The landscape of women’s college basketball was dramatically reshaped this week as the nation’s top high school player, 5-star sensation Alayna “Laynie” Matthews, announced her commitment to the LSU Tigers over a final list that included the Auburn Tigers. The long-anticipated decision sent shockwaves throughout the recruiting world, bolstering LSU’s already formidable roster and leaving Auburn fans stunned and disappointed.
Matthews, a 6-foot-3 guard from Dallas, Texas, has been widely regarded as a generational talent—a player with the poise, polish, and explosive playmaking ability to immediately transform a program. Ranked No. 1 in the ESPNW 100 and hailed as “the most complete prospect in a decade,” she averaged 28.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 3.1 steals per game in her senior season. Her ability to dominate from anywhere on the court—whether it’s slashing to the rim, raining down three-pointers, or locking down elite scorers on the defensive end—has drawn comparisons to the likes of Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark.
For months, her recruitment had been a fierce head-to-head battle between two SEC juggernauts: the LSU Tigers and the Auburn Tigers. Both programs rolled out the red carpet, dedicating significant time and energy to building personal connections with Matthews and her family. Auburn pitched a vision centered around being the centerpiece of a rapidly ascending program. LSU, meanwhile, leaned into its championship pedigree, flashy culture, and Kim Mulkey’s proven ability to develop elite-level talent and market her players nationally.
In the end, the allure of Baton Rouge was too powerful to resist.
Standing on a stage at her packed high school gymnasium, Matthews made her announcement in front of family, teammates, and a national audience watching on ESPN. Clad in a purple and gold pantsuit, she unzipped her jacket to reveal an LSU Tigers jersey underneath, prompting a roar from the crowd.
“I prayed on it, I talked with my family, and I followed my heart,” Matthews said, her voice cracking with emotion. “I’m so excited to be part of a program that’s already doing amazing things and to join a sisterhood that wants to win championships. I believe Coach Mulkey can help me be the best version of myself—not just as a player, but as a leader and a woman.”
The commitment instantly vaulted LSU’s 2025 recruiting class to No. 1 in the nation. Already brimming with talent, including standout guards Jaelyn Crawford and Amara Wiggins, the addition of Matthews gives the Tigers a generational piece to build around as they pursue another national title. With the transfer portal continuing to reshape the collegiate landscape, adding a true foundational freshman like Matthews could be the key to sustaining championship-level success in a league that gets deeper and more competitive each season.
Head coach Kim Mulkey, never one to shy away from the spotlight, celebrated the decision with characteristic flair.
“This is a young woman who can do it all—score, rebound, defend, and lead,” Mulkey said in a statement released by the school. “She plays the game with a fire and an IQ you don’t see very often at this level. We’re thrilled to welcome her to LSU. She’s going to be a game-changer, not just for our team, but for the sport.”
Sources close to Matthews’ camp say the decision was gut-wrenching. Auburn had been her first official visit and made a deep impression with their family-first culture and tight-knit locker room. Head coach Jonnie Harris was heavily involved in the recruitment, forming what many believed was an unshakable bond with the Matthews family.
“Coach Harris was incredible throughout this process,” Matthews’ mother, Tamara, said. “She showed us nothing but love and support, and Auburn is a beautiful place with great people. It just came down to fit, exposure, and what Laynie felt in her heart.”
That feeling, according to those close to her, was a pull toward a program that has become a hub for spotlight-ready stars. LSU has grown into a cultural powerhouse, fueled by dynamic personalities like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson, and a relentless pursuit of championships. Mulkey’s program has become known as a place where players can thrive on the court while also building their brands off of it—a major factor in today’s era of NIL deals and social media influence.
Matthews, who already has over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram combined, has long been media-savvy and comfortable with attention. Insiders believe LSU’s infrastructure, location, and proven marketing ability gave them a decisive edge in showcasing how Matthews could become not just a college superstar, but a global icon.
“She’s not just trying to win basketball games,” one recruiting analyst said. “She wants to leave a legacy. LSU is one of the few programs right now that can offer that kind of platform.”
While the news brought joy to LSU supporters, it was a bitter pill for Auburn. Fans had hoped the Tigers’ recent rise under Coach Harris, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes, would be enough to secure Matthews. Many believed she could have been the final piece in taking the program to national title contention.
Though the disappointment is real, Auburn remains optimistic. The Tigers still boast a strong core, led by sophomore guard Shaelyn Grant and veteran forward Aliyah Bailey. They also recently secured a commitment from 5-star post player Kiara Benson, and insiders suggest they are actively pursuing impact players in the transfer portal.
Coach Harris, while acknowledging the setback, praised Matthews and maintained focus on her own team’s growth.
“We absolutely wish Laynie the very best,” Harris said. “She’s a phenomenal talent and a great young woman. We were in it until the very end, and I’m proud of the relationships we built throughout the process. As for us—we’re building something special here, and our goals haven’t changed. We’re going to keep working, keep believing, and keep climbing.”
For Matthews, the focus now shifts from recruitment to preparation. She plans to enroll early at LSU and begin training with the program this summer. Expectations will be sky-high from the moment she steps on campus, but those who’ve followed her career closely say that’s exactly how she likes it.
“She was built for the big stage,” said her high school coach, Denise Holcomb. “She loves the pressure. She thrives in moments where other kids shrink. She’s not just going to LSU to play—she’s going there to win.”
The timing couldn’t be better for LSU, which is looking to rebound after a Sweet Sixteen exit last season. With several key veterans returning and a fresh injection of talent led by Matthews, the Tigers are expected to open the 2025–26 season ranked in the top three nationally. Early matchups against UConn and South Carolina will offer a chance to make a statement—and all eyes will be on the freshman phenom from Dallas.
Already, talk has begun about what her legacy could be in Baton Rouge. Could she be the next great Tiger to take home the Wooden Award? Could she be the face of a new dynasty in women’s college basketball? Could she bring multiple titles to LSU?
Only time will tell. But for now, one thing is clear: the biggest name in women’s high school basketball just chose purple and gold—and the entire country will be watching what comes next.