In a major early recruiting win for LSU women’s basketball, elite five-star guard Haylen Ayers has flipped her commitment to the Tigers, sending ripples through the women’s college basketball landscape and instantly boosting LSU’s already strong 2027 recruiting class. Though the official announcement is circulating on social media and recruiting sites, the news marks a game-changing moment for coach Kim Mulkey and her staff as they continue to build a roster capable of national championship contention.
Ayers, a 6-foot guard from University School of Jackson in Tennessee, has long been regarded as one of the most elite prospects in the Class of 2027; national recruiting services such as 247Sports and ESPNW have consistently ranked her among the top five players in the country, and she’s widely viewed as the No. 1 shooting guard in her class. Her combination of size, skill, scoring ability and versatility has drawn heavy interest from powerhouse programs across women’s basketball — making her commitment shift to LSU especially significant.
Prior to her flip to LSU, Ayers had been highly recruited by schools including Texas, UConn, Duke, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt — all of which were part of her final recruiting list as she evaluated her options throughout her junior season. What made Ayers’ recruitment unique is not only the breadth of national programs pursuing her but also her elite level of play on the court. A decorated prep star, Ayers has impressed with her scoring, playmaking and defensive instincts, and she also stands out for her basketball IQ and ability to impact multiple facets of the game.
In addition to her on-court excellence, Ayers has also gained considerable attention in the NIL arena, having signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with New Balance — making her one of the youngest athletes on that roster alongside established stars and signaling her marketability even before stepping onto a college court.
The decision to flip to LSU reflects not only Ayers’ belief in the direction of Mulkey’s program but also the Tigers’ ability to sell a vision that resonates with one of the country’s premier young talents. Under Mulkey, LSU has rapidly ascended into the upper echelon of women’s college basketball, reaching deep into the NCAA Tournament and consistently finishing among the top-ranked teams nationally. The Tigers’ recent success and competitive environment likely played a key role in Ayers’ decision.
Beyond her scoring ability, Ayers brings versatility to LSU’s backcourt. She has the size to play both guard positions, is a capable distributor and defender, and has shown an ability to make plays in pivotal moments — attributes that project well to the collegiate level where athleticism and adaptability are at a premium.
For LSU, landing Ayers — especially after heavy competition from perennial contenders like UConn and Texas — represents not only a recruiting triumph but also a strategic boost. Her commitment adds a blue-chip element to a class that’s shaping up to be one of the most talented in the SEC and the nation. It also serves as a statement that LSU’s program is increasingly seen as a destination for elite talent poised to compete for national championships.
As Ayers transitions toward college, Tiger fans will be watching closely to see how her arrival impacts the team’s future trajectory — on and off the court — and how quickly she adapts to LSU’s style under one of the game’s most accomplished coaches.