Flau'jae Johnson Announces Return to Kim Mulkey, LSU for 2025-26 WCBB Season in Video

Flau'jae Johnson is staying at LSU after all.

The star guard confirmed to Front Office Sports' Annie Costabile that she's returning to the Tigers after entering the transfer portal. She said she wanted to chat with head coach Kim Mulkey and make sure they remain on the same page as she enters her final college season:

Nothing can be taken for granted in the transfer portal era. Few foresaw Olivia Miles bolting Notre Dame for TCU this offseason. MiLaysia Fulwiley is exploring her options after two years at South Carolina.

LSU's recent success and Mulkey's legendary reputation don't make the Tigers immune from being on the wrong side of the portal.

Johnson obviously had plenty of reasons to stay in Baton Rouge, especially since next season will be critical toward cementing her WNBA draft stock.

Without a Caitlin Clark or Paige Bueckers-type cornerstone in the 2026 class, the No. 1 spot could be up for grabs. ESPN's Michael Voepel ranked Johnson fifth in his early big board, and she could easily move up a few spots based on how the 2025-26 campaign unfolds.

"I definitely want to win, but I want to make sure I'm being developed to be the player that I want to be in the WNBA," she said to Costabile. "Trying to find out how I can make that happen this year. I want to be as prepared as possible."

Johnson's continued presence will further fuel hopes of a return to the Final Four at LSU. Between her and Mikaylah Williams, Mulkey retains two of her top three scorers.

The Tigers also signed four players (shooting guard Divine Bourrage, small forward ZaKiyah Johnson, power forward Grace Knox and shooting guard Bella Hines) who are among the top 25 recruits in 247Sports' composite rankings for 2025.