US Trends

who can guard tessa shirt

Quick Scoop: The “Who can guard Tessa?” shirt is about South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson. It grew out of a viral Kim Mulkey remark during the South Carolina vs. LSU game on Feb. 14, then became a fan T-shirt and recent tournament talking point.

What it means

The phrase started as a meme from Mulkey’s sideline question, and it stuck because Johnson kept backing it up on the court. By late March 2026, the shirt was being worn again during South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament run, which pushed the trend back into the spotlight.

Why it’s trending

  • It ties directly to a memorable game moment and a standout player performance.
  • Fans love phrases that turn into merch, especially during March Madness.
  • The shirt has become a fun symbol of South Carolina support, not just a one-off joke.

Bottom line

If you’re asking who the shirt is about , it’s Tessa Johnson. If you’re asking who can guard her , the viral answer from fans is basically: not many teams have done it well.

[1][10] [1][10] [9][6]
ItemWhat it refers to
“Who can guard Tessa?”A viral phrase tied to Tessa Johnson and South Carolina women’s basketball
OriginKim Mulkey’s shouted question during the Feb. 14 LSU-South Carolina game
Recent buzzPlayers and fans wore the shirt during the 2026 NCAA Tournament