The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: USC makes history as 2,240 women receive bids in nation’s largest Panhellenic sorority recruitment

Several sorority houses came together Aug. 16, 2026 at the Colonial Life Arena for Bid Day, the final day of sorority recruitment. Potential New Members open their bids to find out which sorority they were invited to join. They then meet their new sorority and celebrate together. Bid Day marks the end of the recruitment process and the start of their time in the sorority. This year, USC had its largest recruitment class ever, with 2,560 Potential New Members. It was also the largest recruitment class in the country this year.

A new member of Kappa Alpha Theta is embraced by sorority members during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. She reacts emotionally as the group welcomes her into the sorority.
A new member of Kappa Alpha Theta is embraced by sorority members during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. She reacts emotionally as the group welcomes her into the sorority.
A new member of Gamma Phi Beta shares an emotional moment with a sorority member during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. Tears and embraces filled the arena as students found their new sororities.
A new member of Gamma Phi Beta shares an emotional moment with a sorority member during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. Tears and embraces filled the arena as students found their new sororities.
A new member of Tri Delta holds up the sorority’s hand symbol during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. She displays the symbol toward other sororities gathered inside the arena.
A new member of Tri Delta holds up the sorority’s hand symbol during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. She displays the symbol toward other sororities gathered inside the arena.
A new member of Pi Beta Phi is greeted with an embrace during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. The moment came as students rushed across the arena to meet their new sororities.
A new member of Pi Beta Phi is greeted with an embrace during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. The moment came as students rushed across the arena to meet their new sororities.
Pi Chi recruitment counselors cheer for potential new members during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. The counselors helped guide PNMs through the recruitment process before they gathered with their new sororities.
Pi Chi recruitment counselors cheer for potential new members during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. The counselors helped guide PNMs through the recruitment process before they gathered with their new sororities.
Phi Mu members who served as Pi Chis return to their sorority during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. The Pi Chis spent recruitment helping potential new members before returning to their own sororities.
Phi Mu members who served as Pi Chis return to their sorority during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. The Pi Chis spent recruitment helping potential new members before returning to their own sororities.
Two members of Pi Beta Phi pose for a photo in front of the sorority’s Greek letters on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. Members took photos before the new members entered the arena for Bid Day activities.
Two members of Pi Beta Phi pose for a photo in front of the sorority’s Greek letters on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. Members took photos before the new members entered the arena for Bid Day activities.
A new member of Alpha Delta Pi embraces a sorority member during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. Members greet the new arrivals as they gather with the sorority inside the arena
A new member of Alpha Delta Pi embraces a sorority member during Bid Day on Aug. 16, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena. Members greet the new arrivals as they gather with the sorority inside the arena