In a Significant Development for Women’s College Basketball: South Carolina Gamecocks Star MiLaysia Fulwiley Transfers to LSU Tigers
In a stunning move that is already sending shockwaves across the landscape of women’s college basketball, South Carolina Gamecocks sensation MiLaysia Fulwiley has announced that she is transferring to the LSU Tigers. The news, confirmed early Saturday morning, immediately alters the balance of power in the SEC and has major national implications as two powerhouse programs collide once again — but now, from the inside.
Fulwiley’s decision marks one of the most high-profile transfers in recent women’s basketball history. A dynamic and electrifying guard known for her jaw-dropping handles, fearless scoring ability, and viral highlight reels, Fulwiley was a rising star under Dawn Staley at South Carolina. Her move to Kim Mulkey’s LSU program — fresh off a Final Four appearance and recent national championship pedigree — suggests LSU isn’t just reloading; it’s aiming to dominate.
MiLaysia Fulwiley was a homegrown South Carolina hero. A five-star prospect out of W.J. Keenan High School in Columbia, Fulwiley committed to the Gamecocks early, drawn to the chance to stay home and play for one of the premier programs in the nation under a Hall of Fame coach. Her freshman season lived up to the hype and then some.
Despite playing behind a roster loaded with McDonald’s All-Americans and future WNBA stars, Fulwiley carved out a niche as one of South Carolina’s most dynamic weapons off the bench. Her averages — 11.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game — barely scratched the surface of her impact. It was the flair she brought, the fearless attack mentality, and her ability to turn a game on its head in just a few possessions that made her indispensable.
Perhaps nothing encapsulated Fulwiley’s abilities more than her viral performances in the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, where she frequently dazzled with behind-the-back passes, circus layups, and clutch three-point shooting. Analysts had already begun projecting her as a future first-round WNBA draft pick.
For many, it seemed unthinkable that Fulwiley would ever leave South Carolina.
Until now.
In the age of the transfer portal, nothing can be taken for granted. Athletes have more power than ever to control their careers, and Fulwiley’s decision — while shocking — fits the broader trend of mobility among elite college athletes.
Sources close to Fulwiley indicate that her desire for an expanded role and creative freedom on offense played a significant part in her decision. While South Carolina’s system has produced stars and champions, it is often built on disciplined structure, defense, and shared scoring responsibilities. LSU, on the other hand, under Mulkey, has been more willing to give players offensive freedom — a fact evidenced by the explosive years enjoyed by players like Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and Hailey Van Lith.
With Reese now in the WNBA and Van Lith also pursuing professional opportunities, LSU suddenly had room for a new centerpiece. Fulwiley saw the opening — and took it.
“This is about chasing greatness in a different way,” Fulwiley said in a statement released via her social media channels. “South Carolina will always be my home, but I’m excited for this next chapter with LSU, Coach Mulkey, and my new teammates. Let’s work.”
Kim Mulkey is no stranger to bold moves, both on the court and in the recruiting world. From the minute Fulwiley entered the portal, sources say LSU treated her like the No. 1 overall recruit — rolling out a full-court press.
Mulkey’s message reportedly centered on two things: freedom and platform. At LSU, Fulwiley would have the green light to be herself, to be a showstopper, and to lead an offense that Mulkey plans to turbocharge even more following recent Final Four appearances.
More importantly, LSU offered Fulwiley a national spotlight. The Tigers’ fanbase, LSU’s NIL collectives, and Mulkey’s brand-building machine promised Fulwiley more exposure than perhaps any women’s college basketball player not named Caitlin Clark or JuJu Watkins.
The offer, both basketball-wise and opportunity-wise, was too good to pass up.
There’s no sugarcoating it: this is a major loss for Dawn Staley’s program. South Carolina remains loaded — that’s what happens when you recruit like a dynasty — but losing a transcendent guard like Fulwiley stings.
Staley, known for her player-first philosophy, issued a statement thanking Fulwiley for her contributions and wishing her well.
“MiLaysia has been a joy to coach and watch grow. She made our program better and made her hometown proud. We wish her nothing but success on her journey ahead,” Staley said.
Still, South Carolina will need others to step up, particularly in the backcourt. Rising sophomore Tessa Johnson and incoming freshmen will likely shoulder more of the offensive burden. South Carolina’s hallmark defense and rebounding will keep them nationally relevant — but the loss of Fulwiley’s electric offense leaves a void that isn’t easily filled.
At LSU, Fulwiley immediately becomes the face of the program.
In terms of roster construction, LSU had already been preparing for a youth movement after losing Reese, Van Lith, and several veterans. The addition of Fulwiley accelerates that transition while ensuring that LSU remains among the national title favorites.
Mulkey’s offenses have always thrived with high-IQ, aggressive guards who can create their own shot, lead fast breaks, and hit tough shots. Fulwiley is a perfect fit. Expect her to be given free rein to initiate the offense, dominate the ball, and deliver jaw-dropping highlights on a nightly basis.
Moreover, with players like Flau’jae Johnson still in Baton Rouge, LSU now boasts perhaps the most athletic and exciting backcourt in the country.
“We’re going to be must-see TV,” Mulkey teased during a quick appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter following the announcement. “And MiLaysia is going to have the time of her life.”
Fulwiley’s transfer dramatically shifts the national championship picture.
Before this move, South Carolina, Iowa, USC, and UConn were considered the front-runners for the 2025 national title. Now, LSU crashes the party in a major way.
With Fulwiley, Johnson, and a roster that also includes elite freshmen and impact transfers, the Tigers can match firepower with anyone. If Mulkey can integrate Fulwiley’s playmaking into her schemes without losing defensive integrity, LSU will be a nightmare matchup.
National pundits have already begun speculating: could LSU and South Carolina meet again, this time with Fulwiley wearing purple and gold? The storylines would be endless — and the drama, delicious.
Beyond just the SEC, Fulwiley’s move highlights the new era of women’s college basketball.
For years, the sport was often dominated by dynasties — Tennessee, UConn, Stanford — and players typically stayed at their original schools. Now, with NIL opportunities, the transfer portal, and a rapidly growing fan base, players like Fulwiley have unprecedented leverage to shape their careers.
This transfer could have ripple effects. Other elite players might be inspired to explore their options more aggressively. Meanwhile, programs must now not only recruit players once, but re-recruit them every season to ensure they stay.
It’s a new world — and Fulwiley’s move to LSU is one of the loudest examples yet.
As expected, the internet exploded at the news.
South Carolina fans expressed heartbreak but gratitude for Fulwiley’s contributions. LSU fans, meanwhile, took victory laps across social media, welcoming their newest superstar with open arms.
Fulwiley herself trended nationally on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes of the announcement, with former players, celebrities, and major brands weighing in.
Even NBA players and WNBA legends chimed in. “Big move!! Fulwiley about to turn Baton Rouge upside down,” tweeted WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale.
ESPN quickly adjusted their preseason power rankings, bumping LSU up to No. 3 nationally, behind only USC and Iowa.
Fulwiley is expected to enroll at LSU this summer and will be eligible to play immediately. LSU’s offseason workouts — which already draw heavy media attention — will be must-watch events.
For now, fans can only imagine the possibilities: Fulwiley leading the fast break in packed arenas, dazzling crowds with her creativity, and chasing another national championship — this time, for a different SEC giant.
The SEC’s slogan has long been “It Just Means More.”
With MiLaysia Fulwiley now wearing LSU colors, that’s truer than ever.
