A Season Defined by Depth and Ambition
LSU’s women’s basketball program revealed its 2026‑27 schedule, marking the 52nd season of Tiger basketball and promising a rigorous mix of home, away, and neutral‑site contests. The campaign opens on November 2 against Southeastern Louisiana and stretches across 52 games, featuring 17 home matchups, 10 road trips, and four neutral‑site battles.
A centerpiece of the non‑conference slate is the Thanksgiving Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida, which will welcome the Tigers for the sixth straight year. The event will showcase contests against Villanova and NC State, providing early tests against programs that have consistently ranked among the nation’s elite.
Conference Battles and Road Tests
The SEC/ACC Challenge returns for a second consecutive season, with LSU embarking on a road swing that includes a win‑laden history in the series. In addition, the Tigers will travel to face Auburn in a home‑and‑home arrangement, while other SEC rivals await just a single visit each throughout the year.
Beyond the familiar conference slate, the schedule pits LSU against top‑tier opponents such as Villanova, NC State, and UConn, ensuring that each game carries significant RPI implications. Sunday and Thursday slot selections scatter the season, offering fans a varied rhythm of matchups.
Key Players and New Additions
Coach Kim Mulkey, now in her sixth year at the helm, brings a storied résumé that includes a 783‑130 career record and the fastest path to 750 wins in NCAA history. Returning standouts Mikaylah Williams, a First‑Team All‑SEC guard, and MiLaysia Fulwiley, the Sixth Woman of the Year, anchor a core that also features Kate Koval. Emerging sophomores ZaKiyah Johnson, Grace Knox, and Meghan Yarnevich look to build on a strong freshman campaign, while international recruit Noa Morro adds a fresh dimension to the roster.
The Tigers will also stage two public exhibition games in October against UNT Dallas and Loyola (N.O.), giving the community a first look at the team’s chemistry before the regular season begins. The schedule culminates with the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, slated for March 3‑7, followed by Selection Sunday for the 2027 NCAA Tournament on March 14.