When 2027 recruit Caroline Bradley visited Baton Rouge last March, it felt like a formality. The Oak Grove phenom, Louisiana’s top player, and a Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year, she seemed destined to play for Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers.

After a sophomore season where she averaged 21.8 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, everyone in the state assumed she would stay home.

However, what once looked like a smooth, homegrown commitment is now a full-blown national dogfight. With college basketball’s biggest names circling and visits scheduled with some of LSU’s fiercest rivals, the battle for the top recruit in the 2027 class is heating up. But Mulkey is not planning on going down without a fight.

How Will Kim Mulkey Fend Off Dawn Staley and Other Rivals for Bradley?

Once a local affair, Caroline Bradley’s recruitment has exploded onto the national scene. While she has known Mulkey since the eighth grade, the 6’5″ post player is now exploring unofficial visits to Georgia, UCLA, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Notre Dame. This shift has forced LSU to intensify its efforts.

Just two weeks ago, Bradley told Rivals, “I’m definitely relationship-oriented… Play style, honestly, throughout the recruiting process, is going to be really big… Somewhere that my family can get to is going to be important as well.” The national heavyweights are clearly listening, but Mulkey isn’t ready to take a backseat.

In a clear signal of LSU’s intentions, Mike Scarborough reported that Mulkey and assistant coach Kaylin Rice recently visited Oak Grove.

“Little bird tells me that Kim Mulkey @KimMulkey and assistant Kaylin Rice @Kaylin_Rice are currently in Oak Grove, Louisiana. Of course, home to 5-star “BIG” Caroline Bradley. Top prospect for the class of 2027. #LSU @LSUwbkb,” Scarborough posted.

Little bird tells me that Kim Mulkey @KimMulkey and assistant Kaylin Rice @Kaylin_Rice are currently in Oak Grove, Louisiana.

Of course, home to 5-star “BIG” Caroline Bradley. Top prospect for the class of 2027. #LSU @LSUwbkb https://t.co/WDmSLxhgTO pic.twitter.com/xeHZQ1xK71
— Mike Scarborough (@ScarboroughMike) September 2, 2025

The visit was likely prompted by the growing competition. South Carolina’s Dawn Staley is making a strong push with her post-focused system, a philosophy Bradley values highly. “Coach Staley is great,” Bradley noted.

At UCLA, Cori Close has impressed her with a player-first approach and a strong emphasis on post-game development. “She’s just a really, really good human, and they’re a really good staff,” Bradley said of the Bruins’ coach.

MORE: MiLaysia Fulwiley Reveals Personal Reason Behind Leaving Dawn Staley’s South Carolina for LSU

Meanwhile, Kentucky’s Kenny Brooks brings structure and a clear vision for how Bradley would fit into his system. Notre Dame, under head coach Niele Ivey, also offers a proven track record.

Each program is making its pitch, and Bradley is listening intently. However, LSU still holds a potential home-court advantage.

What Makes Bradley a Must-Have Prospect for LSU?

Beyond the homegrown angle, Bradley’s on-court performance explains why this recruiting battle is so intense. Her sophomore season was historic, as the 6’5″ center averaged 21.8 points and led Oak Grove to the Non-Select Division III state championship game.

In that state final, she delivered a performance for the ages with 38 points, 22 rebounds, and six blocks. Although Oak Grove suffered a narrow 48-43 loss to Oakdale, Bradley was named the game’s MVP for her dominant effort.

Oak Grove fell one win shy of the goal, dropping to Oakdale in the title game 48-43. Caroline Bradley won the MVP with her game-high 38 points and 22 rebounds. Despite leading for over 18 minutes, some crucial turnovers (23 total) down the stretch proved costly. But this Oak… pic.twitter.com/amCcRa4jTf

— Megan Murray (@meganmurraytv) March 9, 2025

This wasn’t a one-time display. As a freshman, she was a Class 2A First Team All-State selection. She has already compiled 1,595 points and 1,146 rebounds in high school, and ESPN ranks her as the No. 3 player nationally for the 2027 class.

Bradley’s rare combination of size, agility, and court vision makes her a defensive nightmare that LSU desperately wants on its side. With Mulkey and her staff focused on building a strong relationship, the Tigers are pulling out all the stops to make sure she ends up playing in Baton Rouge.