LSU women’s basketball navigates transfer portal changes as Kim Mulkey reshapes her roster for another championship run in 2025.

After an incredibly successful 2023 season, where LSU captured its first NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship in over a decade, the pressure to build upon that success has never been greater. Kim Mulkey, the head coach who orchestrated this historic victory, has proven that she’s a master of both recruiting and player development. As the 2025 season approaches, the landscape of college basketball continues to shift with the rising importance of the transfer portal, and Mulkey is right at the forefront of adapting to this new era.

Since Mulkey’s arrival at LSU in 2021, the team has experienced a meteoric rise, culminating in the 2023 national title. The subsequent season was marked by a strong return to the NCAA tournament, yet key departures and new needs have once again led Mulkey to a pivotal offseason of roster reshaping. The departures of prominent players, coupled with the need to replace key positions, has meant that Mulkey must use the transfer portal to bolster the roster as she aims to maintain LSU’s championship pedigree. With the 2025 season around the corner, LSU’s roster is an exciting mix of familiar faces, seasoned transfers, and highly-rated recruits, all eager to bring another championship to Baton Rouge.

The Departures: A New Era in Baton Rouge

As is typical in college basketball, the departure of key players to the WNBA and other programs is an inevitable part of team dynamics. LSU was not immune to this reality following its back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, and the departure of several stars left LSU’s roster in a state of transition. The biggest loss, of course, is Angel Reese, the dynamic forward who was the face of LSU’s championship team. After leading the Tigers to a title in 2023 and earning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors, Reese declared for the WNBA Draft, leaving a hole that is difficult to fill.

Reese’s departure leaves a gap not only in terms of her talent—averaging 23.3 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in 2023—but also her leadership. As one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball, Reese’s absence will be keenly felt on both ends of the floor, as her rebounding, interior defense, and ability to stretch the floor were pivotal to LSU’s success.

In addition to Reese, Hailey Van Lith, a key transfer from Louisville, also made her exit after just one season with the Tigers. Van Lith’s one-year tenure in Baton Rouge was marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. Despite that, she was still one of the more important players on the roster, offering scoring and leadership during key moments of the season. Her departure meant that LSU was losing yet another offensive weapon, making the task of replacing her all the more crucial.

Other departures include Flau’jae Johnson, who played a significant role in LSU’s backcourt, and Sa’Myah Smith, a forward who contributed in the post but ultimately entered the transfer portal. These losses left LSU with a considerable amount of roster turnover, especially in the frontcourt and the leadership department.

The Transfer Portal: Mulkey’s Methodical Approach

Despite these key departures, Kim Mulkey’s track record suggests that she is more than capable of navigating the rough waters of a roster overhaul. Rather than rebuilding from scratch, Mulkey and her staff have aggressively utilized the transfer portal to fill the gaps and elevate the talent level on the roster. In the modern landscape of women’s college basketball, where transfers have become increasingly common, Mulkey is positioning LSU to thrive through strategic additions.

Guard Additions: Enhancing the Backcourt

One of the immediate needs Mulkey addressed was the backcourt, which lost Hailey Van Lith and Flau’jae Johnson. Mulkey didn’t waste any time in securing high-level transfers to ensure LSU remains competitive. One of her biggest coups came early in the portal with the addition of Kailyn Gilbert, a dynamic guard from Arizona.

Gilbert, who averaged 15.1 points per game last season at Arizona, brings a scoring punch that LSU needs. Known for her ability to both create off the dribble and knock down perimeter shots, Gilbert will provide a much-needed offensive spark for LSU’s backcourt. Her speed and ability to push the pace will add another dimension to LSU’s offense, which in previous seasons had been heavily reliant on strong post play and aggressive defense.

Another major addition to the backcourt is Shayeann Day-Wilson, who transferred to LSU after stints at both Duke and Miami. Day-Wilson, a career 10.8 points-per-game scorer, brings a veteran presence that LSU can rely on to run the offense and be a floor general. Her basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and experience in high-pressure games will be invaluable to Mulkey as she works to integrate a revamped roster.

Together, these two guards will help fill the offensive void left by Van Lith and Johnson, both of whom were critical to LSU’s scoring attack. In Gilbert and Day-Wilson, Mulkey is not only adding talent but also leadership and experience that will be crucial for the 2025 season.

Frontcourt Needs: Filling the Void Left by Reese

The most pressing issue for LSU heading into 2025 is the frontcourt. Angel Reese’s departure leaves a massive hole in both the post and LSU’s overall team structure. To remain competitive against top-tier SEC teams like South Carolina and Tennessee, LSU needs to replenish its interior presence.

While Mulkey has been active in securing perimeter players, the frontcourt remains a priority. One of the first names that LSU is reportedly targeting is Taiyanna Jackson, a highly skilled center from Kansas. Jackson, known for her rebounding and shot-blocking ability, could provide the inside presence LSU needs to replace Reese’s contributions. Jackson’s ability to patrol the paint defensively and score inside would give LSU the toughness and physicality it will need to compete for another title.

Additionally, LSU is eyeing Olivia Cochran from Louisville, a player who has shown she can excel both offensively and defensively in the post. Cochran is known for her ability to rebound at a high level and her scoring touch around the basket. If Mulkey can secure a player like Cochran, LSU will be in a much stronger position to contend for a national title.

Incoming Freshmen: The Future of LSU

In addition to the veteran transfers, LSU has added some exciting freshmen who are expected to make an impact right away. Jada Richard, the 2024 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year, is the crown jewel of the incoming class. Known for her scoring ability and leadership, Richard is expected to make an immediate impact as a freshman. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor and her competitive drive make her a player to watch in the upcoming season.

Along with Richard, other freshmen like Lauren Nichols and Tajae’ra Hill bring depth and versatility to LSU’s roster. While Mulkey’s preference has generally been to rely on experienced players, her willingness to bring in high-level freshmen speaks to the depth of talent she’s cultivating for the future.

The SEC Landscape in 2025: LSU’s Competition

The SEC remains one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball, and 2025 promises to be no different. LSU, South Carolina, and Tennessee will likely be the top contenders for the SEC crown, but teams like Mississippi State, Georgia, and Ole Miss are also showing signs of improvement. South Carolina, coming off an undefeated national championship season, remains the clear favorite, but LSU’s strength under Kim Mulkey will ensure they are in the mix.

LSU’s ability to stack up against the SEC’s elite teams will depend on how quickly Mulkey can get the new roster to gel. The transfer portal, with its influx of talent, means LSU isn’t rebuilding but rather retooling, with an eye toward regaining national prominence.

Looking Ahead: A Championship Window Remains Open

LSU women’s basketball has a bright future under Kim Mulkey’s leadership, and while the team faces significant roster turnover, Mulkey’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college basketball will keep LSU in the title conversation for years to come. With the additions of high-caliber transfers and a talented incoming freshman class, LSU is well-positioned to make a run at another national championship in 2025.

However, the road to the top will not be easy. With teams like South Carolina continuing to dominate and other SEC programs improving rapidly, LSU will need to blend the new players with the returning talent and find the right chemistry. If Mulkey can get this team to click, LSU will be a force to be reckoned with, both in the SEC and on the national stage.

In the ever-evolving world of women’s college basketball, LSU’s ability to navigate the transfer portal while maintaining the high standards of success will determine how quickly they can add another national championship to their storied program. One thing is clear: LSU women’s basketball is not slowing down anytime soon.