MiLaysia Fulwiley, a star for the South Carolina Gamecocks, is joining the LSU Tigers in a significant development for women’s college basketball.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s college basketball, MiLaysia Fulwiley—a rising superstar and dynamic playmaker for the South Carolina Gamecocks—is transferring to LSU. The development not only alters the balance of power in the SEC but underscores how the sport continues to evolve in the age of NIL, transfer portals, and player empowerment.

This article explores the wide-ranging implications of Fulwiley’s decision, her background, her two-year impact at South Carolina, her likely role at LSU under Kim Mulkey, and how this transfer reflects broader trends in college sports.

Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, MiLaysia Fulwiley was a hometown hero before she ever donned a Gamecocks jersey. Her legend began at W.J. Keenan High School, where she starred on the varsity team starting in seventh grade and ultimately led her school to four state championships. Her combination of elite ball-handling, flashy passes, and high-level scoring ability made her one of the most electrifying prospects in the country.

By the time she graduated in 2023, Fulwiley was a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American, widely viewed as the future of South Carolina basketball. Her decision to stay home and play for Dawn Staley added even more excitement to an already loaded roster.

Fulwiley wasted no time in proving she belonged at the collegiate level. In her very first game, she scored 17 points, grabbed six steals, and dished out six assists against Notre Dame in Paris. She brought a flair rarely seen in the women’s game—a unique ability to improvise, create space, and deliver highlight-reel plays with consistency.

She averaged 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman, quickly establishing herself as a pivotal part of South Carolina’s backcourt. Her fearless play, combined with elite quickness and a scorer’s mentality, brought national attention. During the 2024 SEC Tournament, Fulwiley was named MVP after helping the Gamecocks defeat LSU in a high-stakes final. Her three-point shooting and ability to drive through traffic made her nearly unguardable when she was locked in.

The 2024–25 season saw Fulwiley maintain her strong production. Though she shared minutes with Raven Johnson and other standout guards, she remained a centerpiece of the Gamecocks’ success. She averaged 11.8 points per game, helped lead South Carolina to the NCAA title game, and was widely considered one of the top guards in the country.

However, change was brewing. South Carolina added Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson—another ball-dominant scoring guard—and with Johnson returning for her senior year, Fulwiley’s future role became murky. Speculation about a potential transfer began circulating just days after the Gamecocks’ loss to UConn in the national title game.

When Fulwiley entered the transfer portal with a “do not contact” designation, it became clear she had already identified her next destination: Baton Rouge.

On April 25, 2025, MiLaysia Fulwiley confirmed the rumors by announcing her commitment to LSU. The Instagram caption was simple—“Geaux Tigers ”—but the implications were anything but.

Her decision instantly makes LSU one of the top contenders in the nation for the upcoming season. Head coach Kim Mulkey now boasts a roster featuring Fulwiley, Flau’jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, and Sa’Myah Smith—a dream lineup filled with scorers, defenders, and elite athletes.

More importantly, Fulwiley brings leadership, championship pedigree, and big-game experience to a team looking to reclaim its 2023 championship glory. After a turbulent 2024–25 season that ended in the Sweet 16, LSU is back in position to make another deep run.

From the outside, the move seems shocking. Why would a hometown superstar leave a powerhouse program led by one of the game’s most respected coaches?

The answer lies in opportunity and fit.

At LSU, Fulwiley will likely have more freedom to handle the ball and be a primary scoring option. South Carolina’s roster was stacked with guards, and the addition of Latson further complicated her usage. With the 6-foot Williams and versatile Johnson already demanding minutes, Fulwiley may have faced a diminished role had she stayed.

Kim Mulkey, on the other hand, likely pitched her a system where she could thrive—more pick-and-roll opportunities, faster tempo, and a bigger stage to showcase her full arsenal.

Another factor in Fulwiley’s transfer may be the evolving landscape of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). Fulwiley is one of the most marketable athletes in college sports. She signed a high-profile deal with Curry Brand—Stephen Curry’s Under Armour offshoot—in March 2024, becoming the first college athlete to do so.

She also inked a global NIL deal with Red Bull, becoming their first-ever NIL basketball signee. These partnerships reflect not only her on-court prowess but her charisma and appeal to younger fans.

While LSU denies directly using NIL as a recruiting tool, it’s no secret that the school is among the best in the country at maximizing NIL opportunities. From Angel Reese’s seven-figure deals to Flau’jae Johnson’s rap career, Baton Rouge has become a hub for athletes looking to elevate their brands.

For a player like Fulwiley, LSU represents both a basketball and business decision.

The response to Fulwiley’s transfer was swift and passionate.

South Carolina fans were understandably heartbroken, having watched their local prodigy blossom into a star. Many expressed gratitude for her two seasons and wished her well. Others, however, voiced frustration that she would join a rival program.

Dawn Staley, ever the class act, released a statement thanking Fulwiley for her contributions:

“MiLaysia has been a joy to coach and watch grow. She made our program better every single day. We wish her nothing but the best.”

Meanwhile, LSU fans erupted in celebration. The addition of Fulwiley was seen as a power move—a signal that Mulkey is not content with anything short of another championship.

Fulwiley is more than just a scorer. She’s a combo guard with the ability to break down defenses, create for others, and play intense on-ball defense. Her handles are elite, her court vision is underrated, and her speed in transition makes her a nightmare for opposing teams.

At LSU, she’ll be paired with Mikaylah Williams—arguably the best pure scorer in the country. Together, they form a backcourt that can score from anywhere on the floor. Flau’jae Johnson’s athleticism and Smith’s post presence round out a starting five that can compete with any team in the country.

Fulwiley will also be expected to grow as a leader. While she was more of a spark plug at South Carolina, she now steps into a role where she must guide younger teammates and serve as a vocal presence on the floor.

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s move is emblematic of the broader transformation in college sports. In the pre-transfer portal era, it was rare to see stars leave powerhouse programs—especially for direct rivals. Today, players are exercising their freedom to move more than ever before.

Fulwiley’s decision illustrates that athletes are thinking strategically about fit, development, exposure, and financial opportunity. For purists, it may feel like chaos. But for players, it’s about autonomy and maximizing a short window of opportunity.

Her transfer also raises questions about rivalries and loyalty. Will fans eventually grow used to stars switching allegiances? Or will moves like this continue to stir controversy?

Either way, this is the new normal—and Fulwiley is at the forefront.

With expectations sky-high, the pressure is now on Kim Mulkey and LSU to make it all work. Chemistry will be critical. Fulwiley’s talent is unquestioned, but how she meshes with other stars will determine just how far LSU can go.

The Tigers are expected to enter the 2025–26 season as one of the top-ranked teams in the country. Early matchups against UConn, Iowa, or even a potential rematch with South Carolina could serve as measuring sticks.

For Fulwiley, the move represents a chance to take full control of her narrative—to move from a rotation piece to a franchise player. If she delivers, her stock will rise not only for a future WNBA career but also in her growing business ventures.

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s decision to transfer to LSU is one of the most consequential moves in recent women’s college basketball history. It’s a reflection of changing times, a power play by a championship contender, and a defining moment in the career of one of the sport’s most exciting talents.

Only time will tell how it plays out on the court, but one thing is clear: Fulwiley has the skills, swagger, and support to make this move a career-defining success.