Jayla Forbes, a 6‑foot‑7 forward from Florida, announced her commitment to the University of Texas women's basketball program, becoming the first pledge of the 2027 recruiting class. Her decision marks a significant milestone for the Longhorns as they look to build on recent successes.
A Towering Presence in Austin
Standing at 6‑foot‑7, Forbes is rated the No. 13 recruit in the Class of 2027 by ESPN and is considered the second‑best post prospect among rising high school seniors. Her size and skill set echo the towering figures who have anchored Texas teams in recent years, promising a new era of dominance in the paint.
Under head coach Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns have built an offense that leans heavily on dominant post players. Schaefer’s recent squads have reached the Final Four, thanks in part to the contributions of players such as Taylor Jones, Kyla Oldacre and Breya Cunningham, who helped steer the team to the 2025 and 2026 Final Four runs.
A Legacy of Post Players
The program’s history includes All‑Americans Teaira McCowan and Charli Collier, both celebrated for their ability to control the paint. Forbes will look to continue that tradition as she adds her own voice to a storied lineage, bringing fresh energy to a system that has thrived on tall, versatile bigs.
Forbes’s pledge not only bolsters Texas’s frontcourt but also signals a recruiting coup in a class that remains highly competitive. With the Longhorns’ recent success in developing tall post talent, the coaching staff hopes to translate her potential into future accolades and deeper tournament runs, keeping the program among the nation’s elite.