Top 2025 recruit Jaylah Lampley commits to Mississippi State

Jaylah Lampley, a Class of 2025 forward from Indianapolis Lawrence Central, has committed to Mississippi State, she told On3. She chose the Bulldogs over Rutgers and Louisville.

“It was a lot of things,” Lampley said of why she chose the Bulldogs. “The biggest was just how great the coaching staff is there. I’ve known coach Sam Purcell for a very long time and I’m just grateful that he and his coaching staff gave me an opportunity to go down and visit and just showed interest in me…I want to go to a school where I could win a national championship, and obviously we had Nataliyah Gray commit a couple days ago, so I’m excited to play with her, and I’m excited to bring my talents to Mississippi State and make something happen.”

Jaylah Lampley took a visit to Starkville in mid-September and had an amazing experience. 

“It really made me open my eyes,” Lampley said. “I really loved how sweet the team was. They welcomed me with open arms…The environment is amazing, from the fans all the way up to the coaches – everybody cares about every sport, and that’s one thing that’s key for me. I want to be in an environment where not only do the fans worry about football, but they worry about men’s and women’s basketball too. So that was significant for me.”

Jaylah Lampley still has her senior season of high school basketball before she arrives, but she’s excited to challenge herself and compete in the SEC. 

“Playing in the SEC conference is what I’m most excited for – just being challenged,” Lampley said. “ I just want to start from level zero again, having older sisters holding you accountable, and just going out there and showing my future teammates that I’m capable and I’m ready to do whatever it takes. If I’ve got to be the leading rebounder or the best defender on the team, I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I’m just excited for the whole environment. The SEC is the hardest conference and I just feel like it’s going to push me. It’s going to help me become one of the best and and help me be one of the best WNBA players too.”