Izzy Darnell chose to drop Bama Rush just before Bid Day to preserve her own identity, social media voice, and sense of self rather than follow her sister’s path

18 August 2025

Kylan and Izzy Darnell. Romain Maurice/Getty

Izzy Darnell, younger sister to TikTok sensation and former “Queen of Bama Rush” Kylan Darnell, recently revealed in a candid TikTok post that she made the personal choice to withdraw from sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama just before Bid Day. In a symbolic and playful gesture, she filmed herself tearing up a mock Bid Day card featuring her name while relaxing on Orange Beach underscoring that rushing just was not for her.

With over one million followers on TikTok, Izzy has always operated in a space where visibility and authenticity intertwine. She explained that her decision stemmed from a deeper awareness of the constraints sororities place on social media activity. As someone who values daily connection with her audience, she did not want to lose that voice or diminish her identity: “If they don’t want all of me, then they are not getting any of me.”

Addressing a rumor that she had been rejected by her sister’s sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, Izzy firmly denied the claim. She shared that she had intentionally ranked Zeta low on her preference list not out of disrespect but to step out of her sister’s shadow and embrace her own path. She prioritized authenticity over expectation, putting Delta Gamma at the top of her list instead.

Beyond identity and image, Izzy acknowledged another key factor influencing her choice she simply did not feel the need for a sorority. For her, it was never about following tradition or gaining popularity; it was about staying true to herself. In her own words: “I’ve never really dreamed and wanted one,” and everyone around her echoed that sentiment.

Her mother, Tonya Darnell, added perspective by noting that the decision was anything but impulsive. She confirmed that while Izzy did participate fully in rush, she and the family had engaged in thoughtful daily discussions, even considering lesser-known houses. Ultimately, the tension between social media freedom and sorority expectations became too great—an imbalance that could not be overlooked. “Social media and sorority houses,” Tonya observed, “is kind of like water and oil.”

Kylan, who has openly expressed the mental toll that rush and its scrutiny have taken on her, encouraged Izzy to be herself and reminded fans that sorority experience does not define worth. Her message to future recruits remains simple and powerful: stay authentic and trust your journey, whether it includes Greek Life or not.

In essence, Izzy’s choice emerged from a deep-seated sense of self-awareness. The Darnell family’s candid approach from mother to sister showcases how navigating expectations and online attention is far from easy. But in choosing to walk away, Izzy carved out a space to live and exist as Izzy unfiltered, grounded, and faithfully her own.