Transfer Alert: Sa’Myah Smith Leaves LSU’s Roster, Averaged 6.6 Points and 6.4 Rebounds

In the world of college basketball, roster changes are commonplace, and the 2025 transfer season is no exception. One of the most recent developments to hit the LSU women’s basketball program is the departure of Sa’Myah Smith, a key player who had made notable contributions to the team during her time in Baton Rouge. Smith, who averaged 6.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game during her tenure at LSU, has announced that she is leaving the roster and will explore opportunities elsewhere.

This decision has sent shockwaves through the LSU fan base, as Smith was expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s frontcourt moving forward. Her decision raises several questions about the future of LSU’s basketball program and the broader landscape of the NCAA transfer portal.

Background on Sa’Myah Smith

Sa’Myah Smith’s arrival at LSU was highly anticipated. A talented forward from the state of Texas, Smith was known for her physicality, rebounding ability, and potential to be an impactful scorer. She was a product of the high school basketball powerhouse, where she had already gained recognition for her strong performances in both regional and national competitions. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Smith had the versatility to play both forward positions, making her a valuable asset for LSU’s head coach.

Smith’s time at LSU began with high expectations. As a freshman, she showed flashes of brilliance, contributing immediately with a steady scoring presence and impressive rebounding numbers. By her sophomore year, she had firmly established herself as a regular starter, playing significant minutes and becoming a key piece of LSU’s frontcourt rotation. Despite her solid individual performances, however, the team was struggling to find consistency, and Smith’s contributions did not always lead to wins.

Her sophomore year statistics were a testament to her development as a player. Averaging 6.6 points per game and 6.4 rebounds, she was able to provide LSU with a consistent presence in the paint. However, despite her personal achievements, the team as a whole was often inconsistent, and there were questions about how the program could continue to evolve with the roster’s ever-changing dynamics.

LSU’s Struggles and Smith’s Impact

LSU’s women’s basketball team has been in a transitional phase over the past few seasons. While they have a storied history of success in the SEC, recent years have been marked by coaching changes, roster turnover, and a lack of sustained success. Under head coach Kim Mulkey, who arrived at LSU in 2021, the program was expected to rise to prominence again. Mulkey, a three-time NCAA champion with Baylor, brought a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to Baton Rouge, which excited fans and players alike.

However, the path to rebuilding has been more challenging than many anticipated. LSU has faced stiff competition in the SEC, which is one of the toughest conferences in women’s basketball. Programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State have consistently fielded dominant teams, and LSU’s struggles to keep up with these powerhouses have highlighted areas of concern for the program.

For Smith, the challenges of trying to thrive within this competitive environment likely influenced her decision to transfer. While she was undoubtedly a valuable player for LSU, her development may have been hampered by the team’s overall struggles and the pressure to perform at the highest level in the SEC. At the same time, Smith’s decision to leave could signal her desire for a fresh start in a new program that aligns better with her basketball goals.

The Transfer Portal and Player Movement

The NCAA transfer portal has become a significant factor in modern college athletics. Since its inception in 2018, the portal has allowed student-athletes more freedom to transfer between programs without having to sit out a season (except in some cases, such as for athletes transferring within their own conference). This has led to an increase in player movement across various sports, and women’s basketball has seen a rise in players entering the portal in search of better opportunities.

For many athletes, the transfer portal provides a chance to find a better fit at a school that can offer more playing time, a stronger chance at championships, or simply a different style of play that complements their individual strengths. Sa’Myah Smith’s move to the transfer portal is a prime example of this new reality in college basketball. As she looks for a new program, Smith will likely be a hot commodity for schools in need of a versatile forward with the ability to impact both ends of the floor.

For LSU, losing a player like Smith represents another challenge in their rebuilding efforts. While they will certainly continue to recruit and develop new talent, losing a player with Smith’s experience and ability may set the program back in terms of depth and consistency. The Tigers will now have to look for ways to replace her production, both in terms of scoring and rebounding, as they look to solidify their position in the SEC.

Smith’s Potential Landing Spots

As Sa’Myah Smith begins the process of finding a new program, her options will likely be wide open. Given her experience in the SEC and her statistical contributions at LSU, Smith should attract interest from a range of programs looking to bolster their frontcourt. Potential landing spots for Smith could include:

1. Power Five Schools: Major conferences such as the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and Pac-12 will likely be eager to pursue Smith as a transfer. Schools in these conferences often have the resources and competitive programs to match Smith’s aspirations, and a program with a strong recruiting class or playoff aspirations could present the right fit. A school in need of an immediate impact player in the frontcourt could be a perfect fit for Smith’s talents.
2. Mid-Major Programs: While a transfer to a Power Five school seems likely, a move to a competitive mid-major program is also a possibility. These schools often recruit players who have experience in high-level conferences like the SEC and offer opportunities for players to take on more prominent roles. A mid-major program could allow Smith to be the focal point of an offense, providing her with more offensive freedom and a chance to increase her production.
3. Rebuilding Programs: There are several programs in women’s college basketball that are in the midst of rebuilding but have the resources to support a player like Smith. These teams might offer a more prominent role, increased playing time, and an opportunity for the player to help turn the program around. For Smith, this could be an appealing prospect if she wants to make a substantial impact on a team’s future success.
4. Title Contenders: Finally, Smith could explore programs that are perennial NCAA tournament contenders. These teams, often with deep rosters and championship aspirations, may offer the chance to play on a national stage. While playing on a title-contending team may mean less individual playing time, the opportunity to play in big games and showcase her talents in a more team-oriented system could be appealing.

The Future of LSU Women’s Basketball

For LSU’s women’s basketball program, Sa’Myah Smith’s departure marks another significant change as they continue to try and build toward championship contention. Losing a player of Smith’s caliber is never easy, but it may open up the door for younger players to step into a more prominent role and for LSU to continue its recruiting efforts under Kim Mulkey’s leadership.

As Mulkey continues to develop her system and build a program capable of competing at the highest level, the loss of a player like Smith will be a test of the team’s depth and resilience. Mulkey’s ability to recruit top talent and develop her existing roster will be crucial in mitigating the impact of Smith’s transfer and continuing the program’s upward trajectory.

Sa’Myah Smith’s departure from LSU is a significant moment in the landscape of women’s college basketball. Her decision to leave Baton Rouge will have an immediate impact on the LSU program, and her next destination will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The rise of the transfer portal has changed the way college athletics operate, and for Smith, it provides an opportunity to find a new program that aligns with her ambitions. As she embarks on this new chapter in her basketball career, it will be interesting to see where she lands and how her next team utilizes her skills. For LSU, the loss of Smith is a reminder of the challenges that come with roster turnover, but it also presents an opportunity for new players to emerge and make their mark in the program’s future.