When the 2025 women’s college basketball season tips off, all eyes will once again be on Baton Rouge, where Kim Mulkey enters her fifth season at the helm of the LSU Tigers. In just four years, Mulkey has not only restored LSU to national prominence but also crafted a program that demands attention every time it steps onto the floor. Her impact has been undeniable, as she has led the Tigers to consecutive deep tournament runs, including a national championship in 2023 and another strong push to the Elite Eight in 2024. With her trademark fire, fierce coaching style, and ability to recruit and develop elite talent, Mulkey returns this season with a roster that blends proven stars and new energy, making LSU one of the early favorites in the SEC and on the national stage.
One of the main reasons expectations remain sky-high is the return of Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, a duo that represents the heart and soul of the Tigers’ offensive and defensive identity. Johnson, who has become as recognizable off the court for her music career as on the court for her basketball brilliance, continues to mature as a complete player. Last season, she was named First-Team All-SEC after averaging impressive numbers while taking on a leadership role for LSU. Johnson is the type of guard who can create her own shot, slash to the basket, defend multiple positions, and set the tone with her energy. Her ability to take over games in crunch time makes her invaluable, and she enters this season looking to cement her legacy as one of the all-time greats to wear purple and gold.
Alongside her is Mikaylah Williams, who came to LSU as one of the most heralded recruits in the nation and has lived up to every bit of the hype. Williams showed last season that she is not only a polished scorer but also a dynamic two-way presence. Her versatility gives LSU incredible lineup flexibility, as she can play multiple positions, stretch the floor with her shooting, and defend bigger forwards without sacrificing quickness. Together, Johnson and Williams give the Tigers a one-two punch that few teams in the country can match. Their chemistry, built through countless hours of practice and shared battles on the court, is the foundation on which Mulkey hopes to build another deep postseason run.
Mulkey, of course, is the engine driving LSU’s machine. Known for her fiery sideline demeanor, bold fashion statements, and unrelenting demand for excellence, she has been a game-changer for the program since leaving Baylor in 2021. Her arrival immediately raised LSU’s national profile, and her track record of winning championships followed her to Baton Rouge. Mulkey has a unique ability to motivate her players, push them to reach their maximum potential, and build teams that thrive under pressure. With three national championships at Baylor and another at LSU already under her belt, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in women’s basketball history. Entering her fifth year at LSU, she now has the program stabilized, loaded with talent, and primed for sustained success.
Last season’s Elite Eight run was a reminder of just how challenging the NCAA Tournament can be, even for teams with as much firepower as LSU. The Tigers faced adversity, including injuries and moments of inconsistency, but their resilience carried them deep into March. Though they fell short of returning to the Final Four, the experience gained by Johnson, Williams, and the rest of the returning core will be invaluable this season. Mulkey herself has emphasized that losing in the Elite Eight does not diminish what her team accomplished, but it serves as fuel for the hunger to achieve more. LSU fans know that with the talent and leadership returning, the Tigers are more than capable of another championship run.
The SEC, however, is never an easy path. Year after year, the conference produces some of the best teams in the nation, and this season will be no different. Programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ole Miss will once again provide stiff competition. South Carolina, in particular, remains a juggernaut under Dawn Staley, and LSU knows that to claim SEC supremacy, it must find a way to match and surpass the Gamecocks’ consistency. These conference battles are not just about standings but also about preparing for the rigors of March. Mulkey thrives in these high-stakes environments, and her ability to get her team mentally ready for big games will be critical as the season unfolds.
What sets this LSU team apart is its blend of star power and depth. While Johnson and Williams will naturally attract the headlines, the supporting cast is full of players capable of stepping up in key moments. Mulkey has recruited with precision, ensuring that LSU has size, shooting, and defensive versatility across the board. Players who might not grab national attention are often the difference-makers in March, and Mulkey has a knack for putting her role players in positions where they can shine. This balance makes LSU dangerous, as opponents cannot afford to focus solely on slowing down Johnson and Williams without risking being burned by other contributors.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, there is a palpable sense of momentum and culture surrounding LSU women’s basketball. Mulkey has created an atmosphere where players want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Baton Rouge has become a destination for elite recruits, and the fan base has responded with overwhelming support. The energy inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center has been electric in recent seasons, giving LSU one of the best home-court advantages in the country. That bond between the team and its supporters will be crucial once again, especially in close games where every possession matters.
As the season approaches, the questions around LSU are not about whether they will be good, but rather how great they can be. Can Johnson and Williams elevate their games to even higher levels? Will Mulkey’s adjustments and leadership propel them past the Elite Eight and back to the Final Four? Can LSU navigate the gauntlet of the SEC and arrive in March battle-tested and ready? These are the storylines that make the Tigers one of the most compelling teams in college basketball.
For Johnson, this season is not only about winning but also about legacy. She has already etched her name into LSU history with her play, but another deep run could put her among the program’s all-time icons. Her competitive spirit and leadership will be instrumental in guiding younger teammates and setting the tone every day. For Williams, the upcoming year represents the chance to build on her already impressive freshman campaign and establish herself as one of the best players in the nation. Together, they embody the toughness, skill, and determination that Mulkey values most in her teams.
Mulkey herself knows the window for success at this level is never guaranteed. Talent can change quickly with transfers and early departures, and the landscape of college basketball evolves constantly. But in her fifth season, she has built a program that is not just reliant on one or two stars but one that has depth, structure, and belief. Her ability to win is not just about strategy but also about instilling a mindset that her teams can overcome any obstacle. That belief has already delivered one national title to Baton Rouge, and it fuels the expectation that another could be on the horizon.
Ultimately, LSU’s 2025 season will be defined by how well the Tigers handle the weight of expectations. Success breeds pressure, and every opponent will bring its best effort against a team with LSU’s reputation. Yet if history has shown anything, it is that Kim Mulkey and her players embrace these challenges rather than shy away from them. For Mulkey, Johnson, Williams, and the entire LSU program, the mission is clear: build on the success of last season, learn from the setbacks, and chase the ultimate goal once again. With the pieces in place, the leadership on the sidelines, and the fire burning within the locker room, the Tigers are poised for another unforgettable journey.
This season is not just another year for LSU women’s basketball—it is another chance to reinforce a standard of excellence, to chase greatness, and to give fans a reason to believe that the best is yet to come. And with Kim Mulkey guiding the way, backed by the brilliance of Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, there is every reason to believe the Tigers will once again be among the last teams standing when March Madness concludes.
