LSU’s Kim Mulkey Gets Massive Roster News After NCAA Tournament Loss

BATON ROUGE, La. — Just days after the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team saw their season come to a close in a hard-fought loss in the NCAA Tournament, head coach Kim Mulkey received news that could change the entire outlook of the program’s immediate future — and perhaps cement its place atop the national conversation for years to come.

The Tigers, who fell in the Elite Eight to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa squad in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 national title game, now look ahead with a renewed sense of optimism, thanks to massive roster news that broke Tuesday morning.

Whether it’s a key returner opting to stay, a highly ranked transfer committing to LSU, or a top-five recruit pledging her loyalty to the purple and gold, the announcement comes at a pivotal time for a team looking to reload rather than rebuild. And for Kim Mulkey — the three-time national champion who has reshaped LSU basketball in just three seasons — the message is clear: The dynasty is still under construction.

Postseason Emotions Meet Roster Revelation

After the Tigers were bounced from the tournament, emotions ran high. Seniors gave their heartfelt goodbyes, star players reflected on the season, and Mulkey — ever passionate, ever demanding — called the loss “gut-wrenching” and “unacceptable by LSU standards.”

Yet even as the locker room buzzed with heartbreak, rumblings about key offseason decisions began swirling. Would star players enter the WNBA Draft? Would underclassmen hit the transfer portal? And could Mulkey, known for her recruiting savvy, pull another rabbit out of her glittery hat?

Then came the news.

In what’s now being called one of the biggest post-tournament shifts in college basketball this offseason, All-American forward Angel Reese announced she will return to LSU for one more season, stunning fans and analysts alike. In addition, Mulkey landed a commitment from five-star guard Janiya Richey, one of the top players in the class of 2025, and secured a major transfer in Auburn’s Honesty Scott-Grayson, a dynamic scorer and All-SEC talent.

This triple-dose of roster development has LSU back in the conversation as a national title contender — and perhaps the favorite — heading into 2025–26.

Angel Reese: One More Ride

The centerpiece of this bombshell is, of course, Angel Reese’s decision to return for her senior season.

After weeks of speculation, Reese put the rumors to rest with a simple but powerful video posted on social media: a highlight reel set to the voice of Mulkey shouting “You’re not done yet!” followed by text reading “I’m back. Let’s finish what we started.”

The announcement shocked many. Reese was widely expected to declare for the WNBA Draft after another stellar season in Baton Rouge, where she averaged 19.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, earned All-SEC honors, and continued to grow into a national celebrity off the court.

But for Reese, the decision was about more than stats or draft projections.

“I want to win another championship,” she told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “I want to graduate from LSU, I want to leave a legacy, and I want to be the best version of myself — on and off the court. There’s still unfinished business.”

Her return instantly makes LSU one of the most feared teams in the country and gives Mulkey a rare second chance at a title run with one of the most dominant players in recent women’s college basketball history.

New Faces, Big Impact: Richey and Scott-Grayson Join the Fold

Reese’s return would’ve been enough to spark celebration among Tiger faithful, but the good news didn’t stop there.

LSU also landed two high-impact additions:

1. Janiya Richey – Five-Star Guard, Class of 2025

Ranked No. 3 nationally by ESPNW HoopGurlz, the 6’1″ combo guard from Atlanta chose LSU over Connecticut, Stanford, and South Carolina. Known for her explosiveness, court vision, and clutch mentality, Richey projects as a Day 1 contributor — and future All-American.

“This is the place where I want to grow,” Richey said at her commitment press conference. “Coach Mulkey’s fire matches mine. I want to win here.”

Her arrival is especially timely, given the likely departure of Hailey Van Lith, who has reportedly entered the transfer portal after a rocky year trying to adapt to the point guard position. Richey brings a more natural fit to the backcourt, one with the scoring ability of Van Lith but the size and defensive length Mulkey values in her perimeter players.

2. Honesty Scott-Grayson – Grad Transfer from Auburn

A 5th-year senior, Scott-Grayson averaged 17.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game last season, leading Auburn to one of its best records in recent years. Her decision to transfer caught many by surprise — but Mulkey swooped in quickly, and the deal was done within days.

“I’ve always respected how LSU plays,” Scott-Grayson said. “This is about winning and getting better. I want to be coached hard. I want to compete for a ring.”

A Roster That Can Compete Right Now

With the return of Angel Reese, the commitment of Janiya Richey, and the addition of Honesty Scott-Grayson, LSU’s projected 2025–26 starting lineup becomes a scary proposition for opponents:

• PG: Janiya Richey (Fr.)
• SG: Honesty Scott-Grayson (Sr./Grad)
• SF: Flau’jae Johnson (Jr.)
• PF: Angel Reese (Sr.)
• C: Aalyah Del Rosario (So.)

Off the bench, the Tigers bring back depth in Mikaylah Williams, Sa’Myah Smith, and Jasmine Carson, who all gained valuable experience this season. Mulkey also hinted at additional portal moves in progress, including a possible international recruit expected to arrive in the summer.

“I don’t do rebuilds,” Mulkey famously said during her introductory press conference in 2021. “I build to win.”

With this roster, the mission continues.

Coaching Brilliance: The Mulkey Effect

At the heart of this renaissance is Kim Mulkey, whose aggressive style, relentless recruiting, and championship pedigree have transformed LSU into a basketball powerhouse.

In just her first four seasons, Mulkey has delivered:

• 1 National Championship (2023)
• 3 NCAA Tournament appearances
• 2 Elite Eight runs
• A 116–21 overall record (as of 2025)

More than that, she’s changed the culture. What was once a program stuck in neutral has become a national brand. LSU’s women’s basketball games routinely sell out, their players are featured on ESPN and in Vogue, and Mulkey herself has become a household name in coaching circles.

And she’s not slowing down.

“These girls want to be pushed,” Mulkey said. “They want to win. And I promise you — we’re going to win.”

Reaction from the Basketball World

News of LSU’s roster developments made waves instantly:

Dawn Staley (South Carolina Head Coach):
“You never count out Kim Mulkey. LSU’s going to be dangerous again next year.”

Rebecca Lobo (ESPN Analyst):
“Angel Reese returning is a game-changer. Add in the recruiting class and transfer portal — and LSU’s the early favorite for 2026.”

Caitlin Clark (Iowa Star, in jest):
“Well, I guess we’re not done seeing each other. Bring it on.”

What It Means for the SEC, WNBA, and Beyond

Reese’s return will delay her WNBA debut, but the ripple effects go beyond Baton Rouge. The SEC now enters the 2025–26 season with three top-five teams: LSU, South Carolina, and Tennessee — each loaded with experience, youth, and ambition.

Meanwhile, WNBA scouts will continue to monitor Reese’s development. Her return also benefits LSU’s NIL partnerships and media deals, as she remains one of the most marketable athletes in the NCAA across all sports.

From a college basketball standpoint, LSU’s new roster sets up tantalizing matchups — including another likely clash with Iowa, high-profile games against UConn, and an SEC gauntlet filled with NBA-level talent.

Final Thoughts: A New Era, Continued

There are few coaches in college sports who can take a tough tournament loss and turn it into momentum in less than a week. But Kim Mulkey isn’t most coaches.

With the return of Angel Reese, the commitment of a five-star guard, and a major transfer portal addition, LSU women’s basketball has reloaded in record time. The message from Baton Rouge is loud and clear:

The Tigers are back — and they’re hungrier than ever.