Predicting LSU women's basketball's starting lineup for the 2026 season

LSU women's basketball retained key contributors from last year and added highly-touted transfers to its 2026-27 roster. Head coach Kim Mulkey likely has herself another perennial powerhouse squad entering her sixth season at the helm.

Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley return for likely their final seasons of collegiate basketball. Both played critical roles in all facets for the Tigers in 2025-26 and will be called upon again as seniors.

The talented duo of Grace Knox and ZaKiyah Johnson made a major impact in their true freshman seasons. Both played vital minutes in starting roles and off the bench. They'll do so again with a year of SEC basketball to their names.

But LSU needed to go into rebuild mode, particularly in its backcourt. Flau'Jae Johnson departed for the WNBA while Jada Richard transferred to Ole Miss, leaving two starting spots open. Bella Hines, who held a critical reserve role, left for TCU.

Mulkey dipped into the transfer portal for guards and signed 2026 five-star recruit Lola Lampley. She is set to lead a competitive offseason with multiple starting and bench roles up for grabs.

Here is a projected starting lineup for LSU women's basketball.

Guard -- Jada Williams

With her experience and success at point guard, Williams has the starting role all but wrapped up. Mulkey demands leadership and poise at the helm of her offense. Williams, heading into her senior season, cemented herself as a scorer and playmaker throughout her collegiate career.

An All-Big 12 first teamer in 2025-26, Williams averaged 15.3 points, 7.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds. She contributes in all facets, shooting confidently and distributing to her teammates.

Guard -- MiLaysia Fulwiley

This is the year Fulwiley becomes a full-time starter. She carried the LSU offense at times last season and brings a sustained spark on both ends of the court. After two seasons at South Carolina as a reserve, Fulwiley averaged a team-best 14.6 points per game with the Tigers last year. She led the team with 99 steals and 50 blocks.

Fulwiley will likely compete with Florida transfer Laila Reynolds for the second true guard starting role. Should Fulwiley play more consistent offense and continue improving her defense during the offseason, she should earn a starting role.