LSU Coerced to Retire Angel Reese’s Jersey After Rival Caitlin Clark’s Heartwarming Ceremony
The moment–it was electric, the tears were real, and it was unforgettable. On February 2, 2025, Iowa fans gave Caitlin Clark a sendoff for the ages as her No. 22 jersey was raised to the rafters in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. “I know my jersey is up there, but it wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for all of you.”, said the emotional all-time top scorer of Division I women’s basketball. But as it settled in Iowa, a storm was forming elsewhere. Social media wasted no time. Fans immediately began asking, what about Angel Reese?
The internet is divided again; should LSU retire Angel Reese’s No. 10? All came down with their opinion on X. Oh! Some fans immediately dismissed the idea and questioned Reese’s credentials. Of all, a critic was brutal. He wrote, “@Reese10Angel just watched Iowa retire Caitlynn Clark’s jersey, is LSU going to retire yours? What major accomplishment did you bring to LSU besides being a subpar role player?” Seems not everybody is ready to give that honor to the 22-year-old.
But there are a few who fiercely defended her because of her national championship, record-breaking performances, and undeniable impact. “Why haven’t LSU retired Angel Reese’s jersey?” one tweet read.
Even analysts joined the conversation. ESPN’s Mechelle Andrews put it plainly—Reese’s No. 10 “should be the third” jersey retired in LSU history. She had, after all, delivered LSU’s first-ever women’s basketball championship and left a lasting mark on the program. Only two players—Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles—have earned that honor. But Reese’s supporters believe she deserves the same recognition as ‘The Needle’ of Iowa.
The reason is simple: it is the 2023 NCAA Championship. Reese led the Louisiana State University team to its first-ever title and took MOP with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the final. And why does it matter? She increased the ticket demand in 2025 for LSU by 223%. Reese broke her way to SEC records with 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game while statistically dominating in her title-winning season. So, what more was she expected to do to get that?
Stats and championships make up only part of jersey retirement. But a couple of other key factors could explain the Louisiana-based team’s hesitation.
Reese’s academic standing was a topic of debate during her time at LSU. Although she met the school’s GPA requirements, officials ruled her ineligible for the Wooden Award due to other unspecified factors. Reese’s then coach, Kim Mulkey, stood by her, insisting her student was in “good academic standing”, but the perception stuck and some critics still carry it against her. Besides this, it again depends on the style of the team.
LSU doesn’t typically retire jerseys right away. Augustus and Fowles waited years after their careers ended. South Carolina even honored A’ja Wilson five years post-grad. Some say it’s too soon — since Reese left LSU in 2024. However, teams have made exceptions before. Everything aside, the debate over Angel Reese’s jersey retirement is inseparable from her rivalry with Clark. It has been nearly impossible to miss their matchups in recent sports history.
What makes Cailin Clark vs Angel Reese a rivalry for ages?
It began back in the 2023 NCAA Championship when LSU beat Iowa 102-85. The Reese’s now iconic “You can’t see me” taunt (mimicking Clark’s signature move) swept the internet and fired up debates regarding race, fair play, and double standards. That game blasted records with an average viewership of 9.9 (high of 12.6) million! Insane. While the boundary is blurred, it is these moments that spice up the rivalry.
Their history goes even further back. They first faced off in middle school AAU circuits—Reese with Team Takeover, Clark with All Iowa Attack. Reese once said, “I’ve been playing against Caitlin since eighth grade… It’s always been competitive.”
As basketball stars, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are cultural icons. With their arrival at the WNBA, the game has changed, playing a role in a 236% increase in merchandise sales, and records set in attendance. Because with quality comes business. Even their 2023 NCAA championship game — in which the men’s final had only 17.3 million viewers — outdrew the men’s, earning 18.9 million views.
LSU is now feeling the heat. Iowa retired Clark’s jersey almost immediately, and the social media uproar could push LSU to do the same for Reese. Yes, you get that right. Rivalry, again.
Reese, though, checks every box in terms of stats and achievements. But some believe LSU wants to see how her WNBA career unfolds before making a decision. At the same time, Reese’s brand grows, her foundation, NIL deals (worth over $1 million), and the impact on LSU’s record ticket sales all make her case.
Even Coach Kim Mulkey admits Reese’s importance, saying she had a “major role” in putting the LSU women’s basketball on the map. Interestingly, LSU is set to host a Chicago Sky preseason game on May 6—Reese’s birthday. If that’s not a hint at her legacy, what is? But when does the ‘gift’ in ‘Jersey retire’ arrive, only time will tell.
