Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers are working to rebuild their roster into a national title contender. With new faces joining through the transfer portal and fresh recruits arriving, the 2025-26 season will mark a new era in Baton Rouge.
But one thing hasn’t changed: Flau’jae Johnson is still here.
A pillar of consistency over the past three seasons, Johnson announced in April that she’ll return for her fourth year of college basketball. On Monday, she doubled down with a powerful message on Instagram:
"Three years deep at LSU. Remember when I walked in as a freshman, eyes wide but ready. Winning that national championship wasn’t just a moment it was proof that hard work pays off. Every drill, every game, every setback pushed me further. From shin injury to eye injury to the Elite Eight. I’ll be back, we’ll be back – better than ever."
The post featured Johnson on the court shouting, “I’m back," a reminder that her fire still burns strong. The 21-year-old arrived in Baton Rouge from Savannah, Georgia, where she was a standout high school player.
Since joining LSU, Johnson racked up accolades. She helped win a national championship in 2023, earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors, made second team All-SEC in her second year and was named first team All-SEC last season.
She was also voted a third-team All-American in 2024. In 34 games last season, she averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Her season ended on March 30 in the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight, where she scored 28 points in a hard-fought 72-65 loss to UCLA.
Now, with key additions like Kate Koval and Amiya Joyner joining through the transfer portal, Johnson returns as the heart of an LSU squad determined to make another deep run.
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