BAYOU BOOST: No. 1 American Forward Kianni Westbrook Commits to LSU Over Alabama, Auburn, and Florida

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball program just landed a massive piece for its future. Kianni Westbrook, the top-ranked American forward in the 2025 recruiting class, officially announced her commitment to LSU, choosing the Tigers over a powerhouse group of SEC rivals including Alabama, Auburn, and Florida. The 6-foot-3 phenom is now set to bring her versatile game and elite presence to Baton Rouge — and her decision sends a resounding message across the college basketball landscape: LSU remains a juggernaut in women’s hoops recruiting.

Westbrook’s announcement didn’t come as a complete surprise to those tracking her recruitment. LSU, led by national championship-winning head coach Kim Mulkey, has been hot on her trail for months. Still, the competition was fierce. Alabama and Auburn made late pushes, while Florida was considered a serious contender with its strong NIL backing and revamped coaching approach. But in the end, Westbrook’s heart — and basketball future — belong to the Tigers.

This commitment adds another elite piece to an already loaded program. LSU, fresh off another deep postseason run, continues to dominate on the recruiting trail under Mulkey’s leadership. Westbrook’s decision confirms that the momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In fact, it may only be picking up speed.

Westbrook brings the kind of skillset that every top-tier program covets. She’s a true hybrid forward, capable of banging in the paint, stepping outside to shoot, and defending multiple positions. Her high basketball IQ, coupled with a relentless motor and polished fundamentals, makes her college-ready from day one. Coaches rave about her leadership, work ethic, and fierce competitiveness — all traits that align perfectly with the culture Mulkey is building at LSU.

On the court, Westbrook is a matchup nightmare. At 6-foot-3, she has the length to alter shots at the rim and the lateral quickness to switch onto guards. Offensively, she’s equally dangerous. Whether she’s driving from the perimeter, catching lobs in transition, or posting up smaller defenders, her scoring versatility is almost impossible to contain. And her passing vision — often overlooked for players her size — adds another layer of danger to her game. Simply put, Westbrook is the kind of player who makes everyone around her better.

That impact isn’t lost on Kim Mulkey, who personally prioritized Westbrook throughout the recruiting cycle. Sources close to the program say Mulkey and her staff made it clear from the jump that Westbrook was a top priority. The Tigers rolled out the red carpet on her official visit, showcasing LSU’s facilities, NIL opportunities, championship pedigree, and the unmatched energy of their fanbase. That weekend visit, according to Westbrook, sealed the deal.

“I felt the love the second I stepped on campus,” Westbrook said. “Coach Mulkey made me feel like family. It’s not just about basketball at LSU — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself on and off the court. That’s where I want to be.”

Mulkey, who has transformed LSU into a national powerhouse since arriving from Baylor, now adds another five-star piece to her arsenal. The Tigers have been relentless in pursuing top talent, and Westbrook’s commitment only reaffirms their status as the gold standard in SEC recruiting. Her addition gives LSU a frontcourt presence that could anchor the program for years.

Recruiting analysts view this as one of the most significant pickups of the 2025 cycle. Not only is Westbrook the No. 1 forward in the class, but she’s also considered one of the top three overall prospects nationally. Her combination of talent, size, and competitive fire sets her apart — and her decision to join LSU could have a ripple effect on the recruiting scene.

Already, rumblings suggest other top recruits are taking a second look at LSU. With Westbrook in the fold, the Tigers become an even more attractive destination for elite prospects. It’s a domino effect that Mulkey has mastered — land a star, and others will follow. That’s the formula she used to build national champions at Baylor, and it’s one she’s replicating in Baton Rouge.

For Westbrook, the decision is also personal. The Alabama native grew up watching SEC basketball and dreaming of playing on the biggest stage. While her home-state programs made strong pitches, LSU’s winning culture and high-level development tipped the scales.

“I respect all the programs that recruited me,” she said. “It wasn’t an easy choice. But LSU has everything — coaching, fans, a platform, and a chance to win a national title. That’s what I want.”

Westbrook’s commitment also brings balance to LSU’s long-term roster. With star guards already in place and another wave of elite perimeter players on the way, adding a dominant forward like Westbrook ensures the Tigers remain lethal across all five positions. Her ability to stretch the floor opens up offensive options, while her defensive versatility gives LSU a new level of flexibility in their schemes.

And make no mistake — Westbrook is arriving to win.

“I’m coming in ready to compete,” she said. “I’m not just there to learn — I’m there to lead. I want to bring more banners to Baton Rouge.”

That mindset will resonate immediately with LSU fans, who’ve come to expect greatness under Mulkey’s leadership. With Westbrook’s arrival, the Tigers are sending a message not just to the SEC, but to the entire country: LSU isn’t just recruiting well — they’re building a dynasty.

For Alabama, Auburn, and Florida, Westbrook’s decision stings. Each program had hoped to build around the elite forward, and her commitment to a division rival only heightens the challenge of competing in an already brutal SEC. These schools invested time, energy, and resources into recruiting her, and the loss will force them to pivot quickly to Plan B.

But for LSU, it’s a massive win — and one that comes at a pivotal time. As women’s college basketball continues to rise in popularity, the programs that can secure national stars like Westbrook are the ones that will lead the sport into its next era. LSU is positioning itself to be at the front of that movement.

Off the court, Westbrook’s brand potential is also sky-high. Already boasting a sizable social media following and a charismatic personality, she’ll likely become one of the faces of LSU women’s basketball from the moment she steps on campus. NIL opportunities will follow — and in Baton Rouge, with one of the most engaged fan bases in college athletics, she’ll have no shortage of support.

It’s a new age for women’s college basketball — and Kianni Westbrook is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of. Her commitment to LSU marks the start of what could be an All-American career, a future WNBA draft selection, and perhaps most importantly, a legacy that begins with a simple decision to trust a coach, a program, and a vision.

The Tigers are getting a warrior. A leader. A game-changer. And with her decision now public, LSU fans can begin dreaming of what the next few seasons might hold.

Championships are never guaranteed in college sports. But when you land the top forward in the nation, your odds improve dramatically. With Kianni Westbrook in purple and gold, LSU just got a whole lot tougher to beat.