You’ve probably seen the clip by now. A 6-foot-3 powerhouse from Tacoma gliding down the lane and finishing with a rim-rattling dunk like it’s just another Tuesday. That’s Oliviyah Edwards, known to the recruiting world as "Big Oh," and for a long time, the rumors connecting her to Baton Rouge were deafening.
LSU fans were practically counting down the days until she suited up in purple and gold. And why wouldn't they? Kim Mulkey has built a brand on "bigs who can move," and Edwards fit that mold to a perfectionist’s degree. But in the wild world of 2026 recruiting, things rarely go in a straight line.
Honestly, the oliviyah edwards lsu recruiting saga is a masterclass in how modern NIL, coaching changes, and "family vibes" can flip a sure thing on its head.
The LSU Hype: Why Everyone Thought She Was Baton Rouge Bound
Early in 2025, LSU looked like the undisputed frontrunner. Kim Mulkey doesn't just recruit; she hunts. She was targeting Edwards as the center-piece of a 2026 class that was supposed to rival the legendary Angel Reese era.
Edwards actually visited LSU multiple times. She was spotted on the sidelines in Baton Rouge, taking in the electric atmosphere of the PMAC. At one point, she even mentioned how much she respected the way Mulkey develops post players into WNBA-ready "beasts."
It made sense. You’ve got a flashy, high-motor player and a flashy, high-stakes coach. It’s a marriage made in heaven, right?
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But then, things got quiet.
Edwards, a consensus five-star and top-5 national prospect, started vocalizing a different strategy. She told reporters she wanted to push her decision "as far back as possible." She wanted to see how the transfer portal shook out. She wanted to know which coaches were staying put.
The Tennessee Twist Nobody Saw Coming
While LSU and South Carolina were busy in a public tug-of-war over her, Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell was playing the long game.
On September 13, 2025, the news hit like a ton of bricks: Oliviyah Edwards committed to the Tennessee Lady Vols.
It wasn't just a loss for LSU; it was a statement. Edwards chose the "Big Orange" over her other finalists—LSU, South Carolina, USC, Florida, and her hometown Washington Huskies.
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Why Tennessee Won the Battle
- The Personal Touch: Edwards mentioned that Assistant Coach Gabe Lazo was the one who kept it real with her. If she had a bad game, he called her out on it. She didn't want to be "lied to" until she got to campus and ended up on the bench.
- The Candace Parker Effect: You can't underestimate the power of legend. Candace Parker reportedly played a role in showing Edwards what the legacy of a Tennessee post player looks like.
- The "Family Aspect": Edwards was looking for a "home away from home." While LSU offers glitz and glamour, Tennessee sold her on a tight-knit sisterhood that felt more like Tacoma than the Bayou.
What LSU Is Losing (It's a Lot)
When you look at the scouting report for the class of 2026, Edwards is a unicorn. She’s 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan. That’s a nightmare for anyone trying to drive into the paint.
She isn't just a shot-blocker, though. Her jumper has improved significantly over the last two years at Elite Prep. She can step out and hit the three, but she’s most dangerous when she’s attacking the rim.
LSU was looking for that next dominant presence to anchor the defense. Without Edwards, Mulkey has had to pivot her 2026 strategy toward other elite targets like Trinity Jones or Jacy Abii.
The NIL Factor and the "Big Oh" Brand
Let's be real for a second. In 2026, recruiting isn't just about the jersey; it's about the business.
Edwards is an Adidas NIL athlete. Tennessee is an established powerhouse with a massive alumni base. While LSU has one of the best NIL infrastructures in the country (thanks to "Bayou Traditions"), sometimes the "fit" is more about the long-term marketing than the immediate scholarship.
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Edwards famously said she wants to dunk more because she thinks it makes the women's game more "watchable." She wants to bring eyes to the sport. Tennessee, with its historical weight and new-age coaching, offered her a platform that she felt matched that mission.
What’s Next for LSU Recruiting?
Is the sky falling in Baton Rouge? Hardly.
Kim Mulkey has a way of landing on her feet. Even with Edwards off the board, LSU remains a top destination for every elite player in the country. They are currently deep in the mix for several other 2026 and 2027 prospects who bring a similar level of athleticism.
If you’re a fan tracking the oliviyah edwards lsu recruiting news, the takeaway is simple: Recruiting is more volatile than ever. A player can be a "lock" on Monday and committed to a rival by Saturday.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Visit Schedule: Just because a player visits a school three times doesn't mean they are signing. Look at the type of visit (Official vs. Unofficial).
- Follow the Coaches: In Edwards' case, her relationship with Assistant Coach Lazo was the deciding factor. Keep an eye on which assistants are leading the charge for LSU's remaining targets.
- Monitor the 2026 Rankings: As players like Edwards commit, the "board" for LSU will shrink. Expect a flurry of new offers to go out to high-upside forwards in the coming months.
The race for the 2026 class is far from over, but for now, the Tigers will have to find their next superstar elsewhere.