the Clemson Opener in December where she won the 300m with a time of 36.25.
Ford is a three-time NCAA Individual Champion, including the 2025 Outdoor 200m title. The Fayetteville, N.C. native has already established herself as one of the most decorated athletes in Gamecock Track & Field history. In just two seasons, Ford has secured 10 All-American nods as well as four All-SEC honors. In 2025, she earned the SEC Commissioner’s Trophy at the SEC Outdoor Championship which is given to the student-athlete who captures the most points.
Ford owns the indoor program records in the 200m (22.34), 300m (35.83), 4x400m relay (3:26.05) and the DMR (10:55.41). Her outdoor performances are much of the same as she has claimed the top spot in the 100m (10.87), 200m (21.98), 4x100m (42.40), and the 4x400m (3:24.26).
Joining Ford on The Bowerman Preseason Watch List are Silan Ayyildiz (Oregon-Middle Distance), Grace Hartman (N.C. State-Distance), Jane Hedengren (BYU-Distance), Axelina Johansson (Nebraska-Throws), Alyssa Jones (Stanford-Jumps/Sprints), Pamela Kosgei (New Mexico-Distance), Doris Lemngole (Alabama-Distance), Amanda Moll (Washington-Pole Vault) and Hana Moll (Washington-Pole Vault).
The next Bowerman Watch List update will be revealed on Wednesday, Feb. 4 (women) and Thursday, Feb. 5 (men).
Ford and the rest of the Gamecocks will open the home slate this Saturday with the Gamecock Opener beginning at 10 a.m. at the Carolina Indoor Track & Field Complex.
