Blockbuster Deal: LSU Tigers Land South Carolina Star Guard Tessa Johnson in Stunning Free Agency Move
Blockbuster Deal: LSU Tigers Land South Carolina Star Guard Tessa Johnson in Stunning Free Agency Move
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the NCAA women’s basketball world, the LSU Tigers have secured the signature of standout South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson in a stunning free agency coup. The blockbuster announcement was confirmed on Friday morning by LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey, who described the acquisition as a “game-changer” for the program’s future.
Johnson, who played a pivotal role in South Carolina’s recent Final Four run, brings elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess to an already formidable LSU roster. The 5-foot-11 sophomore guard averaged 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game during the 2024–2025 season and emerged as one of the most versatile and composed backcourt players in the SEC.
“This is more than just a signing — this is a statement,” Coach Mulkey said in a press conference at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. “Tessa is one of the most complete players in the country. Her vision, her leadership, and her toughness are going to elevate our team in every way. We’re thrilled to welcome her to Baton Rouge.”
A High-Profile Departure
The news marks one of the most high-profile free agency trades in recent women’s college basketball history. Johnson’s decision to transfer from Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program at South Carolina to their conference rival is already being compared to professional-level trades in terms of impact and media frenzy.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, LSU initiated contact with Johnson shortly after she entered the transfer portal in early May. Though Johnson kept her decision close to the chest throughout the process, insiders say she was drawn to LSU’s up-tempo style, the chance to play alongside elite scorers like Mikaylah Williams and Flau’jae Johnson, and the opportunity to work under Mulkey, one of the most decorated coaches in women’s basketball.
“Tessa had a lot of options, but she felt a genuine connection with the LSU staff and players,” one source familiar with the negotiations told The Athletic. “She believes Baton Rouge is the place where she can take her game to the next level.”
A New Era in Baton Rouge
The addition of Johnson comes at a crucial moment for LSU. Following the departure of superstar Angel Reese to the WNBA earlier this year, the Tigers have been retooling their roster with a focus on athleticism, depth, and experience. Johnson’s arrival injects instant credibility and firepower into the backcourt, and her ability to play both guard positions offers Mulkey flexibility with her rotations.
“This team already has talent across the board,” Johnson said in a video released on LSU’s social media. “I’m excited to be a part of it and help bring another championship to Louisiana. I’m grateful to Coach Staley and South Carolina for everything, but I’m ready for this next chapter.”
The announcement was met with excitement across LSU’s fan base, with Tiger faithful flooding social media to welcome Johnson and celebrate the move. Within hours, #TessaToLSU was trending nationwide on X (formerly Twitter), while the LSU Athletics site saw record traffic as fans scrambled to learn more about their newest star.
Ripple Effects Across the SEC
The transfer is expected to shake up the SEC hierarchy. With Johnson leaving Columbia, South Carolina loses one of its key perimeter threats and a core piece of its backcourt identity. The Gamecocks, still stacked with talent and coached by the ever-reliable Dawn Staley, will now have to re-strategize for the 2025–2026 season, particularly in matchups against LSU.
“It’s part of the game now,” Coach Staley said in a brief statement. “We’re proud of what Tessa accomplished here. She made a choice that’s best for her, and we wish her nothing but success — even if it’s against us.”
For the Tigers, however, this could be the missing piece in their quest to return to the national title game. After falling short in the Elite Eight last season, LSU now boasts a backcourt that rivals any in the country. Johnson’s combination of skill, IQ, and clutch performance makes her the kind of player who can carry a team in March.
Looking Ahead
With summer workouts on the horizon, Johnson is expected to join the team in Baton Rouge next week. She will wear jersey number 12 and is already featured prominently in promotional materials for the Tigers’ 2025–2026 campaign.
“I’ve always believed in betting on yourself,” Johnson said. “This is my time, and LSU is my team.”
As the landscape of women’s college basketball continues to evolve with NIL deals, transfer portal flexibility, and growing media attention, the Tessa Johnson move represents a new era — one where players have more power, fans have more excitement, and rivalries are more intense than ever.
Brace yourselves, SEC fans. The battle just got a whole lot more personal.
