In a move that instantly shifts the balance of power in women’s college basketball, LSU sophomore center Aalyah Del Rosario has officially announced her decision to return to Baton Rouge for the 2025-26 season. The announcement, made via a heartfelt video message posted across her social media platforms, sends a ripple through the basketball world and reaffirms LSU’s position as a perennial national title contender under head coach Kim Mulkey.
Del Rosario, a 6-foot-6 powerhouse from the Bronx, New York, was one of the most sought-after recruits in the class of 2023. After two seasons in purple and gold, her development as a dominant force in the paint, coupled with her leadership presence, has made her one of the most indispensable pieces on an LSU squad hungry to reclaim its place atop the college basketball world.
The Announcement Heard Around the Nation
“Baton Rouge isn’t finished with me yet,” Del Rosario said in her announcement video. “I came here with a purpose—to win, to grow, and to leave a legacy. I’ve still got work to do, and there’s no other place I’d rather be than LSU. Let’s finish what we started.”
The video showcased scenes from her journey: from high school dominance to her freshman year learning behind Angel Reese, to her breakout sophomore season, and the painful Elite Eight exit in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Overlaying the visuals was her voice, resolute, determined, and full of passion.
LSU fans immediately flooded social media with support and celebration, as the return of Del Rosario signifies not just continuity, but potential dominance in a 2025-26 season that already has sky-high expectations.
From Promise to Powerhouse: Del Rosario’s Growth
Del Rosario arrived at LSU as a five-star prospect and McDonald’s All-American, but her path to stardom wasn’t without hurdles. During her freshman year, she played limited minutes behind a loaded frontcourt that included All-American Angel Reese and senior transfer Aneesah Morrow. But Del Rosario took every opportunity to learn and absorb the LSU culture of toughness, discipline, and intensity.
Her sophomore campaign, however, was her national coming-out party.
Averaging 14.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, Del Rosario evolved into a two-way anchor for the Tigers. She posted 13 double-doubles, including a dominant 24-point, 15-rebound performance against South Carolina, a game many consider her true breakout moment despite the narrow loss. Her presence in the post deterred drives, forced opponents to settle for perimeter shots, and gave LSU a physicality unmatched by most in the nation.
“Aalyah’s growth from year one to year two has been remarkable,” Kim Mulkey said in a March press conference. “She’s put in the work—on the court, in the weight room, in film sessions. Her ceiling is as high as anyone I’ve ever coached.”
The Road Back: LSU’s 2025 Tournament Heartbreak
Despite an impressive 30-5 record and a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, LSU’s 2025 season ended in heartbreak during the Elite Eight, falling to a scrappy and red-hot Oregon State team. Del Rosario was one of the bright spots in that game, posting 17 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort. After the loss, tears streamed down her face as she addressed the media.
“I wanted this so bad—for our team, our fans, our coaches. It hurts,” she said then. “But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that pain can be fuel.”
That pain, clearly, became part of the motivation behind her decision to return.
Weighing the WNBA Draft vs. Legacy
With her size, skill, and stats, Del Rosario was already appearing in the first-round projections of many 2026 WNBA mock drafts. Some experts even pegged her as a potential lottery pick. But the allure of the professional ranks wasn’t enough to pull her away from Baton Rouge—at least not yet.
“I know the WNBA will be there,” she said in a post-announcement interview with SEC Network. “But right now, I want to chase a ring with my sisters. I want to keep building this legacy. LSU is my home, and I’m not done here.”
Her decision mirrors those of players like Aliyah Boston and A’ja Wilson, who also delayed their pro careers in pursuit of national championships and to cement their collegiate legacies.
What This Means for LSU’s 2025-26 Roster
With Del Rosario back in the fold, LSU’s frontcourt remains one of the most formidable in the nation. Rising junior Sa’Myah Smith will return alongside her, creating a two-headed monster in the paint. Incoming five-star forward Layla Edwards from Chicago is expected to bring versatility and depth, while junior guard Flau’jae Johnson and sophomore Kianni Westbrook headline the backcourt.
There are rumors circulating that Kim Mulkey may also dip into the transfer portal to round out her roster with veteran shooters, but with Del Rosario anchoring the middle, LSU can build around a true elite centerpiece.
“This team can win it all,” ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo said on the network’s breaking news coverage. “You need a dominant post player in March. Aalyah Del Rosario is that. She’s a matchup nightmare and an emotional leader. Her return makes LSU scary.”
Kim Mulkey Reacts
Mulkey, never one to hide her emotions, was all smiles when asked about Del Rosario’s return.
“Look, we don’t pressure our players to stay. We give them the truth, the tools, and the support,” Mulkey said. “Aalyah made this decision for herself, and I couldn’t be prouder. She’s become a leader in our locker room and a terror for opposing teams. With her back, we’re coming.”
Mulkey also praised Del Rosario’s commitment to academic excellence and her involvement in the Baton Rouge community. “She’s the full package,” Mulkey said. “Basketball aside, she’s going to leave LSU a better place.”
NIL Factor and LSU’s Culture
Del Rosario’s decision also highlights the role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in modern college athletics. Sources close to the program indicate that she has secured new NIL deals for the upcoming season, including partnerships with local brands, a sportswear label, and a national fitness brand.
But insiders insist that money wasn’t the driving factor.
“She could’ve made similar money in the WNBA or even going overseas,” said one source familiar with the decision. “This was about her love for LSU and the desire to finish something special.”
Del Rosario’s return also reinforces LSU’s growing reputation for player development and strong locker room culture. In an era where frequent transfers are the norm, her choice to stay underscores the value of program continuity.
Reaction From the Basketball World
Several former and current players reacted to Del Rosario’s news.
Angel Reese, now starring for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, tweeted:
“LETS GOOOOOOO That’s my lil sis! Run it back then! ”
Caitlin Clark, the face of women’s college hoops, responded on Instagram with:
“Love this! College basketball wins when stars stay ”
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley also weighed in during a media session:
“Del Rosario is one of the best post players in the country, no doubt. We respect her game, and I’m sure we’ll see her again in a big one.”
What’s Next?
With the 2025-26 season months away, LSU now becomes a preseason top-3 lock with Del Rosario returning. Most major publications are already revising their “Way-Too-Early Top 25” rankings, slotting the Tigers just behind perennial powers UConn and South Carolina.
The Tigers will host a marquee non-conference showdown against Indiana in December and travel to face Stanford in January. But the highlight of the season could come in February when LSU hosts South Carolina in a rematch of last season’s SEC semifinal—a game where Del Rosario’s dominance turned heads despite the Tigers falling short.
Expect LSU to be a television fixture, and expect Del Rosario to be the face of the program.
The Bigger Picture: A Legacy in the Making
With her return, Aalyah Del Rosario isn’t just boosting LSU’s title hopes—she’s writing a legacy. In an era where instant gratification and early exits are commonplace, her decision reflects maturity, loyalty, and purpose.
She has a chance to become one of LSU’s all-time greats, alongside legends like Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus, and Angel Reese. She’s already on pace to crack the top-10 in rebounds and blocks by the end of her junior season, and if she continues to grow, she could leave Baton Rouge as one of the most decorated players in program history.
And most importantly, she still has her eyes on the ultimate prize: a national championship.
Final Thoughts
In a year where women’s college basketball continues to soar in popularity, Aalyah Del Rosario’s return to LSU is another major storyline in the sport’s ascent. Her decision is a win for the game, a win for LSU, and a warning shot to every other team with championship aspirations.
As the 2025-26 season draws closer, the message is clear: The Queen of the Paint is back, and she’s coming for the crown.