Early projections for LSU women’s basketball in 2025–2026: most important portal requirements and key returners

As the 2025-26 college basketball season rapidly approaches, fans and analysts alike are already looking forward to the future of LSU Women’s Basketball. Under the guidance of head coach Kim Mulkey, who has rapidly transformed the program into a national powerhouse, LSU is poised to continue its dominance in the Southeastern Conference and beyond. After a historic 2024-25 season, the Tigers are preparing for another run at national contention. With key returners returning to the fold, as well as some notable gaps to fill through the transfer portal, the upcoming season promises to be filled with excitement, intrigue, and high expectations.

As we look ahead to the 2025-26 campaign, it’s important to reflect on the foundation that has been built under Mulkey’s leadership. Since taking over the program, Mulkey has instilled a winning culture, attracting top-tier talent and cultivating an environment of success both on and off the court. After winning the 2023 NCAA Championship in her second season with LSU, Mulkey has set the bar high for the program’s continued excellence. But while the championship run was a massive achievement, the 2025-26 season will be about continuing that momentum and keeping LSU among the elite programs in women’s college basketball.

One of the first things to address when looking at LSU’s outlook for the upcoming season is the talent returning to the team. The Tigers are set to return several key players who were crucial to their success in the previous season, and their continued development will be pivotal to LSU’s chances of another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Leading the charge will be Angel Reese, one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball. Reese’s combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes her one of the premier players in the country, and she will once again be the focal point of LSU’s offense and defense. A versatile forward capable of scoring in a variety of ways and a tenacious rebounder, Reese will be tasked with leading the team on both ends of the floor. Her presence in the paint is unmatched, and she will be the player opposing teams will have to account for at all times. If Reese continues her ascent as one of the best players in the game, LSU’s championship aspirations will remain well within reach.

Alongside Reese, LSU will benefit from the return of several key players who played vital roles in the team’s success last season. One of those players is Flau’jae Johnson, a guard who has shown flashes of brilliance in her career so far. Johnson’s ability to score, facilitate, and defend makes her one of the most complete players on the team, and her versatility will be crucial for LSU’s offense to thrive. Her ability to step up in big moments and contribute in a variety of ways gives LSU a true dual threat alongside Reese. Johnson’s leadership will also be key, as her experience and high-level play will be critical in guiding LSU through some of the tougher stretches of the season.

Another key returner is LaDazhia Williams, a veteran forward who has been an integral part of LSU’s frontcourt. Williams is a reliable presence on both ends of the court, known for her ability to score efficiently and provide leadership. Her rebounding prowess and defensive ability make her a steady contributor for the Tigers. As a returning player, she will be looked to for her experience and consistency, especially in the leadership department, as she helps guide the younger players on the roster through the grueling SEC season.

Additionally, LSU will look to players like MaCaila O’Neal and Ana Cante to continue their development. O’Neal, a promising forward, brings energy and intensity to the game, with a physical presence that will be crucial in the paint. Cante, who showed flashes of her potential last season, will have the opportunity to build on her experience and take on a more prominent role this year. Both players have the potential to make significant strides in the upcoming season, and their improvement will be a big factor in LSU’s success.

While LSU has several key returners, there are areas where the team will need to improve, and the transfer portal will be an essential tool to fill those gaps. The transfer portal has become an integral part of women’s college basketball, allowing teams to add immediate impact players. For LSU, there are a few positions that could benefit from new talent entering the program.

One of the biggest areas of need for LSU is in the backcourt. While Flau’jae Johnson is a dynamic guard, the Tigers could use another experienced ball handler to help alleviate some of the pressure. LSU needs a player who can run the offense effectively, provide leadership, and contribute both as a scorer and facilitator. A veteran point guard could be a perfect addition to this squad, helping the Tigers become more balanced offensively and giving Johnson more freedom to play off the ball when needed. A player who can provide depth in the backcourt and handle the high demands of SEC basketball would be a valuable asset to LSU.

Another position of concern is shooting. While LSU has some talented shooters on the roster, the Tigers could benefit from adding another player who can consistently stretch the floor. Having a reliable three-point shooter would open up the floor for players like Reese and Johnson to operate in the paint. As the game continues to evolve, teams need to be able to shoot from the outside, and adding a sharpshooter would help balance LSU’s offense and make them more difficult to defend. Whether it’s through the portal or through internal development, improving the shooting ability of the team will be a priority for Mulkey and her coaching staff.

Finally, depth in the frontcourt will be crucial for LSU as they prepare for another intense SEC schedule. While Reese, Williams, and other returners provide a strong foundation in the post, having additional depth will allow the Tigers to rotate their bigs and avoid fatigue over the course of the season. Whether it’s a versatile forward or a traditional center, adding depth to the frontcourt will provide LSU with more options and ensure that they can stay fresh throughout the season.

The transfer portal will undoubtedly be a focal point for Mulkey and her staff, as they look to fill these gaps and continue to strengthen the team. With the success that LSU has enjoyed in recent years, they will likely attract interest from some of the top players available in the portal. Mulkey’s ability to identify the right fit for the program, both in terms of talent and culture, will be a key factor in LSU’s success for the 2025-26 season.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the LSU Tigers are primed to continue their dominance in women’s college basketball. With key returners like Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and LaDazhia Williams, LSU has the talent and experience needed to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. However, the team will need to address a few areas of concern through the transfer portal, particularly in the backcourt and shooting department. If Mulkey and her staff can fill these gaps with the right players, LSU will be a serious contender for another national championship.

As always, the Tigers will face stiff competition in the SEC, with teams like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State poised to challenge LSU for supremacy in the conference. But with the right additions and continued development of the current roster, LSU will remain one of the top programs in the country. For fans, the 2025-26 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the continued rise of LSU Women’s Basketball, and the future looks bright for this elite program.