LSU Freshman Bella Hines Enters Transfer Portal

The New Mexico native averaged 4.2 points per game in her debut season with the Tigers.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:35pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball player in motion, conceptually representing the competitive nature of college basketball transfers.The transfer of LSU's Bella Hines exposes the competitive pressures and shifting landscapes of top college basketball programs.Albuquerque Today

LSU freshman guard Bella Hines, one of the most decorated high school players in New Mexico history, has announced she is entering the NCAA transfer portal after just one season with the Tigers. Hines, a 5-foot-10 guard, averaged 4.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 33 games coming off the bench for LSU, which ended the season ranked No. 8 in the AP Top 25 poll.

Why it matters

Hines was a highly touted recruit out of high school, where she was named New Mexico's top player her sophomore and junior years. Her decision to transfer after just one season at a major program like LSU is somewhat surprising and raises questions about her fit within the team.

The details

Hines attended Eldorado High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico for three seasons before playing her senior year at ABC Prep, also in Albuquerque. She was a top-30 recruit coming out of high school and chose to attend LSU, where she played a reserve role as a freshman.

  • Hines announced her decision to enter the transfer portal on April 7, 2026.
  • She completed her freshman season with LSU in the 2025-26 campaign.

The players

Bella Hines

A 5-foot-10 freshman guard who was a highly decorated high school player in New Mexico before joining the LSU women's basketball team.

Flau'jae Johnson

An LSU guard who was pictured hugging Hines during a March 22 game against Texas Tech.

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What they’re saying

“Hines thanked her LSU teammates and coaches, as well as the program's fans, in an Instagram post announcing her decision.”

— Bella Hines, LSU Freshman Guard

What’s next

Hines will now enter the NCAA transfer portal, where she will be able to explore opportunities at other programs for the remainder of her college career.

The takeaway

Hines' decision to transfer after just one season at a high-profile program like LSU is somewhat surprising, and it will be interesting to see where she lands next and how she performs at her new school.