LSU is gaining traction as the top candidate to sign Serah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley. Baton Rouge may host one of the most intriguing teams in the country the next season if the Tigers are able to acquire both.
In a rapidly evolving women’s college basketball landscape dominated by realignment, NIL deals, and the rise of social media-fueled recruiting, LSU appears poised to once again command center stage. Kim Mulkey and her Tigers are reportedly gaining serious traction in their pursuit of two of the most electrifying players in the country—Wisconsin forward Serah Williams and South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley. If both transfers commit to LSU, Baton Rouge could become home to one of the most intriguing, dynamic, and dangerous teams in college basketball next season.
The potential arrivals of Williams and Fulwiley would not just boost LSU’s national championship aspirations; they would symbolize a major shift in power and personality in the SEC. It’s a scenario that has fans buzzing, opposing coaches quietly concerned, and the women’s college basketball world watching closely.
Kim Mulkey is no stranger to creating headlines—or winning championships. Since arriving at LSU in 2021, she has transformed the program from respectable to juggernaut. Her 2023 national title validated her as a winner in multiple conferences and solidified LSU as a destination for elite talent.
Now, Mulkey appears to be leveraging the full weight of that brand, her larger-than-life persona, and LSU’s growing NIL infrastructure to attract game-changing players from across the country. After losing superstar Angel Reese to the WNBA Draft and witnessing Hailey Van Lith enter the transfer portal, Mulkey is plotting an aggressive reload, not a rebuild.
Enter Serah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley—two players who can do more than just plug holes. They could completely redefine LSU’s playing style and ceiling.
Serah Williams is one of the most coveted names in the transfer portal this offseason. The 6-foot-4 sophomore forward out of Wisconsin had a breakout campaign in 2024–25, averaging 16.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting nearly 53% from the field. A double-double machine and defensive anchor, Williams was named First-Team All-Big Ten and finished as a semifinalist for the Lisa Leslie Award.
But more than just stats, what has scouts, coaches, and analysts salivating is her motor. Williams is a relentless rim-runner, elite shot blocker, and capable of switching defensively onto smaller players. Her ability to control the paint on both ends makes her an immediate impact player for any contender.
Wisconsin’s underwhelming performance and lack of national exposure likely fueled her decision to explore other options. LSU, with its massive following, national TV presence, and recent championship pedigree, offers a vastly different stage.
If Williams chooses LSU, she would fill the massive void left by Angel Reese and offer a different, but potentially more versatile, interior presence. With elite footwork, a soft touch around the rim, and defensive instincts that rival some of the best in the sport, Williams has the tools to become an All-American in Baton Rouge.
Few players in recent memory have generated the kind of buzz MiLaysia Fulwiley has—especially as a freshman. A five-star recruit and Columbia, South Carolina native, Fulwiley chose to stay home and play for Dawn Staley at South Carolina. In her debut season, she didn’t disappoint.
Averaging 11.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game off the bench, Fulwiley became must-see TV. Her dazzling handles, fearless finishes, and flair for the dramatic captivated fans nationwide. She went viral for a behind-the-back layup in her first collegiate game, drawing comparisons to legends like Allen Iverson and Kyrie Irving. She’s not just effective—she’s electric.
Yet, despite South Carolina’s undefeated national championship run, Fulwiley opted to enter the portal following the season. While her reasons have not been made public, speculation centers around her desire for a larger role and more freedom offensively—something LSU can likely offer in spades.
Fulwiley’s presence in Baton Rouge would immediately upgrade the Tigers’ backcourt. She would provide not just scoring and pace, but also energy and identity. Her fearless approach would be a perfect match for Kim Mulkey’s aggressive, high-octane style.
From a strategic and cultural standpoint, LSU offers the perfect fit for both Williams and Fulwiley.
1. Immediate Roles: With the departures of Reese, Van Lith, and others, the Tigers have minutes, shots, and leadership roles available. Williams could anchor the post while Fulwiley could become the primary ball-handler and offensive initiator.
2. National Exposure: LSU games are appointment viewing. With Mulkey at the helm and the program under constant media scrutiny, players get maximum visibility—important for NIL, WNBA scouting, and personal branding.
3. NIL Power: LSU has shown it can compete with the best when it comes to name, image, and likeness opportunities. Reese famously capitalized on her brand in Baton Rouge. With Fulwiley already a viral sensation and Williams on the rise, the financial upside is evident.
4. Kim Mulkey’s Track Record: Mulkey develops stars. From Brittney Griner to Angel Reese, her programs are built around elite talent and high expectations. For players looking to win, develop, and dominate, there are few better destinations.
Assuming both Serah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley join the Tigers, here’s a look at a potential starting lineup:
- PG: MiLaysia Fulwiley – Floor general with elite quickness and scoring instincts.
- SG: Flau’jae Johnson – Veteran leader and elite defender who can stretch the floor.
- SF: Janae Kent – A 6’1″ athletic wing who defends and rebounds.
- PF: Sa’Myah Smith – Returning from injury, a versatile forward with scoring upside.
- C: Serah Williams – The paint protector and interior force.
That lineup blends scoring, athleticism, defense, and experience. Off the bench, LSU would still have promising talents, including Aalyah Del Rosario and potentially more portal additions. With Mulkey’s recruiting momentum, nothing is off the table.
If LSU lands both Fulwiley and Williams, it sends a loud message—not just to the SEC but to women’s college basketball as a whole.
1. SEC Arms Race Intensifies: South Carolina remains the gold standard, but LSU is proving it won’t back down. Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State have all made recent moves, but none with the star power of these two names.
2. Portal Power Era: The recruitment of Fulwiley and Williams proves that programs can rebuild or reload in a single offseason. The days of multi-year rebuilds may be over for elite programs.
3. NIL’s New Influence: The portal movement of high-profile players has ignited debate about NIL’s role. But from LSU’s perspective, it’s a necessary and savvy part of the modern game.
4. Cultural Relevance: LSU’s program is not just a basketball team—it’s a brand. With musicians, fashion designers, and celebrities aligning with the Tigers, players get more than just basketball. They get a platform.
All eyes are now on Baton Rouge and the decisions of two of the most talented players in America. LSU’s pitch is clear: come to a place where you’ll be celebrated, developed, and showcased on the biggest stages.
Whether or not both Williams and Fulwiley commit to LSU, the mere possibility has energized a fanbase hungry for another title run. But if they do land in purple and gold, buckle up. Baton Rouge won’t just be hosting an intriguing team—it could be witnessing the formation of a dynasty reborn.
The women’s game has never had more attention, and LSU is right at the center of that spotlight. The coming weeks could define the 2025–26 college basketball season.
If Kim Mulkey pulls off the improbable and signs both Serah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley, it won’t just be a triumph of recruiting—it will be a statement. That LSU isn’t here to follow trends. It’s here to set them.
With that kind of star power, the Tigers wouldn’t just be contenders—they’d be favorites.
