LSU Women's Basketball, South Carolina Among Potential Options for Audi Crooks

Iowa State Cyclones star Audi Crooks intends to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal for her final season of eligibility, she revealed via social media on Thursday.

Crooks has blossomed into one of the most polarizing figures in women's basketball after emerging as one of the top bucket-getters in the sport.

The 6-foot-3 junior wrapped up the 2025-26 season second in the nation in scoring as she continued establishing herself as an elite post presence for the Cyclones.

Crooks averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting 64.9% from the floor as a junior where she will now press the reset button for her senior campaign in 2026.

"Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day," Crooks wrote in a social media post directed toward Cyclone Nation. "I've met so many of you out in the community, and I will cherish all of the genuine connections that I've built during my time at Iowa State.

"I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I've done that here. It's why I want you to hear from me directly that I have decided to enter the portal and explore what it means to take root again in new ground."

Now, with Crooks set to be in the NCAA Transfer Portal, the rumor mill has swirled via social media and other outlets as potential destinations take light. Could LSU be an option?

WHERE SHOULD AUDI CROOKS PLAY NEXT? 👀

UConn, LSU, South Carolina, UCLA, Iowa ... or somewhere else? pic.twitter.com/ot606lNpes
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) April 2, 2026

Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers are preparing to hit the Transfer Portal with the program loojing to add multiple players to the 2026-27 roster.

It's no secret there is a need for a post presence in Baton Rouge where Crooks immediately checks off the box as an elite scorer - despite struggling defensively at times.

SB Naiton listed LSU as a potential landing spot:

"LSU had a heartbreaking loss to Duke in the Sweet 16 this year, but should return a good team again next season. Kim Mulkey knows how to pull superstars out of the transfer portal, and Crooks will likely be the biggest star available this year.

"The Tigers mostly played a small-ball look this season with their top-five scorers all listed as guards. Big Amiya Joyner should be out of eligibility, and 6’2 forward Grace Knox will have a chance for a big sophomore leap. I love the idea of putting Crooks in the front court and letting LSU’s athletic perimeter handle the defense around her."

Now, with the Transfer Portal set to open on April 7, all eyes will be on the elite scorer as Crooks navigates a busy process in the free agent market.

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