The LSU Tigers’ season ended in heartbreak — and controversy — as the defending national champions fell short of repeating, losing to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. For a team that carried high expectations and a star-studded roster into the postseason, the loss was more than just a disappointment — it was a signal that something may be off in Baton Rouge. At the center of the swirling conversation is Angel Reese, the All-American forward whose name has become synonymous with LSU’s resurgence, swagger, and polarizing national profile over the past two seasons. In the days following LSU’s exit, calls have intensified for head coach Kim Mulkey and the program to make a major decision on Reese’s future — and the debate is growing louder by the day.
Reese, dubbed the “Bayou Barbie,” has been a lightning rod for attention ever since she transferred from Maryland to LSU and helped deliver the school’s first-ever national championship in women’s basketball in 2023. Her unapologetic attitude, dominance on the boards, and savvy social media presence made her one of the most recognizable figures in college sports. Yet, with fame comes scrutiny, and in Reese’s case, the narrative has increasingly shifted from admiration to evaluation. Her on-court brilliance remains undisputed, but questions about leadership, locker room dynamics, and consistency have been bubbling under the surface all season — only to erupt following the Tigers’ premature exit from March Madness.
The loss to Iowa was symbolic in many ways. It was a rematch of the 2023 national championship game, but this time, LSU looked out of sync, particularly on the defensive end. Reese, while productive statistically, struggled to contain Iowa’s perimeter threats and found herself in foul trouble, limiting her impact down the stretch. More glaring, though, was the visible disconnect between LSU players on the court — and the absence of the cohesion that fueled their championship run just a year ago.
Insiders have whispered all season about internal issues, with reports of tension in the locker room and a lack of veteran leadership. While not all fingers are being pointed at Reese, many around the program acknowledge that as the face of the team, her role in setting the tone — positively or negatively — can’t be ignored. Several former players and analysts have weighed in, suggesting that LSU’s culture has become too centered around individual brands and not enough around team identity. That criticism has landed squarely at Reese’s feet, given her immense NIL presence, off-court ventures, and public persona.
Now, LSU faces a critical decision. Reese is eligible to return for another season thanks to the NCAA’s COVID-19 eligibility extension, but there’s growing sentiment that both she and the program might benefit from a fresh start. For Reese, the WNBA awaits. Despite questions about how her game will translate to the next level, she remains a projected first-round pick, largely due to her elite rebounding instincts and physicality. However, scouts have pointed out concerns about her shooting range, lateral quickness, and temperament — traits that could either be sharpened with another year in college or exposed in the pros.
For LSU, the calculus is different. Reese has undeniably raised the program’s profile. From ticket sales to TV ratings to merchandise, she’s been a marketing powerhouse. Yet, there’s an argument that her presence — and the media circus it brings — may now be overshadowing the actual development of the team. With rising stars like Mikaylah Williams emerging and a new crop of recruits coming in, some believe it’s time for Mulkey to reestablish a more traditional, team-first culture that isn’t centered on one dominant personality.
Public reaction has been swift and divided. Social media is ablaze with opinions. Some fans are fiercely loyal to Reese, arguing that she deserves another shot to lead LSU back to the top and that criticism of her leadership is rooted in unfair double standards. Others feel that the program is at a crossroads and that clinging to one star — no matter how talented — could delay necessary growth and evolution.
In her postgame press conference, Reese was visibly emotional but noncommittal about her future. “I haven’t made any decisions yet,” she said. “I want to take some time, talk to my family, my coaches. I love LSU. This place has meant the world to me.” Coach Mulkey, for her part, offered support but also hinted at upcoming conversations. “Angel has been a huge part of our success, and we’re going to sit down and talk about what’s best for her and for our program moving forward.”
Behind the scenes, those conversations are likely already underway. LSU’s coaching staff and athletic department are acutely aware of the stakes. If Reese decides to return, it could mean another year of national attention, packed arenas, and championship expectations. It could also mean another year of balancing egos, media scrutiny, and navigating team chemistry. If she chooses to declare for the WNBA Draft, LSU would have a chance to reset — to build around a more balanced roster and perhaps create space for other leaders to emerge.
There’s also the NIL factor. Reese is one of the highest-earning athletes in all of college sports, male or female. Walking away from that money — and the platform that college basketball affords — is no small decision. Yet, there’s a growing sense that her brand may be plateauing at the college level, and that transitioning to the pros could open new doors. At the same time, the WNBA is a different beast, with smaller rosters, tougher competition, and far less tolerance for drama. Reese would need to prove she can adapt her game and her demeanor to a more demanding environment.
For all the noise surrounding her, it’s important to remember how transformative Angel Reese has been for LSU and for women’s basketball as a whole. Her style, her confidence, her willingness to be bold — these are the qualities that made her a fan favorite and a cultural icon. But the same qualities can be polarizing when the wins don’t come as easily. As LSU fans process the end of a turbulent but exciting era, the question isn’t whether Angel Reese has been good for the program. She has. The real question is whether the time has come for both parties to evolve.
In some ways, the calls for a decision aren’t really about Angel Reese at all. They’re about what LSU wants to be moving forward. Does the program want to double down on celebrity and individual flair? Or does it want to get back to the grind, focusing on fundamentals, development, and team chemistry? Those aren’t mutually exclusive, but finding the right balance is tricky — especially when one player looms so large.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will remain on Baton Rouge. Reese’s decision — whether to return, declare for the WNBA Draft, or perhaps even transfer — will have ripple effects throughout the sport. And LSU’s response will say a lot about its priorities in the post-championship era. There’s no easy answer. But one thing is certain: the program is at a pivotal moment, and how it handles its Angel Reese dilemma may define its future for years to come.