Mississippi State lands first 2026 WBB commitment in Alabama's Lani Smallwood

With a spectacular 2025 signing class already built for Mississippi State women’s basketball, the Bulldogs are now digging into the class of 2026.

The first commitment of the upcoming class is in the boat as Alabama guard Lani Smallwood has committed to Mississippi State. The Albertville High School standout committed to Sam Purcell and the State staff on an unofficial visit this weekend in Starkville.

The Alabama native committed to State after also taking visits to Belmont, Samford, Murray State and others over the last few months.

“It was a pretty easy decision for me,” Smallwood told Maroon and White Daily. “I couldn’t get them out of my head. Something always led to Mississippi State. It wasn’t just the amazing basketball they have there, it was the people. The visit itself was nothing short of remarkable. I loved every second about it and I had a peace about it since I stepped on campus. You can’t deny that feeling.”

Smallwood not one to take lightly on the court

Smallwood is a player that caught Purcell’s eye this summer at the Elite Camp that the Bulldogs hosted inside Humphrey Coliseum. Her rebounding at the guard position along with the ability to score at three different levels were major selling points to her getting an offer.

At State’s camp back in August, Smallwood was often taking rebounds from post players on the opposing team and she knocked down some big shots in 5 on 5 play as well. Smallwood plays for the Southern Starz organization and put on a show this summer at the Nike Nationals when she was the leading scorer at the Nike Girls 16U EYBL with 17.6 points per game over the event in Louisville, Ky.

Her nose for the ball has been one of her best attributes as she’s shown she’s not afraid to mix it up and get after a rebound despite her position and her 5’7 size.

“100% it’s the dog in me,” Smallwood said of what sold State on her game. “I don’t quit and I give a lot of effort. That’s what a lot of people get drawn to is my motor. I’m left-handed and that was a plus I think, but ever since I was young, I always had a fire about me. I did lose it for a little bit in seventh grade but I got it back. What makes me so different is how hard I play.”

A two-sport star for Albertville in both volleyball and basketball, Smallwood comes to State having already made a splash before her junior season has begun. Smallwood made the move over from Susan Moore High School where she averaged 19.4 points per game with 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 3.3 assists per game.

Smallwood plays for her mother, Natasha, and both are making their debut this season for Class 7A Albertville. To this point, the transition has been perfect.

“It’s been amazing. I love my teammates and have made some of the best friends I could ask for. It’s been pretty much a seamless transition. I’m excited for the challenge. Albertville won eight games last year but I’m confident  

Smallwood’s commitment continues what has been a banner two weeks for State’s future. Purcell landed three top 100 players in the matter of a week as four-stars F Nataliyah Gray, G Jaylah Lampley and F Madison Francis all committed within a week’s time.

That sealed up Purcell’s 2025 class as the coach readies for the beginning of year three in Starkville. The team is less than 20 days away from the start of the season as the Bulldogs take on Memphis on November 7.

Smallwood counts herself blessed to have a chance to watch the progression as a future member of the squad.

“I think the program is in a really good spot. I think it’s definitely headed in the right direction,” Smallwood said. “The commits we got recently are top notch. Two Gatorade Players of the Year and three four stars, you can’t beat that. It’s an honor to be the first to commit for this class and I’m very confident that I’m going to be able to help.”