For the first time in program history, LSU will enter the 2023-24 women’s basketball season ranked No 1 in the AP Top 25.

The 2004-05 season was the last time LSU held the No. 1 spot in the rankings before they finished last season at the top. LSU women’s basketball legends, Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles, were both a part of that team.

After LSU won the women’s basketball championship over Iowa this past season, Kim Mulkey and her staff went right to work to fill in the gaps for this season’s team and make it stronger than before.

Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson are returning, but starters like Alexis Morris and LaDazhia Williams would require new faces and new roles.

With the additions in both the transfer portal and the No. 1 ranked high school recruiting class in the country, it’s safe to say they became stronger.

The Tigers landed two of the top transfers in the portal in former Louisville guard, Hailey Van Lith, and former DePaul guard, Aneesah Morrow.

The freshman class is highlighted by the No. 1 player in the country, Mikaylah Williams, who played at Parkway High School in Bossier City.

Many expect this season’s team to be even stronger than last season’s, and being the top-ranked team in the preseason AP Top 25 is a testament to that. The Tigers will start with two exhibition games against East Texas Baptist on Oct. 26, and Loyola (New Orleans) on Nov. 1.

They’ll then start their season in Las Vegas against Colorado, who’s ranked No. 20 in the AP Top 25. Their national championship banner celebration will take place on their first home game against Queens University of Charlotte on Nov. 9.