In a monumental recruiting victory that’s sending shockwaves through the world of women’s college basketball, Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers have landed the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class: the No. 1 overall player in the nation — a five-star phenom whose decision to don the purple and gold over powerhouse contenders Kentucky, Alabama, and Louisville has rewritten the recruiting narrative.
The commitment marks a new chapter for LSU Women’s Basketball, already a top-tier program under the fiery and decorated leadership of Coach Mulkey. But this latest victory isn’t just about maintaining excellence — it’s about dominance, about empire-building, about establishing Baton Rouge as the epicenter of women’s college basketball for years to come.
Let’s dive deep into what this commitment means for LSU, the national landscape, and the legendary Kim Mulkey’s ongoing quest for greatness.
Who is the No. 1 Player in America?
Her name is Ariyah Jackson, and if you don’t already know her, you’re about to.
Standing 6-foot-2 with elite athleticism, silky handles, and a jumper that feels like it was engineered in a basketball lab, Jackson is the unicorn prospect scouts have raved about since her freshman year. Out of Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia, she’s been dubbed everything from “the next Maya Moore” to “a positionless phenom,” and she earned the top national ranking by dominating on every level — high school, USA Basketball, EYBL circuit, and even in international competition.
Jackson averaged 26.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game as a junior while shooting 51% from the field and 40% from deep. She has a killer instinct, a magnetic leadership aura, and a work ethic coaches say sets her apart from even the most elite peers.
The Recruitment Battle: SEC Royalty Fights to the Finish
Jackson’s recruitment was as fierce as it was elite. Kentucky rolled out the red carpet, Alabama promised the keys to the program, and Louisville banked on its tradition and fan loyalty to win her over. For months, recruiting insiders were unsure where she would land — it was that close.
Each finalist offered a compelling case:
- Kentucky presented a revamped program under new leadership, emphasizing a modern style built around Jackson’s versatility. NIL opportunities and the draw of being the face of a basketball-crazed state were enticing.
- Alabama had the in-state advantage. Jackson’s extended family lives in Birmingham, and the Crimson Tide made a late surge, promising her the chance to elevate the program to unprecedented heights.
- Louisville offered history, stability, and a devoted fanbase that has packed the KFC Yum! Center for years. Jackson reportedly loved the energy around the Cardinals.
But it was Kim Mulkey’s vision and LSU’s championship pedigree that ultimately won the day.
Why She Chose LSU
In her announcement ceremony, streamed live on ESPN and attended by a packed gymnasium, Jackson made it official.
“I want to be coached by the best. I want to compete for national championships. I want to wear purple and gold. I’m headed to LSU!”
Her voice cracked with emotion as she pulled out an LSU cap from under the table. The room erupted.
Sources close to the recruitment said the relationship between Jackson and Kim Mulkey proved decisive. Mulkey’s transparent, no-nonsense approach resonated with Jackson and her family. Mulkey told her, “If you want to be great, I’ll help you get there. But you’ve got to want it more than me.”
Combine that with LSU’s reputation for developing players into pros — and Baton Rouge’s electric atmosphere fueled by recent national success — and it became too much for the other schools to overcome.
Kim Mulkey: Recruiting Queen of College Hoops
Kim Mulkey has long been known as a powerhouse recruiter, but this commitment might be her biggest flex yet.
In just a few seasons at LSU, Mulkey has:
- Won a national championship.
- Sent players like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson into superstardom.
- Created a media storm wherever she goes — and turned that spotlight into a recruiting machine.
Now, she’s secured the No. 1 player in America, solidifying LSU’s place atop the recruiting hierarchy and adding even more firepower to an already loaded program.
“Ariyah is everything you want in a player — smart, tough, creative, and fearless,” Mulkey said in a statement. “But more than that, she’s a leader. And at LSU, we build leaders.”
Mulkey now has back-to-back Top 3 recruiting classes, including multiple five-star players, and she’s not done yet.
What It Means for LSU’s Future
With Jackson in the fold, LSU’s 2025 class looks downright terrifying. She joins a class that already includes:
- Taliyah Rose, a top-15 shooting guard with range and swagger.
- Imani Collins, a 6’4” post player ranked No. 28 in the nation with elite rebounding instincts.
Together, they create a three-headed monster that gives LSU arguably the most balanced incoming class in America — guards, wings, and bigs, all with pro potential.
Jackson is expected to make an immediate impact, likely starting as a freshman and taking over primary playmaking duties. With her ability to score from all three levels, guard multiple positions, and lead by example, she’ll be a cornerstone for LSU’s continued dominance.
And make no mistake — Mulkey plans to build the team around her.
National Implications: A Shift in Power?
LSU’s win here doesn’t just boost its own profile — it also delivers a blow to Kentucky, Alabama, and Louisville, three programs who desperately wanted this commitment to turn their recruiting fortunes.
- Kentucky was banking on Jackson to lead its rebuild and elevate its recruiting reputation under new head coach Joni Taylor.
- Alabama is having one of its best recruiting years ever, and Jackson would’ve made it historic.
- Louisville is trying to reclaim national prominence post-Jeff Walz era and hoped Jackson would be the new face.
Now, all three must pivot.
Meanwhile, LSU gains not only a top-tier talent but a national storyline, as Jackson’s decision affirms that the best of the best want to play in Baton Rouge.
NIL Buzz: A Big-Time Deal in Baton Rouge?
While Jackson has remained humble about NIL, insiders say she’s poised to be one of the highest-earning high school women’s basketball players once she signs with LSU.
Brands are already circling, and LSU’s savvy with NIL — thanks to their partnerships, collectives, and alumni network — is expected to amplify her profile nationally.
Expect endorsements, media deals, and perhaps even music or film opportunities. (Remember, this is the program that helped launch Flau’jae into a rap career and Reese into a celebrity.)
Can LSU Go Back-to-Back?
With Ariyah Jackson coming in and the current roster still stacked, LSU fans are dreaming of another national title. And it’s not unrealistic.
The Tigers will return key veterans and add arguably the most impactful freshman in the country. The balance of experience and youth — anchored by Mulkey’s elite coaching — makes them a perennial title threat for the next several years.
