Kylan Darnell, famously known as the “Queen of Sorority Rush,” has recently taken a surprising step back from the 2025 Bama Rush at the University of Alabama. Known for her viral TikTok videos that captured the intense and glamorous world of sorority recruitment, Kylan announced on August 11, 2025, via TikTok, that she would be taking a mental health break from participating in this year’s rush activities, including sitting out the philanthropy round.
Kylan first rose to prominence during the 2022 Bama Rush season, gaining millions of followers through her relatable and upbeat content chronicling her journey in Greek life as a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. Since then, she has become an iconic figure in the RushTok community, amassing over 1.2 million TikTok followers and more than 500,000 Instagram followers. However, the pressures of being in the public eye during recruitment season have taken a toll on her mental health, leading to this decision to pause and step back for self-care.
In her candid TikTok video, Kylan shared that her initial rush experience was authentic and genuine, as she knew little about the sorority scene when she began. Over time, her personality became closely tied to her sorority involvement, but she has since grown and recognizes that her identity extends beyond that. She expressed concerns that continuing to promote rush on social media would do a disservice to current potential new members, given how much her life has changed and the added online drama surrounding rush this year.
Though Kylan loves the rush experience and encourages others to enjoy it, she clarified that her break is specifically tied to her mental health and the increasingly difficult social media environment. She asked her followers not to involve her in online drama or comment wars that have intensified during this season. The heightened scrutiny and backlash, including a recent controversy over a TikTok video involving a WWII plane adorned with swastika decals (symbols which had historical military significance but caused misunderstandings), have compounded the pressure she faces.
Kylan also revealed that her little sister, Izzy, is currently a PNM (potential new member) going through rush for the first time. The added complexity of navigating online commentary affecting both her and her sister played a part in her decision to step back. She noted that social media’s pervasive role in recruitment has changed drastically from when she started, and she now advises future PNMs to avoid posting online about rush to protect themselves from potential disappointments and negativity.
Despite stepping back from rush activities this year, Kylan confirmed she does not intend to leave her sorority before graduation. She is looking forward to finishing her senior year with a lighter schedule, focusing more on personal growth and transitioning from college life into the professional world. Kylan, a sports broadcasting major, aims to pivot her online presence away from recruitment videos to content explaining sports in relatable terms for women, while sharing her experiences navigating life beyond college.
This decision to take a break comes amidst increased speculation online, including rumors about legal battles which Kylan has denied. She has stated clearly that her break is about mental health and the challenges of maintaining a positive public image in such a highly scrutinized environment. Her presence on official sorority social media this year has been notably less prominent, which some speculate could relate to internal sorority dynamics, although this is typical for seniors who often participate less in rush events.
Kylan’s journey is a revealing reflection of how social media influences college experiences today, especially within Greek life recruitment. Her candidness about the emotional and psychological impact of this phenomenon has sparked important conversations about mental health, authenticity, and the pressures faced by young women navigating both real-life and online expectations.
As Kylan Darnell steps back from the limelight of Bama Rush 2025, her story underscores the importance of self-care and staying true to oneself despite external pressures. Fans and followers continue to support her decision, looking forward to seeing how she embraces her final year at Alabama and the next chapter beyond college life.
What are your thoughts on Kylan’s break from Bama Rush? Feel free to share your perspective and stay tuned for more updates on her journey and the evolving culture of sorority recruitment.